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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 23, 2014

Registration No. 333-198486


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

Amendment No. 1
to

FORM S-11
FOR REGISTRATION UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF SECURITIES
OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in governing instruments)

8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 256-1100

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

Christopher H. Volk
President and Chief Executive Officer
STORE Capital Corporation
8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
(480) 256-1100

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:

Paul E. Belitz
Brian V. Caid
Jonathan W. Heggen
Kutak Rock LLP
1801 California Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80202
Phone: (303) 297-2400
Facsimile: (303) 292-7799

 

Cynthia A. Rotell
Arash Aminian Baghai
Latham & Watkins LLP
355 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone: (213) 485-1234

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

         If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box:     o

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     o

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     o

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     o

         If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.     o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated filer  o   Non-accelerated filer  ý
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company  o

          The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated September 23, 2014

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

SHARES
COMMON STOCK

        STORE Capital Corporation is an internally managed net-lease real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is a leader in the acquisition, investment and management of S ingle T enant O perational R eal E state, which is our target market and the inspiration for our name. We are one of the largest and fastest growing net-lease REITs and own a large, well-diversified portfolio that consists of investments in 767 property locations in 43 states as of June 30, 2014.

        We are offering            shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are being sold by us. This is our initial public offering, and no public market exists for our shares. We expect the initial public offering price to be between $        per share and $        per share.

        We are an "emerging growth company," as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, and, as such, we will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

        We have elected to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Shares of our common stock are subject to limitations on ownership and transfer that are primarily intended to assist us in maintaining our qualification as a REIT. Our charter will contain certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our common stock, including, subject to certain exceptions, a 9.8% limit, in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, on the ownership of outstanding shares of our common stock and a 9.8% limit, in value, on the ownership of shares of all classes and series of our outstanding stock. See "Description of Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer."

        After the completion of this offering, certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. or their respective subsidiaries that are invested in us, whom we refer to collectively as our controlling stockholder, will own a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock, will have the ability to elect a majority of our board of directors and will have substantial influence over our governance.

        We have applied to list our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "STRE."

         Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 for factors you should consider before investing in our common stock.

 
  Per Share   Total  

Public offering price

  $                    $                   

Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)

  $                    $                   

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

  $                    $                   

(1)
We refer you to "Underwriting" beginning on page 170 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

        To the extent that the underwriters sell more than            shares of common stock, the underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional            shares from us at the initial price to public less the underwriting discounts and commissions. We expect to deliver the shares of common stock to the purchasers on our about                    , 2014.

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



Joint Book-Running Managers

Goldman, Sachs & Co.   Credit Suisse   Morgan Stanley



The date of this prospectus is                        , 2014


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  Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    1  

RISK FACTORS

    16  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    38  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    39  

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

    40  

CAPITALIZATION

    45  

DILUTION

    47  

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    50  

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    52  

LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    73  

OUR BUSINESS

    76  

MANAGEMENT

    111  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    121  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    132  

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

    134  

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK

    136  

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

    141  

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

    149  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    168  

UNDERWRITING

    170  

LEGAL MATTERS

    176  

EXPERTS

    176  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    176  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    F-1  

i


        We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.


TRADEMARKS

        This prospectus contains references to our copyrights, trademarks and service marks and to those belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, copyrights, trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this prospectus may appear without the © or ® or ™ or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these copyrights, trademarks, trade names and service marks. We do not intend our use or display of other companies' trade names, copyrights, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.


STATEMENT REGARDING INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

        Any market or industry data contained in this prospectus is based on a variety of sources, including internal data and estimates, independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources. Industry publications and other published sources generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable. Our internal data and estimates are based upon our senior leadership team's analysis of the target market and business sectors in which we operate, as well as information obtained from trade and business organizations and other contacts in our target market and business sectors, and such information has not been verified by any independent sources.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

         This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this prospectus, before making an investment decision.

         Unless the context requires otherwise, the words "S|T|O|R|E," "we," "company," "us" and "our" refer to STORE Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries.


Our Company

        S|T|O|R|E is an internally managed net-lease real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is a leader in the acquisition, investment and management of S ingle T enant O perational R eal E state, or STORE Properties, which is our target market and the inspiration for our name. S|T|O|R|E continues the investment activities of our senior leadership team, which has been investing in single-tenant operational real estate for over three decades. We are one of the largest and fastest-growing net-lease REITs and own a large, well-diversified portfolio that consists of investments in 767 property locations operated by 190 customers in 43 states as of June 30, 2014. Our customers operate across a wide variety of industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors of the U.S. economy, with restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters and furniture stores representing the top industries in our portfolio. We estimate the market for STORE Properties to be among the nation's largest real estate sectors, exceeding $2 trillion in market value and including more than 1.5 million properties.

        We provide net-lease solutions principally to middle-market and larger companies that own STORE Properties. A STORE Property is a real property location at which a company operates its business and generates sales and profits, which makes the location a profit center and, therefore, fundamentally important to that business. Our net-lease solutions are designed to provide a long-term, lower-cost solution to improve our customers' capital structures and, thus, be a preferred alternative to real estate ownership.

        In addition to the value we provide our customers, we also seek to create value for our stockholders by:

    Originating real estate investments that provide superior returns.   More than 75% of our investments (by dollar volume) have been originated by our internal origination team through direct customer relationships using our form financing documents. Our focus on direct originations allows us to offer custom-tailored financing solutions, superior customer service and greater certainty of execution for which we have received a higher lease rate. The result has been that, since our founding, we have realized average initial lease and loan rates measurably higher than those available in the broad broker, or auction, marketplace. For example, our weighted average net-lease capitalization rate exceeded the weighted average net-lease capitalization rate on leases of various national restaurant franchise concepts for each of the quarters shown in the table below. Our senior leadership team believes the difference in capitalization rate represents the value many of its restaurant customers paid for our custom-tailored financing solution, superior customer service and greater certainty of execution.

 

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Our Net-Lease Pricing Advantage

GRAPHIC

        Source: NNNetAdvisors.com, other than S|T|O|R|E data

          1 Includes national restaurant concepts that have a minimum of 100 franchised locations and no corporate guarantee from the franchisor. Examples of such concepts include Applebee's, Burger King, Golden Corral, Hooters, KFC, O'Charley's, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Ruby Tuesday, T.G.I. Friday's and Taco Bell, all of which are represented in our restaurant portfolio, which is our largest industry within the service sector at 30.8% of annualized base rent and interest as of June 30, 2014. See "Our Business— Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio—Diversification by Industry."

          2 Includes retail, industrial and medical office concepts that have a minimum of 100 locations and are leased to a tenant under a lease with 10 or more years remaining on the base lease term, with retail comprising the bulk of this category. Examples of such concepts include Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Carmike Cinemas, Fred's (general merchandiser), Gander Mountain (sporting goods retailer), Gold's Gym and The RoomStore, all of which are represented in our retail portfolio, which, collectively, is our second largest sector at 15.5% of annualized base rent and interest as of June 30, 2014. See "Our Business—Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio—Diversification by Industry."

      Our stockholder returns are also enhanced by rent payment escalations in our leases, which provide a stable source of internal revenue growth. As of June 30, 2014, substantially all of our leases provided for payment escalations, with approximately 63% providing for annual escalations. The weighted average annual escalation of the base rent and interest in our portfolio is 1.7% (if the escalations in all of our leases are expressed on an annual basis) as of June 30, 2014.

    Implementing innovative and judicious borrowing strategies.   We seek to employ leverage judiciously, using diverse sources of fixed-rate, long-term financing. S|T|O|R|E is one of the few REITs to have an A+ rated borrowing capacity, which we define to mean either a corporate credit rating of A+ or higher from a nationally recognized rating agency or a securitization vehicle, or conduit, through which A+ or higher-rated debt securities are issued. Our largest borrowing source is our private conduit program, STORE Master Funding, which was pioneered by our senior leadership team in 2005, under which multiple series of A+ rated notes are issued from time to time to institutional investors in the asset-backed securities market. The notes are secured by a collateral pool of properties owned by certain of our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries and the related leases; the payments under the leases are used to make payments on the notes. These notes provide us with access to long-term, low-cost capital and the flexibility to manage our portfolio and provide our customers with operational flexibility that can enhance their business value.

    Continuing to grow through accretive investments.   Our origination team has been one of the most active in the nation, evaluating a large, robust and dynamic list of potential investment opportunities, or pipeline. The size of our pipeline permits us to be highly selective with respect to our investments while acquiring a large investment portfolio. In accumulating our growing investment portfolio, we are constantly evaluating a pipeline that exceeds ten times the volume of transactions that we close. Our pipeline has been the engine for our investment growth from

 

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      its founding in 2011 to an investment portfolio that totals almost $2.3 billion as of June 30, 2014, as depicted in the chart below. We intend to continue to grow our portfolio by pursuing value-added investment opportunities.

Our Total Investment Portfolio at Quarter End

GRAPHIC

    Managing investment risk.   We believe that diligent investment underwriting, strong lease documentation that forges alignments of interest with our customers, portfolio diversity and proactive portfolio management are important to protect stockholder returns. Each of our investments has been backed by an attention to underwriting, documentation and ongoing portfolio monitoring developed by our senior leadership team over a period of more than 30 years.

    Operating a scalable and efficient platform.   We believe S|T|O|R|E is the most efficient and scalable platform ever constructed by our senior leadership team, supported by investments in the latest generations of scalable servicing, information and customer relationship management technologies.

        S|T|O|R|E was founded by members of our senior leadership team in May 2011. Over more than 30 years, our team has invested almost $12 billion in STORE Properties through public limited partnerships and two private and public real estate investment trusts. The two public real estate investment trusts, Franchise Finance Corporation of America, or FFCA, and Spirit Finance Corporation (now Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.), or Spirit, were both listed on the New York Stock Exchange until they were sold in 2001 and 2007, respectively. For information on the performance of FFCA and Spirit while public companies, see "Our Business—Our Company."

        Our Chairman of the Board, Morton H. Fleischer, founded FFCA (where he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) and was a co-founder of Spirit (where he served as Chairman); our Chief Executive Officer, Christopher H. Volk, served as President of FFCA, was a co-founder of Spirit (where he served as Chief Executive Officer) and was a member of the boards of directors of both companies where he chaired their respective investment committees (and chairs our investment committee today); and our Chief Financial Officer, Catherine Long, served as principal accounting officer of FFCA and Chief Financial Officer of Spirit. All of the members of our senior leadership team have worked together at one or both of these companies where they developed and have continued to refine our investment, origination and underwriting strategies and processes.

        Prior to this offering, a substantial portion of our equity capital has been provided by certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. either directly or through certain of its subsidiaries. Oaktree is a global investment management firm specializing in alternative investments with approximately $91 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2014. Its parent company, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OAK." We have also received equity investments from several pension and other institutional

 

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investors, whose investments in us are managed by Oaktree, as well as investments from certain members of our senior leadership team. We believe we are the only REIT investing in STORE Properties that has been capitalized primarily by large, sophisticated institutional investors. Through this offering, we intend to supplement our initial private institutional equity capital with public capital to facilitate our growth and continued improvement in our capital efficiency.


Our Target Market

        We are a leader in providing real estate financing solutions principally to middle-market and larger businesses that own STORE Properties and operate in the service, retail and industrial sectors of the U.S. economy. We estimate the market for STORE Properties to exceed $2 trillion in market value and to include more than 1.5 million properties.

        We define middle-market companies as those having approximate annual gross revenues of between $20 million and $300 million, although some of our customers have annual revenues substantially in excess of $300 million. Most of our customers do not have credit ratings, while some have ratings from rating agencies that service insurance companies or fixed-income investors. Most of these unrated companies either prefer to be unrated or are simply too small to issue debt rated by a nationally recognized rating agency in a cost-efficient manner.

        Despite the market's size, the financing marketplace for STORE Properties is highly fragmented, with few participants addressing the long-term capital needs of middle-market and larger unrated companies. While we believe our net-lease financing solutions can add value to a wide variety of companies, we believe the largest underserved market and, therefore, our greatest opportunity is bank-dependent, middle-market and larger companies that generally have less access to efficient sources of long-term capital. S|T|O|R|E was formed to capitalize on this market opportunity to address the capital needs of these companies by offering them a superior alternative to financing their profit-center real estate with traditional mortgage or bank debt and their own equity.


Our Competitive Strengths

        We believe we possess the following competitive strengths that enable us to implement our business and growth strategies and distinguish us from other market participants, allowing us to compete effectively in the single-tenant, net-lease market:

    Superior Origination and Underwriting Capabilities.   Our internal origination team uses a combination of referrals, our proprietary database of approximately 8,000 prospective companies, real estate brokers and advertisements on national commercial real estate listing services to source the most attractive investments. Our primary focus is on direct originations, which have accounted for more than 75% of our investment originations (by dollar volume), and which we believe enable us to deliver higher returns to our stockholders and provide superior value to our customers.

    We originate our investment portfolio using underwriting procedures developed by our senior leadership team over several decades. Each investment in our portfolio has three payment sources for underwriting, which is the characteristic that STORE Properties have in common. The first and primary source of payment is unit- or store-level profitability, since the distinguishing characteristic of a STORE Property is that the real estate is a profit center, as sales and profits are generated at the property location. The second source of payment is the overall corporate credit and the availability of cash flow from all of our customer's assets to support all of its obligations (including its obligations to S|T|O|R|E). The third and final source of payment is the value of the real estate that we will acquire; our general guideline is that we will not invest in a STORE Property for an amount greater than its replacement cost. As of June 30, 2014, the amount invested in our real estate portfolio is approximately 82% of the replacement cost (new) of our properties. We believe our origination and underwriting procedures enable us to identify and manage risk, decrease the potential effect of future defaults and increase the recovery rate for any defaulted investment assets.

 

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    Large, Diversified Portfolio.   As of June 30, 2014, we had invested almost $2.3 billion in 767 property locations, substantially all of which are profit centers for our customers. Our portfolio is highly diversified with 190 customers operating under 170 different brand names, or concepts, across 43 states and over 50 industry groups. None of our customers represented more than 3% of our portfolio at June 30, 2014, based on annualized base rent and interest. Our portfolio's diversity decreases the impact on us of an adverse event affecting a specific customer, industry or region, thereby increasing the stability of our cash flows. We expect that additional acquisitions in the future will further increase the diversity of our portfolio.

    A+ Rated Borrowing Capacity.   We have an A+ rated borrowing capacity from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services for structured finance products. Our A+ rated borrowing capacity ranks us as one of the few REITs to have either a corporate credit rating of A+ or higher from a nationally recognized rating agency or a securitization vehicle, or conduit, through which A+ or higher-rated debt securities are issued. Our rating supports our STORE Master Funding debt program, under which multiple series of rated notes have been issued from time to time to institutional investors in the asset-backed securities market. As of June 30, 2014, notes issued under the STORE Master Funding debt program had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of approximately $1.1 billion. Prior to May 2014, notes issued under the STORE Master Funding debt program (except for the lowest tranche of such notes that are retained by our subsidiaries) were rated "A" by Standard & Poor's. In connection with our most recent issuance of Master Funding notes on May 6, 2014, Standard & Poor's increased the A rating on all of our outstanding Class A notes to A+. These notes are non-recourse to us, subject to customary limited exceptions noted below.

      The notes, which are issued by certain of our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries, are secured by a collateral pool of properties owned by the subsidiaries and the related leases. The collateral pool is pledged to an indenture trustee who holds fee title to the properties and an assignment of the leases pursuant to a security interest granted to the indenture trustee in favor of the holders of the notes. As tenants make their lease payments, they are deposited into a lockbox account and held by the indenture trustee for the benefit of the noteholders who uses them to make the payments on the notes. Because the notes are non-recourse to us and to the consolidated special purpose entities that issue them, subject to customary limited exceptions noted below, neither we nor the issuers have any obligation to make principal or interest payments on the notes in the event the lease payments are insufficient to make the note payments. The customary limited exceptions to recourse are for matters such as fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence or willful misconduct, misapplication of payments, bankruptcy and environmental liabilities. After payment of debt service and servicing and trustee expenses, any excess cash flow generated by the collateral pool is then released to us. S|T|O|R|E is the property manager and servicer for the leases that are the collateral for the notes and, in that capacity, has discretion in managing the collateral pool. By implementing a highly rated debt program that is supported by a large, diverse and growing collateral pool, we have been able to lower our borrowing costs and, in turn, deliver more competitive financial and operational terms to our customers, thereby enhancing their business value. We believe this is a significant competitive advantage for us since these features are not common in the traditional lending market or typically offered by other financing sources. We refer to these features as "Master Funding Solutions," and we market them as such to our customers.

      The use of non-recourse, long-term debt is designed to reduce our cost of capital and interest rate sensitivity, and improve our corporate operating flexibility.

    Return Stability and Predictability.   We believe the following attributes of our business enable us to achieve favorable risk-adjusted returns compared to portfolios consisting of larger, rated investment-grade customers: our portfolio is highly diversified across customers, concepts and

 

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      regions; we make real estate investments in broad, fundamental industries that we believe have a low likelihood of functional obsolescence; we base investment decisions upon disciplined underwriting and acquisition procedures; we seek to enter into long-term leases with built-in lease escalators; we use master leases and cross-defaulted leases, where appropriate, to mitigate risk (73% of our investments in multiple properties with a single customer were in the form of a master lease as of June 30, 2014); and we require corporate and unit-level financial reporting from our customers, which provides us with a better ability to assess and manage risk.

      Over the past 20 years, our senior leadership team has consistently made investments with average lease rates priced attractively relative to comparable 10-year U.S. Treasury yields. While lease rates have shown periodic sensitivity to Treasury yields, they have tended to be more predictable and less volatile. Over the past 10 years, lease rates have averaged between 8.0% and 9.0%; over that same period, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has varied significantly. Despite the volatility of Treasury yields over the past 20 years, our senior leadership team has been able to achieve lease spreads (representing the difference between lease rates and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield) averaging in excess of 450 basis points, with an overall improvement in the spread over time.

      The chart below depicts the average annual lease rate on new investments made at S|T|O|R|E since inception, and at FFCA and Spirit during the times when they were public companies, compared with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield over the same period.


Average Annual Spreads on New Investments

GRAPHIC


      Source: U.S. Treasury and, with respect to FFCA and Spirit, publicly available company filings.

    Proprietary Information Platform and Proactive Property and Tenant Management.   The design of our proprietary, highly scalable technology platform, which was led by our senior leadership team based on their experience of more than 30 years in the net-lease industry, provides us the ability to proactively manage our investment portfolio.

    Experienced and Nationally Recognized Senior Leadership Team with Proven Track Record.   Members of our senior leadership team have been engaged in the acquisition, investment and management of STORE Properties since 1980. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher H. Volk, and Chairman of the Board, Morton H. Fleischer, each have over 30 years of experience originating, acquiring, operating, financing and managing STORE Properties. Messrs. Volk and Fleischer, together with other members of our senior leadership team, have organized, operated and sold two New York Stock Exchange-listed REITs, both of which invested in STORE Properties.

 

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      Since 1980, our senior leadership team has successfully originated and invested almost $12 billion in STORE Properties, which we believe to represent more internally originated, or organic, investment activity than any other single market participant. Collectively, the prior investments of our senior leadership team have represented $4 billion in equity capital and $6 billion in investor distributions.

      The substantial experience and knowledge of our senior leadership team has resulted in S|T|O|R|E having an extensive network of contacts in the businesses whose real estate we seek to own or finance, as well as in the investment banking, real estate broker, financial advisory and lending communities.

Our Business and Growth Strategies

        Our objective is to create a market-leading platform for the acquisition, investment and management of STORE Properties that will provide attractive risk-adjusted returns and a stable source of income for our stockholders. We have identified and implemented the following business strategies to achieve this objective:

    Realize Stable Income and Internal Growth.   We seek to make investments that generate strong current income as a result of the difference, or spread, between the rate we earn on our assets and the rate we pay on our liabilities (primarily our long-term debt). We intend to augment that income with internal growth. We seek to realize superior internal growth through a combination of (1) a target dividend payout ratio that permits some free cash flow reinvestment and (2) cash generated from the 1.7% weighted average annual escalation of base rent and interest in our portfolio (as of June 30, 2014). We believe this will enable strong dividend growth without relying exclusively on future common stock issuances to fund new portfolio investments. Additionally, our weighted average lease term of 15 years and superior underwriting and portfolio monitoring capabilities, which reduce default losses, are intended to make our cash flows highly stable.

    Capitalize on Direct Origination Capabilities for External Growth.   As a market leader in STORE Property investment originations, we plan to complement our internal growth with continued new investments that will expand our platform and raise investor cash flows.

      We seek to capitalize on our direct customer relationships and our ability to add value to our customers through our tailored net-lease financing solutions in order to continue to accumulate a diversified investment portfolio with asset-level returns that exceed those that would otherwise be available to our stockholders in similar investments. Since the beginning of 2013, we have made approximately $1.4 billion of new investments, which was substantial relative to our year-end 2012 total assets of $980 million. We expect to continue to grow rapidly as we meet the needs of our customers.

    Leverage our Highly Scalable Platform and Superior Capabilities to Drive Growth.   Building on our senior leadership team's experience of more than 30 years in net-lease real estate investments, we have developed superior capabilities spanning deal origination, underwriting, financing, documentation and property management. Our platform is highly scalable and we will seek to leverage these capabilities to improve our efficiency and process integrity and drive superior risk-adjusted growth.

    Continue to Focus on Middle-Market Companies Operating STORE Properties in the Net-Lease Market. We believe we have selected the most attractive investment opportunity within the net-lease market, STORE Properties, and targeted the most attractive customer type within that market, middle-market and larger unrated companies. We intend to continue to focus on this market given its strong fundamentals and growth potential. Within the net-lease market for

 

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      STORE Properties, our value proposition is most compelling to middle-market, bank-dependent companies who are not rated by any nationally recognized rating agency due to their size or capital markets preferences and who have strong credit metrics. While our lease financing solutions can add value to a wide variety of companies, we believe we fulfill the greatest needs of these companies that generally have less access to efficient sources of long-term capital and are not generally targeted by other market participants (many of whom prefer to focus on broader net-lease investment opportunities offered by larger real estate intensive companies with credit ratings).

    Actively Manage our Balance Sheet to Maximize Capital Efficiency.   With substantial capital markets history spanning individual and institutional investors and the issuance of secured and unsecured debt, our senior leadership team seeks to select funding sources designed to lock-in long-term investment spreads and limit interest rate sensitivity while realizing more efficient capital costs than our customers and more efficient borrowings than would be available to individual investors. We seek to maintain a prudent balance between the use of debt (which includes STORE Master Funding, CMBS borrowings, insurance borrowings, bank borrowings and possibly preferred stock issuances) and equity financing. We target a level of debt within a range of six to seven times our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. As of June 30, 2014, the long-term, non-recourse debt of our consolidated special purpose entities had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.3 billion, a weighted average maturity of 7.4 years and a weighted average interest rate of 4.88%.

Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio

        As of June 30, 2014, our total investment in real estate and loans approximated $2.3 billion, representing investments in 767 property locations. These investments generate our cash flows from contracts predominantly structured as net leases, mortgage loans and combinations of leases and mortgage loans, or hybrid leases. The weighted average non-cancellable remaining term of our leases at June 30, 2014, was 15 years.

        Our real estate investments are diversified by customer, concept, industry and geographic location. As of June 30, 2014, our investments were spread across 190 customers operating in 43 states, 170 concepts and over 50 industry groups. Our top five concepts as of June 30, 2014 were Applebee's, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, O'Charley's (restaurants) and Gander Mountain (sporting goods); combined, these concepts represented 16% of annualized base rent and interest. Our top five industries as of June 30, 2014 were restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters and furniture stores. Combined, these industries represented 57% of annualized base rent and interest. None of our customers represented more than 3% of our annualized base rent and interest at June 30, 2014. Our geographic diversification by annualized base rent and

 

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interest is displayed below, with each dot representing a location where one or more of our properties are located.

GRAPHIC

        The following table shows our top ten states by annualized base rent and interest (dollars in thousands).

State
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(1)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number of
Properties
 

Texas

  $ 25,954     13.45 %   71  

Illinois

    13,902     7.20     44  

Tennessee

    11,851     6.14     55  

Georgia

    11,786     6.11     53  

Florida

    11,514     5.97     59  

California

    9,892     5.13     14  

Ohio

    9,119     4.72     49  

Arizona

    8,382     4.34     29  

North Carolina

    7,624     3.95     51  

Kentucky

    6,976     3.61     31  
               

Total

  $ 117,000     60.62 %   456  
               
               

(1)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases and loans in place as of that date.

 

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Recent Developments

        Between July 1, 2014 and September     , 2014, S|T|O|R|E made additional investments of approximately $       million in    STORE Properties, increasing our total investment portfolio to approximately $         billion and our number of property locations to      as of September     , 2014. As of September     , 2014, we had investments in closing of $      million, which are subject to customary due diligence and closing conditions. There can be no assurance that any transaction in closing will result in our investment.

        On September 19, 2014, we entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which replaces our two existing secured credit facilities as further described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

        As of September     , 2014, our total outstanding indebtedness was approximately $         billion, of which $       million was drawn on our new credit facility, and our total cash and cash equivalents was approximately $     million.

        Subsequent to June 30, 2014, we declared and paid a dividend of approximately $23.9 million to our existing stockholders for the quarter ending September 30, 2014 that includes the prorated period between September 30, 2014 and the expected closing date of this offering. This dividend was determined in accordance with our existing dividend policy.


Our Structure

        We were formed as a Maryland corporation on May 17, 2011. The following chart illustrates our organizational structure after the completion of this offering, based on the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:

GRAPHIC


(1)
Of the issued and outstanding units of STORE Holding Company, LLC, Morton H. Fleischer holds 0.50%, Christopher H. Volk holds 0.20%, Mary Fedewa holds 0.04%, Catherine Long holds

 

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    0.02%, Michael T. Bennett holds 0.02% and Michael J. Zieg holds 0.01%. For more information on the ownership of these officers and directors, see "Principal Stockholders."

(2)
Of the issued and outstanding units of STORE Holding Company, LLC, OCM STR Holdings, L.P. holds 42.86%, OCM STR Holdings II, L.P. holds 31.51%, OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. holds 13.89% and OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P. holds 10.95%. For more information on the ownership and management of these entities, see "Principal Stockholders."

(3)
If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock, then the purchasers of stock in this offering, STORE Holding Company, LLC and certain officers, directors and employees, are expected to own        %,        % and        %, respectively, of our outstanding common stock.

(4)
Includes the issuance of            shares of restricted stock to our director nominees upon completion of this offering, based on an assumed public offering price of $            per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

(5)
As of June 30, 2014, $2.1 billion of our investment portfolio of almost $2.3 billion was held in bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities; of the $2.1 billion, $1.8 billion is pledged to secure long-term borrowings. Those assets not held in bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities are held in various other direct, wholly owned subsidiaries.


Distribution Policy

        We intend to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, generally requires that a REIT annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, and imposes tax on any taxable income retained by a REIT, including capital gains. To satisfy the requirements for qualification as a REIT, we intend to make regular quarterly distributions to the holders of our common stock. Any distributions will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and their form, timing and amount, if any, will depend upon a number of factors, including our actual and projected results of operations, liquidity, cash flows and financial condition; our debt service requirements; our capital expenditures; prohibitions and other limitations under our financing arrangements; our REIT taxable income; our annual REIT distribution requirements; applicable law; and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. We cannot guarantee whether or when we will be able to make distributions or that any distributions will be sustained over time. See "Distribution Policy."


Our Tax Status

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT, commencing with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. Our qualification as a REIT, and maintenance of such qualification, will depend upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, various complex requirements under the Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distributions to our stockholders and the concentration of ownership of our equity shares. We believe that, commencing with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011, we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to continue to operate in a manner that will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. In connection with this offering of our common stock, we have received an opinion from Kutak Rock LLP to the effect that we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that our current organization and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 

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Emerging Growth Company Status

        We currently qualify as an "emerging growth company," as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies," including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy or information statements, exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and seeking stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved and not being required to adopt certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.

        Although we are still evaluating our options under the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that will be available to us so long as we qualify as an "emerging growth company," except that we have irrevocably elected not to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 102(b) of the JOBS Act. If we do take advantage of any of these exemptions, some investors may find our securities less attractive, which could result in a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.

        We could remain an "emerging growth company" until the earliest to occur of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of this offering; (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion; (iii) the date that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the preceding three-year period.


Summary Risk Factors

        An investment in our securities involves risks. You should consider carefully the risks discussed below and described more fully along with other risks under "Risk Factors" in this prospectus before investing in our securities.

    Our business depends on our customers successfully operating their businesses on real estate we own or finance for them, and their failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business.

    Our investments are and are expected to continue to be concentrated in the single-tenant, middle-market sector, and if the demand of single-tenant, middle-market companies for net-lease financing fails to increase or decreases, or if the supply of net-lease financing increases in this sector, we could be materially and adversely affected.

    If we do not have sufficient access to debt and equity, we will be unable to continue to grow by acquiring STORE Properties.

    We depend on the asset-backed securities market and the commercial mortgage-backed securities market for our long-term debt financing.

    Failure to mitigate our exposure to interest rate volatility may materially and adversely affect us.

    As of June 30, 2014, $1.8 billion of our assets have been pledged to secure the long-term borrowings of our subsidiaries. As the equity owners of these subsidiaries, we are entitled to excess cash flows only after debt service and all other payments are made on the debt of these

 

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      entities. Although this debt is overcollateralized, such overcollateralization may not be a sufficient credit enhancement to allow our subsidiaries to make required payments on this indebtedness in all economic conditions. If our subsidiaries fail to make the required payments, distributions of excess cash flow to us may be reduced or suspended.

    Loss of our key personnel could materially impair our ability to operate successfully.

    We have a limited operating history, and our past experience may not be sufficient to allow us to successfully operate as a public company going forward.

    Our controlling stockholder has substantial influence over our business, and its interests may differ from our interests or those of our other stockholders.

    Upon the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NYSE's rules, and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

    Our board of directors may change our investment strategy, financing strategy or leverage policies without stockholder consent.

    Limitations on share ownership, and limitations on the ability of our stockholders to effect a change in control of us, restrict the transferability of our stock and may prevent takeovers that are beneficial to our stockholders.

    If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of integrated internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results.

    We will incur significant expenses as a result of being a public company, which will negatively impact our financial performance.

    We are an emerging growth company, and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

    There is no existing market for our common stock, and the share price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

    We would incur adverse tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.


Corporate Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255. Our main telephone number is (480) 256-1100. Our Internet website is http://www.storecapital.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this prospectus.

 

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THE OFFERING

Common stock we are offering

                      shares

Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

 

                    shares

Use of proceeds

 

We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering after expenses will be approximately $          million, or approximately $          million if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares, assuming an initial public offering price of $          per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus). We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows:

 

$       million to repay amounts outstanding under our new unsecured, variable-rate revolving credit facility, which is used to temporarily fund our real estate acquisitions;

 

$125,000 to redeem all outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon; and

 

the remainder to fund property acquisitions subject to purchase contracts in the ordinary course of our business.

 

See "Use of Proceeds."

Proposed NYSE symbol

 

"STRE"

Risk factors

 

An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the matters discussed in the section "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 prior to deciding whether to invest in our common stock.

Distribution policy

 

We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock as required to maintain our REIT qualification for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Distribution Policy."

U.S. federal income tax considerations

 

For the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of shares of our common stock, see "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

        The number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering is based on                shares outstanding as of            , 2014 and excludes, (1)            shares of restricted stock to be issued to our director nominees upon completion of this offering, based on an assumed public offering price of $        per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus); (2)            shares of our common stock available for future grant under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan; and (3)                     shares (or, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares,             shares) of our common stock available for future grant under our 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

        Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase up to        additional shares of our common stock.

 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following summary consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of STORE Capital Corporation included in this prospectus. Our historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The following summary consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2014 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for those periods. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2014. The data is only a summary and should be read together with the consolidated financial statements, the related notes and other financial information included in this prospectus.

 
   
   
   
   
  From
Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
 
 
  Six Months
Ended June 30,
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  2014   2013   2013   2012  

Statement of Operations Data:

                               

Total revenues

  $ 84,351   $ 46,440   $ 108,904   $ 40,610   $ 3,860  

Total expenses

    66,521     37,272     86,431     33,243     6,554  
                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    17,830     9,168     22,473     7,367     (2,694 )

Income tax expense

    102     51     155     70     5  
                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    17,728     9,117     22,318     7,297     (2,699 )

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes            

    1,096     1,875     3,995     879     677  
                       

Income before gain on dispositions of real estate investments

    18,824     10,992     26,313     8,176     (2,022 )

Gain on dispositions of real estate investments

    1,137                  
                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992   $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )
                       
                       

Per Common Share Data:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations—basic and diluted

  $ 0.47   $ 0.32   $ 0.74   $ 0.45   $ (0.39 )

Net income (loss)—basic and diluted

    0.49     0.39     0.87     0.50     (0.29 )

Cash dividends declared

    0.81     0.71     1.46     0.586      

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

                               

Total investment portfolio, gross(1)

  $ 2,280,985         $ 1,710,552   $ 911,704   $ 235,778  

Cash and cash equivalents

    94,693           61,814     64,752     31,203  

Total assets

    2,371,518           1,786,100     979,833     270,468  

Credit facilities

                  160,662     29,971  

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities, net of premiums (discounts)

    1,292,279           991,577     306,581     13,500  

Total liabilities

    1,318,195           1,012,186     482,919     49,506  

Total stockholders' equity

    1,053,323           773,914     496,914     220,962  

Other Data:

                               

Funds from Operations(2)

  $ 42,420   $ 23,500   $ 54,843   $ 19,014   $ (982 )

Adjusted Funds from Operations(2)

  $ 46,625   $ 26,986   $ 61,479   $ 21,639   $ (17 )

Number of investment property locations (at period end)

    767           622     371     112  

% of owned properties subject to a lease contract (at period end)

    100 %         100 %   100 %   100 %

(1)
Includes the dollar amount of investments ($0.9 million and $9.4 million) related to real estate investments held for sale at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and is shown gross of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $66.7 million, $42.3 million, $12.0 million and $1.0 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(2)
For definitions and reconciliations of Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations, see "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Measures."

 

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RISK FACTORS

         Investing in our common stock involves risks. Before you invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors below together with all of the other information included in this prospectus. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, cash flows, results of operations, prospects, and our ability to implement our investment strategy and to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders, which could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment in our common stock. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."


Risks Related to Our Business

         Our business depends on our customers successfully operating their businesses on real estate we own or finance for them, and their failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business.

        Substantially all of our properties are leased by customers operating a business at those locations where sales and profits are generated for their businesses. We underwrite and evaluate investment risk based on our belief that the most important source of payment for our leases and loans is the profitability of the location or locations that we are considering to acquire or finance. We refer to this as "unit-level profitability." While a business may have other sources of payment to meet its obligations, we believe the success of our investments materially depends upon whether our customers successfully operate their businesses, and thus generate unit-level profitability, at the location or locations we are acquiring or financing. Our customers may be adversely affected by many factors beyond our control that might render one or more of their locations uneconomic. These factors include poor management, changing demographics, a downturn in general economic conditions or changes in consumer trends that decrease demand for our customers' products or services. The occurrence of any these may cause our customers to fail to pay rent when due, fail to pay real estate taxes when due, fail to pay insurance premiums when due, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business.

         Our investments are and are expected to continue to be concentrated in the single-tenant, middle-market sector, and if the demand of single-tenant, middle-market companies for net-lease financing fails to increase or decreases, or if the supply of net-lease financing increases in this sector, we could be materially and adversely affected.

        Our target market is middle-market companies that operate their businesses out of one or more locations that generate unit-level profitability for the business. Historically, many companies prefer to own, rather than lease, the real estate they use in their businesses. A failure to increase demand for our products by, among other ways, failing to convince middle-market companies to sell and leaseback their STORE Properties, or a decrease in the demand of middle-market companies to rent STORE Properties or an increase in the availability of STORE Properties for rent could materially and adversely affect us.

         If we do not have sufficient access to debt and equity, we will be unable to continue to grow by acquiring STORE Properties.

        As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain, each year to our stockholders. As a result, our ability to retain earnings to fund acquisitions or make any capital expenditures, if required, will be limited. Our long-term ability to grow through additional investments will be limited if we cannot obtain additional debt or equity financing. We cannot guarantee you that

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debt or equity financing will be available to us in the future, or that we will be able to obtain it on favorable terms.

         We depend on the asset-backed securities market and the commercial mortgage-backed securities market for our long-term debt financing.

        We depend on, and we likely will continue to depend on, the asset-backed securities, or ABS, market, and the commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, market for our long-term debt financing. Substantially all of the long-term debt on our balance sheet has been obtained from debt offerings in the ABS and CMBS markets. The ABS debt is issued by bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities that we or our subsidiaries own. These special purpose entities issue multiple series of investment-grade ABS notes from time to time as additional collateral is added to the collateral pool. Our CMBS debt is generally in the form of first mortgage debt incurred by other special purpose entities that we or our subsidiaries own. Our ABS and CMBS debt is generally non-recourse. However, there are customary limited exceptions to recourse for matters such as fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence or willful misconduct, misapplication of payments, bankruptcy and environmental liabilities.

        In the event of a disruption in the financial markets for ABS or CMBS debt, our ability to obtain long-term debt may be materially and adversely affected. As a result, we may acquire real estate assets at a lower than anticipated growth rate, or we may be unable to acquire additional real estate assets. In addition, this disruption may affect our return on equity as a result of the decrease in the availability of long-term debt or leverage for us. Furthermore, a reduction in the difference, or spread, between the rate we earn on our assets and the rate we pay on our liabilities (primarily our long-term debt), which would occur if the interest rates available to us on future debt issuances increase faster than the lease rates we can charge our customers on STORE Properties we acquire and lease back to them, could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition.

         Failure to mitigate our exposure to interest rate volatility changes may materially and adversely affect us.

        We attempt to mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into long-term financing through the combination of periodic debt offerings under STORE Master Funding, our ABS conduit, through discrete non-recourse secured borrowings, through insurance company and bank borrowings, by laddering our borrowing maturities and by using leases that generally provide for rent escalations during the term of the lease. However, the weighted average term of our borrowings does not match the weighted average term of our investments, and the methods we employ to mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates involve risks, including the risk that the debt markets are volatile and tend to reflect the conditions of the then-current economic climate. Our efforts may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes. Failure to effectively mitigate our exposure to changes in interest rates may materially and adversely affect us by increasing our cost of capital and reducing the net returns we earn on our portfolio.

         A significant portion of our assets have been pledged to secure the borrowings of our subsidiaries.

        A significant portion of our investment portfolio consists of assets owned by our consolidated, bankruptcy remote, special purpose entity subsidiaries that have been pledged to secure the long-term borrowings of those subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2014, the total outstanding principal balance of non-recourse debt obligations of our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries was $1.3 billion, and approximately $1.8 billion in assets held by those subsidiaries had been pledged to secure those borrowings. We or our other consolidated subsidiaries are the equity owners of these special purpose entities, meaning we are entitled to the excess cash flows after debt service and all other required payments are made on the debt of these entities. If our subsidiaries fail to make the required payments on this indebtedness, distributions of excess cash flow to us may be reduced and the indebtedness may become immediately due and payable. If the subsidiaries are unable to pay the accelerated

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indebtedness, the pledged assets could be foreclosed upon and distributions of excess cash flow to us may be suspended or terminated. In this case, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected.

         Loss of our key personnel could materially impair our ability to operate successfully.

        As an internally managed company, our ability to achieve our investment objectives and to make distributions to our stockholders depends upon the performance of our senior leadership team. We rely on our senior leadership team to, among other things, identify and consummate acquisitions, design and implement our financing strategies, manage our investments and conduct our day-to-day operations. In particular, our success depends upon the performance of Mr. Volk, our Chief Executive Officer, and other members of our senior leadership team.

        We cannot guarantee the continued employment of any of the members of our senior leadership team, who may choose to leave our company for any number of reasons, such as other business opportunities, differing views on our strategic direction or other personal reasons. We rely on the experience, efforts and abilities of these individuals, each of whom would be difficult to replace. The employment agreements we have entered into with each of these executives do not guarantee their continued service to us. The loss of services of one or more members of our senior leadership team, or our inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, could adversely affect our business, diminish our investment opportunities and weaken our relationships with lenders, business partners, existing and prospective tenants and industry personnel, all of which could materially and adversely affect us.

         We have a limited operating history, and our past experience may not be sufficient to allow us to successfully operate as a public company going forward.

        We commenced business in May 2011. We cannot assure you that our past experience will be sufficient to successfully operate our company as a publicly traded company, including the requirements to timely meet disclosure requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be required to develop and implement disclosure and control systems and procedures to satisfy our periodic and current reporting requirements under applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, regulations and comply with the NYSE listing standards, and this transition could place a significant strain on our management systems, infrastructure and other resources. Failure to operate successfully as a public company could materially and adversely affect us.

         Our success depends in part on the credit-worthiness of our customers, and we lease most of our properties to unrated customers. Our underwriting and risk-management procedures that we use to evaluate a potential customer's credit risk may be faulty, deficient or otherwise fail to accurately reflect the risk of our investment.

        Our customers are mostly middle-market companies, which generally are not rated by a nationally recognized rating agency. We use external and internal tools to evaluate risk and predict the risk of default. When we review a potential investment, we view our sources of payment to be, in order of priority, unit-level profitability, tenant or corporate credit and real estate valuation. Additionally, we review a potential customer's management team and the macroeconomic trends of the industry in which that customer operates. We evaluate the risk of company insolvency using a third-party model, Moody's Analytics RiskCalc, which is a model for predicting private company defaults based on Moody's Analytics Credit Research Database and which provides us an Estimated Default Frequency, or EDF, for each of our customers. We then estimate the risk of lease or loan rejection by assigning a probability of termination based on the unit-level fixed charge coverage ratio, or unit FCCRs, at the property or properties we own. We then estimate the long-term default risk of an investment by

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multiplying the EDF score by our estimated probability that our lease will be rejected in bankruptcy, which we call the "STORE Score."

        Our methods may not adequately assess the risk of an investment. Moody's Analytics RiskCalc, our methodology of estimating probability of lease rejection and the STORE Score may be inaccurate, incomplete or otherwise fail to adequately assess default risk. An EDF score from Moody's Analytics RiskCalc is not the same as a published credit rating and lacks the extensive company participation that is typically involved when a rating agency publishes a rating. EDF scores and FCCRs are calculated based on financial information provided to us by our customers and prospective customers without independent verification by us. The probability of lease rejection we assign an investment based on unit FCCR or other factors may be inaccurate. Moreover, the risks we have identified as our principal risks may omit significant risks to our investments. If our underwriting procedures fail to properly assess the unit-level profitability, tenant or corporate credit risk or real estate value of potential investments, then we may invest in properties that result in tenant defaults, and we may be unable to recover our investment by re-leasing or selling the related property, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial position.

         The bankruptcy or insolvency of any of our tenants could result in the termination of such tenant's lease and material losses to us.

        A tenant bankruptcy or insolvency could diminish the rental revenue we receive from that property or could force us to "take back" a property as a result of a default or a rejection of the lease by a tenant in bankruptcy. Any claims against bankrupt tenants for unpaid future rent would be subject to statutory limitations that would likely result in our receipt, if at all, of rental revenues that are substantially less than the contractually specified rent we are owed under their leases. In addition, any claim we have for unpaid past rent will likely not be paid in full. If a tenant becomes bankrupt or insolvent, federal law may prohibit us from evicting such tenant based solely upon such bankruptcy or insolvency. We may also be unable to re-lease a terminated or rejected space or re-lease it on comparable or more favorable terms.

        Many of our tenants lease multiple properties from us under master leases. Bankruptcy laws afford certain protections to a tenant that may also affect the master lease structure. Subject to certain restrictions, a tenant under a master lease generally is required to assume or reject the master lease as a whole, rather than making the decision on a property-by-property basis. This prevents the tenant from assuming only the better performing properties and terminating the master lease with respect to the poorer performing properties. If these tenants are considering filing for bankruptcy protection, we may find it necessary to agree to amend their master leases to remove certain underperforming properties rather than risk the tenant rejecting the entire master lease in bankruptcy. Whether or not a bankruptcy court will require a master lease to be assumed or rejected as a whole depends upon a "facts and circumstances" analysis. A bankruptcy court will consider a number of factors, including the parties' intent, the nature and purpose of the relevant documents, whether there was separate and distinct consideration for each property included in the master lease, the provisions contained in the relevant documents and applicable state law. If a bankruptcy court allows a master lease to be rejected in part, certain underperforming leases related to properties we own could be rejected by the tenant in bankruptcy, thereby adversely affecting payments derived from the properties. As a result, tenant bankruptcies could materially and adversely affect us.

         Our financial monitoring, periodic site inspections and selective property sales may fail to mitigate the risk of customer defaults, and if a customer defaults, we may experience difficulty or a significant delay in re-leasing or selling the property.

        Our portfolio-management activities, including financial monitoring, periodic site inspections and selective property sales, may be insufficient to prevent or reduce the frequency of tenant defaults. If a

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tenant defaults, it will likely cause a significant or complete reduction in our revenue from that property for some time. If a defaulting tenant is unable to recover financially, we may have to re-lease or sell the property. Re-leasing or selling properties may take a significant amount of time, during which the property might have a negative cash flow to us and we may incur other related expenses. We may also have to renovate the property, reduce the rent or provide an initial rent abatement or other incentive to attract a potential tenant or buyer before we can re-lease or sell the property. During this period, we likely will incur ongoing expenses for property maintenance, taxes, insurance and other costs. Therefore, tenant defaults could materially and adversely affect us.

         As leases expire, we may be unable to renew those leases or re-lease the space on favorable terms or at all.

        Our success depends in part upon our ability to cause our properties to be occupied and generating revenue. As of June 30, 2014, leases and loans representing approximately 11.2% of our annualized base rent and interest will expire prior to 2025. We cannot guarantee you that we will be able to renew leases or re-lease space (i) without an interruption in the rental revenue from those properties, (ii) at or above our current rental rates, or (iii) without having to offer substantial rent abatements, tenant improvement allowances, early termination rights or below-market renewal options. The difficulty, delay and cost of renewing leases, re-leasing space and leasing vacant space could materially and adversely affect us.

         The geographic concentration of our properties could make us vulnerable to an economic downturn, regulatory changes or acts of nature in those areas, resulting in a decrease in our revenues or other negative impacts on our results of operations.

        As of June 30, 2014, the five states from which we derive the largest amount of our annualized base rent and interest were Texas (13.5%), Illinois (7.2%), Tennessee (6.1%), Georgia (6.1%) and Florida (6.0%). As a result of these concentrations, the conditions of local economies and real estate markets, changes in state or local governmental rules and regulations, acts of nature and other factors in these states could result in a decrease in the demand for the products offered by the businesses operating on the properties in those states, which would have an adverse impact on our customers' revenues, costs and results of operations, thereby adversely affecting their ability to meet their obligations to us.

         As we continue to acquire properties, we may decrease or fail to increase the diversity of our portfolio.

        We have broad authority to invest in any STORE Property that we may identify in the future. As we continue to acquire properties, our portfolio may become less diverse by tenant, industry or geographic area. If our portfolio becomes less diverse, the trading price our common stock may fall, as our business will be more sensitive to the bankruptcy or insolvency of fewer tenants, to changes in consumer trends of a particular industry and to a general economic downturn in a particular geographic area.

         A decrease in demand for restaurant space or a downturn in the restaurant industry could materially and adversely affect us.

        As of June 30, 2014, real estate investments operated by customers in the restaurant industry represented approximately 30.9% of the dollar amount of our investment portfolio and 30.8% of our annualized base rent and interest, and, in the future, it is likely we will acquire additional restaurant properties. Because the restaurant industry represents a significant portion of our portfolio, a downturn in the restaurant industry may have a material adverse effect on us.

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         We have investments in industries that depend upon discretionary spending by consumers. A reduction in the willingness or ability of consumers to use their discretionary income in the businesses of our customers and potential customers could reduce the demand for our net-lease solutions.

        Most of our portfolio is leased to or financed with customers operating service or retail businesses on our property locations. Restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters and furniture stores represent the largest industries in our portfolio; and Applebee's, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, O'Charley's (restaurants) and Gander Mountain (sporting goods) represent the largest concepts in our portfolio. The success of most of these businesses depends on the willingness of consumers to use discretionary income to purchase their products or services. A downturn in the economy could cause consumers to reduce their discretionary spending, which may have a material adverse effect on us.

         Some of our tenants are subject to government regulation and rely on government funding, which could adversely impact their ability to make timely lease payments to us.

        The industries in which some of our tenants operate are subject to government regulation, and these businesses may depend, to various extents, on government funding or reimbursements. For example, tenants in the education industry often rely extensively on local, state and federal government funding for their students' tuition payments. In addition, tenants in the healthcare and childcare-related industries typically receive local, state or federal funding, subsidies or reimbursements. The amount and timing of these various fundings, subsidies and reimbursements depend on various factors beyond our or our tenants' control, including government budgets and policies and political issues. Some of these tenants also must satisfy certain licensure or certification requirements in order to qualify for government funding, subsidies or reimbursements. If these tenants fail to satisfy these requirements or otherwise fail to receive government funding, when and as needed, including as a result of tightened government budgets, revised funding policies or otherwise, their cash flow could be materially affected causing them to default on our leases, which could adversely impact our business. As we continue to grow our investment portfolio, we may continue to invest in these industries and expand our business into other industries that operate in highly regulated environments and rely significantly on payments from government payors. Changes in regulatory requirements or government funding policies affecting our tenants may result in lease defaults, which would reduce our revenues and harm our results of operations and financial position.

         We may be unable to identify and complete acquisitions of suitable properties, and the competition for acquisitions may reduce the number of acquisitions we can complete, either of which may impede our growth and the continued diversification of our portfolio.

        Our ability to continue to acquire suitable properties may be constrained by numerous factors, including the following:

    Our ability to locate properties with attractive economic terms or lease rates. We target investments that have a difference, or spread, between our cost of capital and the lease rate of the properties we acquire. If that difference, or spread, decreases, our ability to profitably grow our company will decrease.

    We compete with numerous investors, including publicly traded and non-traded REITs, institutional, private equity and individual investors and other investment funds, some of whom have greater financial resources and more favorable capital costs when compared to us.

    Since many customers we approach have an historic preference to own, rather than lease, their real estate, our ability to grow requires that we overcome those preferences and convince customers that it is in their best interests to lease, rather than own, their STORE Properties, and we may be unable to do so.

    After beginning to negotiate the terms of a transaction and during our real property, legal and financial due-diligence review with respect to a transaction, we may be unable to reach an

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      agreement with the customer or discover previously unknown matters, conditions or liabilities and may be forced to abandon the opportunity after incurring significant costs and diverting management's attention.

    We may fail to have sufficient equity, adequate capital resources or other financing available to complete acquisitions.

        If any of these risks occur, we may be materially and adversely affected.

         Insurance on our properties, which our tenants are typically required to maintain, may not adequately cover all losses, and uninsured losses could materially and adversely affect us.

        Our leases and loan agreements typically require that our tenants and borrowers maintain insurance of the types and in the amounts that are usual and customary for similar types of commercial property, as reviewed by our independent insurance consultant. Under certain circumstances, however, we may permit certain tenants and borrowers to self-insure. Depending on the location of the property, losses of a catastrophic nature, such as those caused by earthquakes or floods, may be covered by insurance policies that are held by our tenants with limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments that a tenant may not be able to meet.

        In addition, factors such as inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and others, including terrorism or acts of war, may make any insurance proceeds we receive insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. In that situation, the insurance proceeds we receive may not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to the affected real property. In the event we experience a substantial or comprehensive loss of any of our properties, we may not be able to rebuild such property to its existing specifications without significant capital expenditures, which may exceed any amounts received pursuant to insurance policies, as reconstruction or improvement of such a property would likely require significant upgrades to meet zoning and building code requirements. The loss of our capital investment in, or anticipated future returns from, our properties due to material uninsured losses could materially and adversely affect us.

         Changes in zoning laws may prevent us from restoring a property in the event of a substantial casualty loss.

        Due to changes, among other things, in applicable building and zoning ordinances and codes, or zoning laws, affecting certain of our properties that have come into effect after the construction of the properties, certain properties may not comply fully with current zoning laws, including use, parking and setback requirements, but may qualify as permitted non-conforming uses. Such changes may limit our or our tenant's ability to restore the premises of a property to its previous condition in the event of a substantial casualty loss with respect to the property or the ability to refurbish, expand or renovate such property to remain compliant. If we are unable to restore a property to its prior use after a substantial casualty loss, we may be unable to re-lease the space at a comparable rent or sell the property at an acceptable price, which may materially and adversely affect us.

         Some of our customers operate under franchise or license agreements, which, if terminated or not renewed prior to the expiration of their leases with us, would likely impair their ability to pay us rent.

        As of June 30, 2014, 22.0% of our customers operated under franchise or license agreements. Generally, franchise agreements have terms that end earlier than the respective expiration dates of the related leases. In addition, a tenant's or borrower's rights as a franchisee or licensee typically may be terminated and the tenant or borrower may be precluded from competing with the franchisor or licensor upon termination. Usually, we have no notice or cure rights with respect to such a termination and have no rights to assignment of any such franchise agreement. This may have an adverse effect on our ability to mitigate losses arising from a default on any of our leases or loans. A franchisor's or licensor's termination or refusal to renew a franchise or license agreement would likely have a material

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adverse effect on the ability of the tenant or borrower to make payments under its lease or loan, which could materially and adversely affect us.

         A small percentage of the businesses operating on our properties have limited operating histories, which increases the risk that the tenants operating those businesses may default on rent payments to us.

        As of June 30, 2014, 20 of the 767 properties in our investment portfolio had been open for less than 12 months or were under construction. The businesses operating on these properties, whether newly constructed or recently opened, may not perform as anticipated, and the tenant may become unable to pay rent to us, which may materially and adversely affect us.

         If a tenant defaults under either the ground lease or mortgage loan of a hybrid lease, we may be required to take judicial or administrative action or begin foreclosure proceedings before we can re-lease or sell the property.

        As of June 30, 2014, 5.2% of our annualized base rent and interest was derived from hybrid leases. A hybrid lease is a modified sale-leaseback transaction, where the customer sells us their land, leases the land back from us under a ground lease and we simultaneously make a mortgage loan to the customer secured by the improvements the customer continues to own. If a customer defaults under a hybrid lease, we may: (1) evict the customer under the ground lease and assume ownership of the improvements; or (2) if required by a court, foreclose on the mortgage loan that is secured by the improvements. Under a ground lease, we as ground lessor generally become the owner of the improvements on the land at lease maturity or if the tenant defaults. It is possible that a court could require us to foreclose on the mortgage secured by the improvements rather than simply evicting the defaulting tenant under the ground lease. If foreclosure is required rather than simple eviction, we might encounter delays and expenses in obtaining possession of the land and improvements, which in turn could delay our ability to sell or re-lease the property in a prompt manner, which could materially and adversely affect us.

         We are subject to risks related to owning commercial real estate that could reduce the value of our properties.

        The value of our investments in commercial real estate is subject to the following risks, among others:

    changes in local real estate conditions in the markets in which our customers operate;

    environmental risks related to the presence of hazardous or toxic substances or materials on our properties;

    the subjectivity of real estate valuations and changes in such valuations over time;

    the illiquidity of real estate compared to other financial assets;

    changes in interest rates and the availability of financing; and

    changes in the general economic and business climate.

        The occurrence of any of the risks described above may cause the value of our real estate to decline, which could materially and adversely affect us.

         Global market and economic conditions may materially and adversely affect us and our tenants.

        Our business is sensitive to changes in the overall economic conditions that impact our customers' financial condition and financing practices. Adverse economic conditions such as high unemployment levels, interest rates, tax rates and fuel and energy costs may impact the results of our tenants' operations, which may impact their ability to meet their obligations to us. During periods of economic slowdown, such as the global and U.S. economic downturn of 2008 and 2009, which resulted in increased unemployment, large-scale business failures and tight credit markets, demand for real estate

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may decline, resulting in lower rents we can charge or an increased number of defaults under our existing leases. Accordingly, a decline in economic conditions could materially and adversely affect us.

         Illiquidity of real estate investments and restrictions imposed by the Code could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties and harm our financial condition.

        Some of the real estate investments we have made and expect to make in the future may be difficult to sell quickly. Therefore, our ability to promptly sell one or more properties in our portfolio in response to changing economic, financial or investment conditions could be limited. In particular, these risks could arise from weaknesses in or even the lack of an established market for a property, changes in the financial condition or prospects of prospective purchasers, changes in national or international economic conditions, such as the most recent economic downturn, and changes in laws, regulations or fiscal policies of the jurisdiction in which our properties are located.

        In addition, the Code imposes restrictions on a REIT's ability to dispose of properties, which restrictions are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. In particular, the tax laws applicable to REITs effectively require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forgo or defer sales of properties that otherwise would be in our best interest. Therefore, we may not be able to vary our portfolio in response to economic or other conditions promptly or on favorable terms, which may materially and adversely affect our operations, cash flow and ability to pay distributions on our common stock.

         Inflation may materially and adversely affect us and our tenants.

        We may experience periods when inflation is greater than the increases in rent provided by many of our leases, in which event rent increases will not keep up with the rate of inflation. If this occurs, we will not have the source of internal growth we expect. Also, increased costs may have an adverse impact on our tenants if increases in their operating expenses exceed increases in revenue, which may adversely affect our customers' ability to satisfy their financial obligations to us.

         Property vacancies could result in significant capital expenditures.

        The loss of a tenant, either through lease expiration or tenant bankruptcy or insolvency, may require us to spend significant amounts of capital to renovate the property before it is suitable for a new tenant and cause us to incur significant costs in the form of ongoing expenses for property maintenance, taxes, insurance and other expenses. Many of the leases we enter into or acquire are for properties that are especially suited to the particular business of the tenants operating on those properties. Because these properties have been designed or physically modified for a particular tenant, if the current lease is terminated or not renewed, we may be required to renovate the property at substantial costs, decrease the rent we charge or provide other concessions to re-lease the property. In addition, if we are required to sell the property, we may have difficulty selling it to a party other than the tenant due to the special purpose for which the property may have been designed or modified. This potential illiquidity may limit our ability to quickly modify our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions, including tenant demand. These limitations may materially and adversely affect us.

         The loss of a borrower or the failure of a borrower to make loan payments on a timely basis will reduce our revenues and may cause us to incur substantial costs, which could lead to losses on our investments and reduced returns to our stockholders.

        From time to time, we make or assume commercial mortgage loans. We have also made a limited amount of investments on properties we own or finance in the form of loans secured by equipment or other fixtures owned by our customers. The success of our loan investments materially depends on the financial stability of our borrowers. The success of our borrowers depends on each of their individual businesses and their industries, which could be affected by economic conditions in general, changes in

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consumer trends and preferences and other factors over which neither they nor we have control. A default of a borrower on its loan payments to us that would prevent us from earning interest or receiving a return of the principal of our loan could materially and adversely affect us. In the event of a default, we may also experience delays in enforcing our rights as lender and may incur substantial costs in collecting the amounts owed to us and in liquidating any collateral.

        Foreclosure and other similar proceedings used to enforce payment of real estate loans are generally subject to principles of equity, which are designed to relieve the indebted party from the legal effect of that party's default. Foreclosure and other similar laws may limit our right to obtain a deficiency judgment against the defaulting party after a foreclosure or sale. The application of any of these principles may lead to a loss or delay in the payment on loans we hold, which in turn could reduce the amounts we have available to make distributions. Further, in the event we have to foreclose on a property, the amount we receive from the foreclosure sale of the property may be inadequate to fully pay the amounts owed to us by the borrower and our costs incurred to foreclose, repossess and sell the property, which could materially and adversely affect us.

         Our investments in mortgage loans may be affected by unfavorable real estate market conditions, which could decrease the value of those loans.

        As of June 30, 2014, we had investments in mortgage loans having an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $65 million. Investments in mortgage loans are subject to the risk of default by the borrowers and interest-rate risks. To the extent we incur delays in liquidating defaulted mortgage loans, we may not be able to obtain all amounts due to us under such loans. Further, the values of the properties securing the mortgage loans may not remain at the levels existing on the dates of origination of those mortgage loans or the dates of our investment in the loans. If the values of the underlying properties decline, the value of the collateral securing our mortgage loans will also decline, and if we were to foreclose on any of the properties securing the mortgage loans, we may not be able to sell or lease them for an amount equal to the unpaid amounts due to us under the mortgage loans. As a result, defaults on mortgage loans in which we may invest may materially and adversely affect us.

         Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and fire, safety and other regulations may require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that could materially and adversely affect us.

        Our properties are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. Under the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance with the ADA could require us to modify the properties we own or may purchase to remove architectural and communication barriers in order to make our properties readily accessible to and usable by disabled individuals, and may restrict renovations on our properties. Failure to comply with the ADA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants, as well as the incurrence of the costs of making modifications to attain compliance. Future legislation could impose additional obligations or restrictions on our properties. Our tenants and borrowers are generally responsible to maintain and repair our properties pursuant to our lease and loan agreements, including compliance with the ADA and other similar laws and regulations, but we could be held liable as the owner of the property for their failure to comply with the ADA or other similar laws and regulations. Any required changes could involve greater expenditures than anticipated or the changes might be made on a more accelerated basis than anticipated, either of which could adversely affect the ability of our tenants to cover such costs. If we are subject to liability under the ADA or similar laws and regulations as an owner and our tenants are unable to cover the cost of compliance or if we are required to expend our own funds to comply with the ADA or similar laws and regulations, we could be materially and adversely affected.

        In addition, our properties are subject to various laws and regulations relating to fire, safety and other regulations, and in some instances, common-area obligations. Our tenants and borrowers have primary responsibility for compliance with these requirements pursuant to our lease and loan

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agreements. Our tenants and borrowers may not have the financial ability to fully comply with these regulations. If our tenants and borrowers are unable to comply with these regulations, they may be unable to pay rent on time or may default, or we may have to make substantial capital expenditures to comply with these regulations, which we may not be able to recoup from our tenants and borrowers. We may also face owner liability for failure to comply with these regulations, which may lead to the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. Therefore, the failure of our tenants and borrowers to comply with these regulations could materially and adversely affect us.

         The costs of compliance with or liabilities related to environmental laws may materially and adversely affect us.

        Our properties may be subject to known and unknown environmental liabilities under various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to human health and the environment. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on certain statutory classes of persons, including owners or operators, for the costs of investigation or remediation of contaminated properties. These laws and regulations apply to past and present business operations on the properties, and the use, storage, handling and recycling or disposal of hazardous substances or wastes. We may face liability regardless of our knowledge of the contamination, the timing of the contamination, the cause of the contamination or the party responsible for the contamination of the property. Our leases and loans typically impose obligations on our tenants and borrowers to indemnify us from all or most compliance costs we may experience as a result of the environmental conditions on our properties, but if a tenant or borrower fails to, or cannot, comply, we may be required to pay such costs. We cannot predict whether in the future, new or more stringent environmental laws will be enacted or how such laws will impact the operations of businesses on our properties. Costs associated with an adverse environmental event could be substantial, and the potential liability as to any of our properties is generally not limited under such laws and regulations and could significantly exceed the value of such property.

        Under the laws of many states, contamination on a site may give rise to a lien on the site for clean-up costs. In several states, such a lien has priority over all existing liens, including those of existing mortgages. In these states, a lien of a mortgage may lose its priority to such a "superlien." If any of the properties on which we have a mortgage are or become contaminated and subject to a superlien, we may not be able to recover the full value of our investment and may be materially and adversely affected.

        Certain federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances govern the use, removal and/or replacement of underground storage tanks in the event of a release on, or an upgrade or redevelopment of, certain properties. Such laws, as well as common-law standards, may impose liability for any releases of hazardous substances associated with the underground storage tanks and may provide for third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of such properties for damages associated with such releases. If hazardous substances are released from any underground storage tanks on any of our properties, we may be materially and adversely affected.

        In a few states, transfers of some types of sites are conditioned upon cleanup of contamination prior to transfer, including in cases where a lender has become the owner of the site through a foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise. If any of our properties are subject to such contamination, we may be subject to substantial clean-up costs before we are able to sell or otherwise transfer the property.

        Certain federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances govern the removal, encapsulation or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs, in the event of the remodeling, renovation or demolition of a building. Such laws, as well as common-law standards, may impose liability for releases of ACMs and may impose fines and penalties against us or our tenants for failure to comply with these requirements or provide for third parties to seek recovery from us or our tenants.

        If we or our tenants or borrowers become subject to any of the above-mentioned environmental risks, we may be materially and adversely affected.

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         Our properties may contain or develop harmful mold, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects and costs of remediation.

        When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Exposure to mold may cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. If our tenants or their employees or customers are exposed to mold at any of our properties, we could be required to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected property. In addition, exposure to mold by our tenants or others could subject us to liability if property damage or health concerns arise. If we were to become subject to significant mold-related liabilities, we could be materially and adversely affected, which could harm our business.

         Our proprietary information technology platform may not capture all of the necessary information to allow us to properly monitor and analyze our tenants' and borrowers' credit risk, which may materially and adversely affect us.

        We have a proprietary information technology platform, or IT platform, which we developed to proactively manage our investment portfolio. Our IT platform offers customer relationship management and general ledger and servicing system integration. Another component of our IT platform is the STORE Universal Database System, or SUDS, which provides our management with access to lease abstracts, tenant information, document scans, property data and servicing information. Our IT platform and SUDS may not capture all the information needed to mitigate the risk of tenant or borrower default.

         Our revenues and expenses are not directly correlated and, because a large percentage of our costs and expenses are fixed, we may not be able to adapt our cost structure to offset declines in our revenue.

        Most of the expenses associated with our business, such as our office rent, certain acquisition costs, insurance, employee wages and benefits and other general corporate expenses, are relatively inflexible and will not necessarily decrease with a reduction in revenue from our business. Our expenses also will be affected by inflationary increases, and certain of our cost increases may exceed the rate of inflation in any given period. By contrast, our revenue is affected by many factors beyond our control, such as the economic conditions of the markets where we own properties. As a result, we may not be able to fully offset rising costs by increasing our rents, which could have a material and adverse effect on us.

         We may become subject to litigation, which could materially and adversely affect us.

        In the future we may become subject to litigation, including claims relating to our operations, debt and equity offerings and otherwise in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims may result in significant defense costs and potentially significant judgments against us, some of which are not, or cannot be, insured against. We generally intend to defend ourselves, but we cannot be certain of the ultimate outcomes of any claims that may arise. Resolution of these types of matters against us may result in our having to pay significant fines, judgments or settlements, which, if uninsured, or if the fines, judgments and settlements exceed insured levels, could adversely impact our earnings and cash flows, thereby materially and adversely affecting us. Certain litigation or the resolution of certain litigation may affect the availability or cost of some of our insurance coverage, which could materially and adversely impact us, expose us to increased risks that would be uninsured and materially and adversely impact our ability to attract directors and officers.

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         Our portfolio of tenants and borrowers may be riskier than portfolios comprised of rated investment-grade companies.

        Most of our customers have not been assigned a credit rating by any nationally recognized rating agency. Our method of determining creditworthiness of potential customers may be less comprehensive and detailed than the process by which nationally recognized rating agencies assign company credit ratings. As a result, our investment portfolio of tenants and borrowers may be riskier than a portfolio comprised of rated investment-grade companies.

         We may not acquire the properties that we evaluate in our pipeline.

        Throughout this prospectus, we refer to our pipeline of potential investment opportunities. Our pipeline includes not only properties that are subject to purchase agreements or non-binding letters of intent, but also properties for which we have sent a non-binding letter of intent that has not yet been executed and properties that we are actively negotiating or have identified as potential STORE Properties that we may consider purchasing in the future. We typically close only approximately 4% of all identified properties. Generally, our purchase agreements contain several closing conditions. Transactions may fail to close for a variety of reasons, including the discovery of previously unknown liabilities or other items uncovered during our diligence process. Similarly, we may never execute binding purchase agreements with respect to properties that are currently subject to non-binding letters of intent, and properties with respect to which we are negotiating may never lead to the execution of any letter of intent. For many other reasons, we may not ultimately acquire the remaining properties currently in our pipeline. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the concept of a pipeline as we have discussed in this prospectus.

         The past performance of FFCA and Spirit is not an indicator of our future performance.

        In this prospectus, we present the total annualized returns of two public real estate investment trusts, FFCA and Spirit, which were managed by members of our senior leadership team, compared against total returns on the S&P 500 and the MSCI US REIT Index. We also present Sharpe ratios and average annual lease rates on new investments for FFCA and Spirit, based on publicly available information. Some of these figures date as far back as 20 years and cover periods with economic characteristics and cycles and interest rate environments that are significantly different from those we face today and may face in the future. This past performance data is not an indicator of our future performance, and our total returns and capitalization rates may be significantly less than those reflected in this data. In addition, our future performance may not outpace, and may be significantly outpaced by, the S&P 500 and the MSCI US REIT Index, and our risk-return profile in the future may not be consistent with the Sharpe ratios we present in this prospectus. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the past performance data we have presented in this prospectus.


Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

         Our controlling stockholder has substantial influence over our business, and its interests, and the interests of certain members of our management, may differ from our interests or those of our other stockholders.

        Immediately after this offering our controlling stockholder will beneficially own approximately        % (or, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares,        %) of our outstanding common stock. As a result, our controlling stockholder will have the power to elect a majority of our directors and, consequently, appoint our executive officers, set our management policies and exercise overall control over us and our subsidiaries.

        The interests of our controlling stockholder may differ from the interests of our other stockholders, and the concentration of control in our controlling stockholder will limit other

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stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters. In addition, certain members of our management have certain ownership interests in the holding company through which our controlling stockholder owns our securities, which may cause them to have interests that differ from our other stockholders. The concentration of ownership and voting power of our controlling stockholder may also delay, defer or even prevent an acquisition by a third party or other change of control of our company and may make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of our controlling stockholder, even if such events are in the best interests of our other stockholders. The concentration of voting power that our controlling stockholder has may have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock. As a result of our being controlled by a controlling stockholder, we may take actions that our other stockholders do not view as beneficial, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and cause the value of your investment in us to decline. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement" and "Management—Stockholders Agreement."

         Upon the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NYSE's rules, and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

        After completion of this offering, our controlling stockholder will control a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate-governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power in the election of directors is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate-governance requirements, including but not limited to the following:

    having a board that is composed of a majority of "independent directors," as defined under the rules of such exchange;

    having a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and

    having a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors.

        Following this offering, we intend to use these all of these exemptions. As a result, we do not expect a majority of the directors on our board of directors will be independent upon closing this offering. In addition, although we will have a fully independent audit committee upon the closing of this offering, we do not expect that our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees will consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

         Our board of directors may change our investment strategy, financing strategy or leverage policies without stockholder consent.

        Our board of directors, which our controlling stockholder will have the right to elect for the foreseeable future, may change any of our strategies, policies or procedures with respect to property acquisitions and divestitures, asset allocation, growth, operations, indebtedness, financing and distributions at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our acquiring properties that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the types of single-tenant real estate and related investments described in this prospectus. These changes could materially and adversely affect us.

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         Limitations on share ownership and limitations on the ability of our stockholders to effect a change in control of us restrict the transferability of our stock and may prevent takeovers that are beneficial to our stockholders.

        One of the requirements for maintenance of our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes is that no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned by five or fewer individuals, including entities specified in the Code, during the last half of any taxable year. Our charter contains ownership and transfer restrictions relating to our stock to assist us in complying with this and other REIT ownership requirements, among other purposes. However, the restrictions may have the effect of preventing a change of control that does not threaten REIT status. These restrictions include a provision in our charter that generally limits ownership by any person of more than 9.8% of the value of our outstanding stock or 9.8% (in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock, unless our board of directors exempts the person from such ownership limitation. Absent such an exemption from our board of directors, the transfer of our stock to any person in excess of the applicable ownership limit, or any transfer of shares of such stock in violation of the ownership requirements of the Code for REITs, may be void under certain circumstances, and the intended transferee of such stock will acquire no rights in such shares. These provisions of our charter may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing someone from taking control of us, even though a change of control might involve a premium price for our stockholders or might otherwise be in our stockholders' best interests.

         Our board's power to increase the number of authorized shares of our stock without stockholder approval may negatively impact our existing stockholders.

        Our charter authorizes our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the board of directors and without stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we are authorized to issue. Accordingly, our board could authorize the issuance of shares of common stock or another class or series of stock, including a class or series of preferred stock, that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us that our existing stockholders may view as favorable. In addition, our board may increase our authorized stock in order to issue additional shares in connection with future financings and other transactions. These additional issuances could dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. See "Description of Stock—Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Stock, Reclassify Unissued Shares of Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common and Preferred Stock."

         If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of integrated internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results.

        As a publicly traded company, we will be required to comply with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures for making required filings with the SEC. Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed, which could depress the trading price of our common stock.

        Designing and implementing an effective system of integrated internal controls is a continuous effort that requires significant resources and devotion of time. As part of the ongoing monitoring of internal controls required of publicly traded companies, we may discover significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls. As a result of deficiencies or weaknesses that may be identified in our internal controls, we may also identify certain deficiencies in some of our disclosure controls and procedures that we believe require remediation. If we discover deficiencies or weaknesses,

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we will make efforts to improve our internal and disclosure controls. However, we may not be successful. In addition, as an "emerging growth company," our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the date we are no longer an "emerging growth company," which may be up to five full fiscal years following this offering.

        Any failure to maintain effective controls or timely effect any necessary improvement of our internal and disclosure controls could harm operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which could affect our ability to remain listed with the NYSE. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely materially and adversely affect us.

         We will incur significant expenses as a result of being a public company, which will negatively impact our financial performance.

        We will incur significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses as a result of being a public company. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as related rules implemented by the SEC and the NYSE, have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. Although the JOBS Act may for a limited period of time lessen the cost of complying with some of these additional regulatory and other requirements, we nonetheless expect a substantial increase in legal, accounting, insurance and certain other expenses in the future, which will negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, rules that the SEC is implementing or is required to implement pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to require additional changes. We expect that compliance with these and other similar laws, rules and regulations, including compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, will substantially increase our expenses, including our legal and accounting costs, and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. We also expect these laws, rules and regulations to make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage, which may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as officers.

         We are an emerging growth company, and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

        We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an "emerging growth company" until the earliest to occur of:

    the last day of the fiscal year during which our total annual revenue equals or exceeds $1 billion (subject to adjustment for inflation);

    the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of this offering;

    the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; or

    the date on which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer" under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

        We may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy or

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information statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and seeking stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved, except we have irrevocably elected not to take advantage of the extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards available under Section 102(b) of the JOBS Act. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our per share trading price may be adversely affected and more volatile.


Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock

         There is no existing market for our common stock, and the share price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. An active trading market may not develop upon completion of this offering and, if it does develop, it may not be sustained. The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined by negotiation among us and the representatives of the underwriters and may not be representative of the price that will prevail in the open market after this offering. See "Underwriting" for a discussion of the factors that were considered in determining the initial public offering price.

        The market price of our common stock after this offering may be significantly affected by factors including, among others:

    quarterly variations in our results of operations;

    changes in government regulations;

    changes in laws affecting REITs and related tax matters;

    the announcement of new contracts by us or our competitors;

    general market conditions specific to our industry;

    changes in general economic conditions;

    volatility in the financial markets;

    differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors and analysts; and

    changes in analysts' recommendations or projections.

        As a result, our common stock may trade at prices significantly below the public offering price.

        Furthermore, in recent years, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including companies in our industry. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with us in particular, and these fluctuations could materially reduce the price of our common stock and materially affect the value of your investment.

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         Because we have not identified in this prospectus any specific properties to acquire with the net proceeds of this offering after repayment of debt, you will be unable to evaluate the economic merits of investments we intend to make with such net proceeds before deciding to purchase our common stock.

        We will have broad authority to invest the net proceeds of this offering in any real estate investments that we may identify in the future, and we may use those proceeds to make investments with which you may not agree. You will be unable to evaluate the economic merits of our properties before we invest in them and will be relying on our ability to select attractive investment properties. We also will have broad discretion in implementing policies regarding tenant creditworthiness, and you will not have the opportunity to evaluate potential tenants. In addition, our investment policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the discretion of our board of directors, without a vote of our stockholders. These factors will increase the uncertainty and the risk of investing in our common stock.

        Although we intend to use proceeds from this offering to, among other things, acquire STORE Properties and lease them on a long-term net-lease basis, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on a profitable basis. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively or to find suitable properties to acquire in a timely manner or on acceptable terms could result in losses or returns that are substantially below expectations.

         A substantial portion of our total outstanding common stock may be sold into the market at any time following this offering. This could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well, and make it difficult to for us to sell equity securities in the future.

        The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at times or prices that we deem appropriate. After the consummation of this offering, we will have                shares of common stock outstanding on a fully diluted basis. See the information under the heading "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" for a more detailed description of the shares of common stock that will be available for future sale upon completion of this offering.

         If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution.

        The initial public offering price of our common stock is expected to be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. Therefore, if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering. See "Dilution."

         If we raise additional capital through the issuance of new equity securities, your interest in us will be diluted.

        We may have to issue additional equity securities periodically to finance our growth. If we raise additional capital through the issuance of new equity securities, your interest in us will be diluted, which could cause you to lose all or a portion of your investment. If we are unable to access the public markets in the future, or if our performance or prospects decrease, we may need to consummate a private placement or public offering of our common stock or preferred stock. In addition, any new securities we may issue, such as preferred stock, may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those securities held by you.

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         If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our company, or if they issue unfavorable commentary about us or our industry or downgrade the outlook of our common stock, the price of our common stock could decline.

        The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that third-party securities analysts publish about our company and our industry. One or more analysts could downgrade the outlook of our common stock or issue other negative commentary about our company or our industry. In addition, we may be unable or slow to attract research coverage. Furthermore, if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company, we could lose visibility in the market. As a result of one or more of these factors, the trading price of our common stock could decline and cause you to lose all or a portion of your investment.

         We may change the dividend policy for our common stock in the future.

        The decision to declare and pay dividends on our common stock, as well as the form, timing and amount of any such future dividends, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual prohibitions or other limitations under our indebtedness, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, state law and such other factors as our board of directors considers relevant. Any change in our dividend policy could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

         Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect purchasers of our common stock.

        In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of the federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in our common stock. Changes are likely to continue to occur in the future, and these changes could adversely affect our stockholders' investment in our common stock. These changes include but are not limited to the reduction or elimination of the corporate income tax under the Code. Any of these changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock or on the market value or resale potential of our common stock. Stockholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisor with respect to the impact that recent legislation may have on their investment and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on their investment in our stock.

         Certain participants in our directed share program must hold their shares for a minimum of 180 days following the date of this prospectus and, accordingly, will be subject to market risks not imposed on other investors in the offering.

        At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5% of the shares of common stock to be offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price, to our directors, officers, employees, friends, family and business associates. Purchasers of these shares who have entered into a lockup agreement with the underwriters in connection with this offering will be required to agree that they will not, subject to certain exceptions, dispose of or hedge any of such shares of common stock for at least 180 days after the date of this prospectus. As a result of the lockup restriction, these purchasers may face risks not faced by other investors who have the right to sell their shares at any time following the offering. These risks include the market risk of holding our shares during the period that such restrictions are in effect. In addition, the price of our common stock may decrease following the expiration of the lockup period if there is an increase in the number of shares for sale in the market.

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Risks Related to Our Tax Status and Other Tax Related Matters

         We would incur adverse tax consequences if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. Our qualification as a REIT requires us to satisfy numerous requirements, some on an annual and quarterly basis, established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and which involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. We expect that our current organization and methods of operation will enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT, but we may not so qualify or we may not be able to remain so qualified in the future. In addition, U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs and other corporations and the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended at any time, potentially with retroactive effect. Future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or adversely affect our stockholders.

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and would not be allowed to deduct dividends paid to our stockholders in computing our taxable income. Also, unless the Internal Revenue Service granted us relief under certain statutory provisions, we could not re-elect REIT status until the fifth calendar year after the year in which we first failed to qualify as a REIT. The additional tax liability from the failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for investment or distribution to our stockholders. This would likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of our securities and our ability to raise additional capital. In addition, we would no longer be required to make distributions to our stockholders. Even if we continue to qualify as a REIT, we will continue to be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property.

         Dividends paid by REITs generally do not qualify for reduced tax rates.

        In general, the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for dividends that constitute "qualified dividend income" paid to individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Unlike dividends received from a corporation that is not a REIT, our distributions generally are not eligible for the reduced rates. Although these rules do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, investors who are individuals, trusts and estates may perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including the per share trading price of our common stock.

         We may conduct a portion of our business through taxable REIT subsidiaries, which are subject to certain tax risks.

        We have established a taxable REIT subsidiary and may establish others in the future. Despite our qualification as a REIT, our taxable REIT subsidiaries must pay income tax on their taxable income. In addition, we must comply with various tests to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and our income from and investments in our taxable REIT subsidiaries generally do not constitute permissible income and investments for these tests. Our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries may adversely affect our REIT qualification. Furthermore, we may be subject to a 100% penalty tax, we may jeopardize our ability to retain future gains on real property sales, or our taxable REIT subsidiaries may be denied deductions, to the extent our dealings with our taxable REIT subsidiaries are not deemed to be arm's length in nature or are otherwise not permitted under the Code.

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         The Internal Revenue Service may treat sale-leaseback transactions as loans, which could jeopardize our REIT status or require us to make an unexpected distribution.

        The Internal Revenue Service may take the position that specific sale-leaseback transactions that we treat as leases are not true leases for federal income tax purposes but are, instead, financing arrangements or loans. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so re-characterized, we might fail to satisfy the REIT asset tests, the income tests or distribution requirements and consequently lose our REIT status effective with the year of re-characterization unless we elect to make an additional distribution to maintain our REIT status.

         REIT distribution requirements limit our available cash.

        As a REIT, we are subject to annual distribution requirements, which limit the amount of cash we retain for other business purposes, including amounts to fund our growth. We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our net REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gain, in order for our distributed earnings to not be subject to corporate income tax. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the requirements of the Code. However, differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or borrow funds on a short-term or long-term basis to meet the 90% distribution requirement of the Code, even if the prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings.

         Certain property transfers may generate prohibited transaction income, resulting in a penalty tax on gain attributable to the transaction.

        From time to time, we may transfer or otherwise dispose of some of our properties. Under the Code, any gain resulting from transfers of properties that we hold as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business would be treated as income from a prohibited transaction and subject to a 100% penalty tax. Since we acquire properties for investment purposes, we do not believe that our occasional transfers or disposals of property are prohibited transactions. However, whether property is held for investment purposes is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. The Internal Revenue Service may contend that certain transfers or disposals of properties by us are prohibited transactions. If the Internal Revenue Service were to argue successfully that a transfer or disposition of property constituted a prohibited transaction, then we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on any gain allocable to us from the prohibited transaction and we may jeopardize our ability to retain future gains on real property sales. In addition, income from a prohibited transaction might adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

         We could face possible state and local tax audits and adverse changes in state and local tax laws.

        As discussed in the risk factors above, because we are organized and qualify as a REIT, we are generally not subject to federal income taxes, but we are subject to certain state and local taxes. From time to time, changes in state and local tax laws or regulations are enacted, which may result in an increase in our tax liability. A shortfall in tax revenues for states and municipalities in which we own properties may lead to an increase in the frequency and size of such changes. If such changes occur, we may be required to pay additional state and local taxes. These increased tax costs could adversely affect our financial condition and the amount of cash available for the payment of distributions to our stockholders. In the normal course of business, entities through which we own real estate may also become subject to tax audits. If such entities become subject to state or local tax audits, the ultimate result of such audits could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

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         Qualifying as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code.

        Our qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. Moreover, new legislation, court decisions or administrative guidance, in each case possibly with retroactive effect, may make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy the REIT income and asset tests depends upon our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals, and upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an ongoing basis. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT depends in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence, including in cases where we own an equity interest in an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. In particular, statements pertaining to our business and growth strategies, investment and leasing activities and trends in our business, including trends in the market for long-term, net leases of freestanding, single-tenant properties contain forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, the words "estimate," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "intend," "may," "will," "should," "seek," "approximately" or "plan," or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions of management.

        Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise, and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

    general business and economic conditions;

    continued volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets, including potential fluctuations in the consumer price index, or CPI;

    other risks inherent in the real estate business, including tenant defaults, potential liability relating to environmental matters, illiquidity of real estate investments, and potential damages from natural disasters;

    availability of suitable properties to acquire and our ability to acquire and lease those properties on favorable terms;

    ability to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space as existing leases expire or are terminated;

    the degree and nature of our competition;

    our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness;

    access to debt and equity capital markets;

    fluctuating interest rates;

    availability of qualified personnel and our ability to retain our key management personnel;

    changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, government regulation, including Maryland laws;

    failure to maintain our status as a REIT;

    changes in the U.S. tax law and other U.S. laws, whether or not specific to REITs; and

    additional factors discussed in the sections entitled "Our Business," "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this prospectus.

        You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus might not occur as described, or at all.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the            shares of common stock we are offering will be approximately $             million, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses. If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares, we estimate the net proceeds to us will be approximately $             million.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows:

    $       million to repay amounts outstanding under our new unsecured, variable-rate revolving credit facility, which is used to temporarily fund our real estate acquisitions;

    $125,000 to redeem all outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon; and

    the remainder to fund property acquisitions subject to purchase contracts in the ordinary course of our business.

        Our credit facility has a maximum availability of $300 million, expires in September 2017 and bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus a leverage-based credit spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.50%.

        Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the initial public offering price per share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of shares we are offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, by approximately $             million, assuming the initial public offering price per share remains the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would increase the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, by approximately $             million. Conversely, a decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would decrease the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, by approximately $             million.

        Pending the permanent use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing, short-term investment-grade securities, money-market accounts or other investments that are consistent with our intention to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

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DISTRIBUTION POLICY

        We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock, as more fully described below. We expect to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, to qualify as a REIT, we must annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. We will be subject to income tax on any taxable income that is not distributed.

        Our distributions will be authorized by our board of directors and declared based on a variety of factors, including:

    our actual and projected results of operations;

    our debt service requirements;

    our liquidity and cash flows;

    our Adjusted Funds from Operations;

    our capital expenditures;

    our REIT taxable income;

    the annual distribution requirement under the REIT provisions of the Code;

    restrictions in any current or future debt agreements;

    any contractual limitations; and

    other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

    Expected Distributions

        We intend to make a pro rata distribution with respect to the period commencing on the completion of this offering and ending on December 31, 2014, based on a distribution of $            per share for a full quarter. On an annualized basis, this would be $            per share, or an annual distribution rate of approximately        %, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

        We estimate that this initial annual distribution rate will represent approximately        % of our estimated cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015. Our intended initial annual distribution rate has been determined based on our estimates of cash available for distribution for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015, which we have calculated based on adjustments to our income from continuing operations for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014 as described below. These estimates do not take into account any potential benefits from our business and growth strategies, including additional investments and their associated cash flows, nor do they take into account any unanticipated expenditures we may have to make or any financing activities for such expenditures. In estimating our cash available for distribution for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015, we have made certain assumptions as reflected in the table and footnotes below.

        Our estimates of cash available for distribution do not include the effect of any changes in our working capital; properties acquired between July 1, 2014 and September       , 2014 were funded with a combination of excess cash on hand at June 30, 2014 and temporary borrowings on our credit facilities. Our estimates do not reflect the amount of cash to be used in investing activities for future real estate acquisitions. These estimates also do not reflect the amount of cash estimated to be used for financing activities, other than scheduled mortgage loan principal repayments on mortgage debt outstanding. Any investing and/or financing activities we undertake after this offering may have a material effect on our

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estimates of cash available for distribution. Because we have made the assumptions set forth above in estimating cash available for distribution, we do not intend these estimates to be a projection or forecast of our actual results of operations or our liquidity, and have estimated cash available for distribution for the sole purpose of determining the amount of our estimated initial annual distribution rate. We have historically targeted a payout ratio to Adjusted Funds from Operations of approximately 75%. Our estimates of cash available for distribution should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) or as an indicator of our liquidity or our ability to make distributions. In addition, the methodology upon which we made the adjustments described below is not necessarily intended to be a basis for determining future distributions.

        We intend to maintain our initial distribution rate for the 12-month period following completion of this offering unless our results of operations, net income, liquidity, cash flows, financial condition or prospects, economic conditions or other factors differ materially from the assumptions used in projecting our initial distribution rate. We believe that our estimates of cash available for distribution constitute a reasonable basis for setting the initial distribution rate, as a substantial portion of our properties have been in operation for a significant period of time, we do not incur any significant operating expenses and our estimates do not give effect to the benefits we expect to realize from our business and growth strategies. However, we cannot assure you that our estimates will prove accurate, and that our estimated distributions will be made or sustained, or that our board of directors will not change our distribution policy in the future. If our operations do not generate sufficient cash flow to enable us to pay our intended or required distributions, we may be required to either fund distributions from working capital, borrow or raise equity or reduce such distributions. Additionally, under certain circumstances, agreements relating to our indebtedness could limit our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders. We intend to redeem all of our currently outstanding preferred stock shortly after the completion of this offering, and we currently have no intention to issue any new shares of preferred stock, but if we do, the distribution preference on the preferred stock could limit our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially and adversely affect us and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, see "Risk Factors."

        We anticipate that, at least initially, our distributions will exceed our then-current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the relevant period. As a result, we expect that a portion of our distributions will represent a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and not treated by us as a dividend will not be taxable to a U.S. stockholder under current U.S. federal income tax law to the extent those distributions do not exceed the stockholder's adjusted tax basis in his or her common stock, but rather will reduce the stockholder's adjusted basis of his or her common stock. Therefore, the gain (or loss) recognized on the sale of that common stock or upon our liquidation will be increased (or decreased) accordingly. To the extent those distributions exceed a taxable U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in his or her common stock, they will be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. The percentage of our stockholder distributions that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits may vary substantially from year to year. For a more complete discussion of the tax treatment of distributions to holders of our common stock, see "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of Stockholders." We anticipate that our estimated cash available for distribution will exceed the annual distribution requirements applicable to REITs; however, under some circumstances, we may be required to pay distributions in excess of cash available for distribution in order to meet these distribution requirements and we may need to pay a taxable stock dividend or borrow funds to make those distributions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to borrow funds for such purposes on favorable terms, if at all. See "Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Annual Distribution Requirements."

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        The following table sets forth calculations relating to the intended initial distribution based on our financial data, and we cannot assure you that the intended initial distribution will be made or sustained. The calculations are being made solely for the purpose of illustrating the expected initial distribution and are not necessarily intended to be a basis for determining future distributions. These calculations do not assume any changes to our operations or any acquisitions or dispositions (or any related transaction costs) which would affect our cash flows. Accordingly, our actual results will likely vary from the calculations below. All dollar amounts are in thousands.

Income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013

  $ 22,318  

Less: income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013

    (9,117 )

Add: income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014

    17,728  
       

Income from continuing operations for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014

 
$

30,929
 

Add: estimated net increases in contractual rent and interest(1)

       

Add: acquisition transaction expenses(2)

       

Add: real estate depreciation and amortization(3)

       

Add: other depreciation and amortization

       

Add: amortization deferred financing costs and debt (premiums) discounts

       

Less: net effect of non-cash rental revenue(4)

       

Add: net effect of non-cash interest income on loans receivable(5)

       

Less: estimated increase in interest expense associated with non-recourse debt obligations(6)

       

Add: non-cash compensation expense(7)

       
       

Estimated cash flows from operating activities for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015

  $    

Add: contractually scheduled cash flows from collections of principal payments on loans and direct financing receivables

       

Less: cash disbursement obligations for property improvements(8)

     

Less: contractually scheduled principal payments on non-recourse debt obligations

       
       

Estimated cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015

  $    

Total estimated initial annual distribution to stockholders

       

Estimated initial annual distribution per share(9)

       

Payout ratio(10)

       

(1)
Represents contractual net increases in rent and interest from:

additional contractual rent and interest from new leases, loans and direct financing receivables that were not in effect for the entire 12 months ended June 30, 2014;

contractual rent associated with leases on real estate investments acquired between July 1, 2014 and September       , 2014;

contractual rent from properties that were under construction during the 12 months ended June 30, 2014 that are now completed and paying full rent under their leases;

scheduled fixed rent escalations;

contractual increases based on changes in the CPI, including increases that have already occurred but were not in effect for the entire 12 months ended June 30, 2014, actual increases that have occurred from July 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014 and an estimated amount for increases scheduled to occur between September 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 based on an assumed change in the CPI of 2% (the same rate of change as occurred in the CPI between June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014);

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    net of contractual rent during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2014 from properties sold subsequent to our adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ;

    net of any effects of contractual rent deferrals or amendments in effect for existing leases as of September       , 2014; and

    net of reductions in contractual interest income associated with the amortization of loans and direct financing receivables.

(2)
Represents transaction costs expensed in connection with the acquisition of properties during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2014.

(3)
Included in real estate depreciation and amortization is acquired in-place lease asset amortization.

(4)
Represents the conversion of estimated rental revenues for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014 from a straight-line accrual basis to a cash basis of revenue recognition and the noncash adjustments for the amortization of lease origination costs, lease incentives and above-market rent.

(5)
Represents noncash interest income adjustments associated with the amortization of net loan origination costs.

(6)
Represents increases for long-term debt obligations that were not outstanding for the full 12 months ended June 30, 2014 and for any new debt obligations entered into through September       , 2014, net of reductions in contractual interest expense for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015 due to reductions in the outstanding principal amount of debt obligations resulting from principal amortization payments and net of the effect of temporary short-term borrowings, as summarized below (in thousands).

Cash interest expense—long-term debt obligations

       

Add: interest expense for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of        %)

  $    

Less: interest expense for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014

    (46,623 )
       

Net increase in interest expense from long-term debt obligations

       

Cash interest expense—short-term borrowings (credit facilities)

   
 
 

Add: interest expense for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015(a)

       

Less: interest expense for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014

    (2,679 )
       

Net decrease in interest expense from short-term borrowings

       
       

Estimated increase in interest expense associated with non-recourse debt obligations

  $    
       
       

(a)
Represents interest expense, including non-use fees, on borrowings on our short term-credit facilities for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015 assuming all borrowings outstanding on September       , 2014 are repaid with the proceeds of this offering. As of September       , 2014, our credit facility bears interest at one-month LIBOR plus a leverage-based credit spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.50% and requires the payment of a non-use fee on the undrawn amount.
(7)
Represents noncash stock-based compensation expense related to equity awards granted to certain of our directors, officers and key employees and included in income from continuing operations for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014.

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(8)
For purposes of calculating the distributions in the above table, we excluded our $50.2 million of commitments to fund improvements to real estate properties previously acquired that are expected to be funded in the same manner as our future property acquisitions with a combination of debt, primarily our new unsecured revolving credit facility, and equity capital. Our construction commitments are generally a commitment to provide our customers a long-term financing solution (through our purchase of the construction improvements) as our tenants complete their short-term construction projects. Approximately 92% of this commitment amount is expected to be funded within the next 12 months. Our construction improvement commitments are analogous to property acquisitions as they will result in increases to the rental revenue due under the related contracts. Accordingly, neither the funding of the acquisition nor the revenue from these future fundings are included in the estimate of cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015.

(9)
Based on a total of                    shares of our common stock expected to be outstanding immediately after this offering. Excludes shares that may be issued upon exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

(10)
Calculated as the total estimated initial annual distribution to stockholders divided by estimated cash available for distribution for the 12 months ending June 30, 2015.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and our capitalization as of June 30, 2014:

    on an actual basis; and

    on an as adjusted basis to give effect to:

    an aggregate draw of $         million (as of September      , 2014) on our revolving credit facility that we made subsequent to June 30, 2014;

    the sale of                    shares of our common stock we are offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses;

    the repayment of the $         million balance on our revolving credit facility as of September       , 2014; and

    the redemption of the 125 shares of preferred stock outstanding at a redemption price of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.

 
  As of June 30, 2014  
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
  Actual   As Adjusted  

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

  $ 94,693   $    
           
           

Debt:

             

Credit facilities(2)

  $   $  

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities, net

    1,292,279     1,292,279  
           

Total debt

    1,292,279     1,292,279  
           

Stockholders' equity:

             

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 125,000,000 shares authorized; 125 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted(3)

         

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 375,000,000 shares authorized, actual and as adjusted; 49,950,676 shares issued and outstanding, actual;                shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted

    500        

Capital in excess of par value(1)

    1,089,933        

Distributions in excess of retained earnings

    (36,801 )   (36,801 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (309 )   (309 )
           

Total stockholders' equity(1)

    1,053,323        
           

Total capitalization(1)

  $ 2,345,602   $    
           
           

(1)
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price per share would increase (decrease) each of as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, capital in excess of par value, stockholders' equity and total capitalization by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of shares we are offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would increase (decrease) each of as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, capital in excess of par value, stockholders' equity and total capitalization by approximately $             million, assuming the initial public offering price per share remains the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering

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    price of $            per share, would increase each of as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, capital in excess of par value, stockholders' equity and total capitalization by approximately $             million. Conversely, a decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would decrease each of as adjusted cash and cash equivalents, capital in excess of par value, stockholders' equity and total capitalization by approximately $             million.

(2)
On September 19, 2014, we entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which replaces our two existing secured credit facilities as further described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources." As of September       , 2014, we had $       million outstanding under this new credit facility, which we intend to repay with the net proceeds from this offering.

(3)
Upon written notice to each record holder of our Series A Preferred Stock as to the effective date of redemption, we may redeem the shares of our outstanding Series A Preferred Stock at our option, in whole or in part, at any time for cash at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share, for a total of $125,000 for the 125 shares outstanding, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock that are redeemed shall no longer be deemed outstanding shares of STORE Capital Corporation and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate. We plan to redeem all outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock following the completion of this offering so that there will be no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding.

        The table above should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this prospectus. This table excludes (1)             shares of restricted stock to be issued to our director nominees upon completion of this offering, based on an assumed public offering price of $            per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus); (2)            shares of our common stock available for future grant under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan; and (3)             shares (or, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares,             shares) of our common stock available for future grant under our 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

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DILUTION

        If you invest in our common stock, you will experience dilution to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share you pay in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2014 was approximately $963.7 million, or approximately $19.29 per share of common stock. We calculate net tangible book value per share by subtracting our total liabilities and redeemable preferred stock from our total tangible assets and dividing the result by the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2014. Our historical net tangible book value as of June 30, 2014 excludes $50.4 million in net lease intangibles (except for $5.8 million in net ground lease interests), $38.3 million in deferred costs, net and $6.5 million in prepaid expenses and other assets.

        After giving effect to the sale of the            shares of common stock we are offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $        per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated offering expenses, our as adjusted net tangible book value would have been approximately $         million, or approximately $        per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $        per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of approximately $        per share to new investors. The following table illustrates this calculation on a per share basis:

Assumed public offering price per share

        $    

Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2014

  $          

Increase per share attributable to the offering

             
             

As adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering

             
             

Dilution per share to new investors

        $    
             
             

        A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price per share would increase (decrease) our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $             million, or $            per share, and would increase (decrease) dilution to investors in this offering by $            per share, assuming that the number of shares we are offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would increase our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $             million, or $            per share, and would decrease dilution to investors in this offering by $            per share, assuming the initial public offering price per share remains the same. A decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would decrease our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $             million, or $            per share, and would increase dilution to investors in this offering by $            per share, assuming the initial public offering price per share remains the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $             per share, would increase our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $             million, or $            per share, and would decrease dilution to investors in this offering by $            per share. Conversely, a decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would decrease our as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $             million, or $            per share, and would increase dilution to investors in this offering by $            per share.

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        The following table summarizes, on an as adjusted basis as of June 30, 2014, after giving effect to this offering, the total number of shares of our common stock purchased from us and the total consideration and average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by investors in this offering.

 
  Shares Purchased
from Us
  Total
Consideration
to Us
   
 
 
  Average Price
per Share
 
 
  Number   Percent   Amount   Percent  

Existing stockholders

          % $                    % $               

Investors in this offering

                             
                         

Total

        100.0 % $                  100.0 %      
                         
                         

        A $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price per share would increase total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. A $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price per share would decrease total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would increase total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively, assuming the initial public offering price stays the same. A decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering would decrease total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively, assuming the initial offering price stays the same. An increase of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 increase in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would increase total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively. Conversely, a decrease of 1,000,000 in the number of shares we are offering, together with a concomitant $1.00 decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, would decrease total consideration paid by investors in this offering, total consideration paid by all stockholders and the average price per share paid by all stockholders by $             million, $             million and $            , respectively.

        The preceding paragraph and above table, and the bullet points immediately below, do not give effect to any shares that our existing stockholders may purchase in this offering. If the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares, the following will occur:

    the as adjusted percentage of shares of our common stock held by existing stockholders will decrease to approximately         % of the total as adjusted number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2014; and

    the as adjusted number of shares of our common stock held by new public investors will increase to                , or approximately        % of the total as adjusted number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2014.

        The tables and calculations above are based on 49,950,676 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and exclude, (1)            shares of restricted stock to be issued to our director nominees upon completion of this offering, based on an assumed public offering price of $      per share (the mid-point of the initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus);

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(2)              shares of our common stock available for future grant under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan; and (3)                     shares (or, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares,         shares) of our common stock available for future grant under our 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of STORE Capital Corporation included in this prospectus. Our historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The following summary consolidated financial data as of June 30, 2014 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for those periods. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2014. The data is only a summary and should be read together with the consolidated financial statements, the related notes and other financial information included in this prospectus.

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  Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
   
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
 
 
  Year Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
  2014   2013   2013   2012  

Statement of Operations Data:

                               

Total revenues

  $ 84,351   $ 46,440   $ 108,904   $ 40,610   $ 3,860  

Expenses:

                               

Interest

    31,042     15,799     39,180     11,472     1,120  

Transaction costs

    1,558     1,510     2,643     387     446  

Property costs

    145     19     127     7      

General and administrative

    9,066     7,154     14,132     10,362     4,024  

Depreciation and amortization

    24,710     12,790     30,349     11,015     964  
                       

Total expenses

    66,521     37,272     86,431     33,243     6,554  
                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    17,830     9,168     22,473     7,367     (2,694 )

Income tax expense

    102     51     155     70     5  
                       

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    17,728     9,117     22,318     7,297     (2,699 )

Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes

    1,096     1,875     3,995     879     677  
                       

Income before gain on dispositions of real estate investments

    18,824     10,992     26,313     8,176     (2,022 )

Gain on dispositions of real estate investments           

    1,137                  
                       

Net income (loss)

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992   $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )
                       
                       

Per Common Share Data:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations—basic and diluted

  $ 0.47   $ 0.32   $ 0.74   $ 0.45   $ (0.39 )

Net income (loss)—basic and diluted

    0.49     0.39     0.87     0.50     (0.29 )

Cash dividends declared

    0.81     0.71     1.46     0.586      

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

                               

Total real estate investments, at cost(1)

  $ 2,179,358         $ 1,643,635   $ 870,254   $ 230,822  

Carrying amount of loans and direct financing receivables

    101,627           66,917     41,450     4,956  
                         

Total investment portfolio, gross(1)

    2,280,985           1,710,552     911,704     235,778  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1)

    (66,693 )         (42,342 )   (12,005 )   (999 )
                         

Net investments

    2,214,292           1,668,210     899,699     234,799  

Cash and cash equivalents

    94,693           61,814     64,752     31,203  

Total assets

    2,371,518           1,786,100     979,833     270,468  

Credit facilities

                  160,662     29,971  

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities, net of premiums (discounts)

    1,292,279           991,577     306,581     13,500  

Total liabilities

    1,318,195           1,012,186     482,919     49,506  

Total stockholders' equity

    1,053,323           773,914     496,914     220,962  

Other Data:

                               

Funds from Operations(2)

  $ 42,420   $ 23,500   $ 54,843   $ 19,014   $ (982 )

Adjusted Funds from Operations(2)

  $ 46,625   $ 26,986   $ 61,479   $ 21,639   $ (17 )

Number of investment property locations (at period end)

    767           622     371     112  

% of owned properties subject to a lease contract (at period end)

    100 %         100 %   100 %   100 %

(1)
Includes the dollar amount of investments ($0.9 million and $9.4 million) and the accumulated depreciation and amortization ($0.01 million and $0.4 million) related to real estate investments held for sale at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

(2)
For definitions and reconciliations of Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations, see "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Measures."

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Our Business" sections of this prospectus, as well as the consolidated financial statements and related notes that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should read "Risk Factors" and the "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" sections of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Overview

        We were formed in 2011 to acquire and hold single-tenant commercial real estate properties throughout the United States that are leased to the properties' operators under long-term net leases. We focus on what we refer to as "operational" real estate, meaning that sales and profits are generated at that location by the business operating on that real estate, which makes that location "operational" to the business. Examples of operational real estate include restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters, furniture stores, colleges and professional schools, and sporting goods stores. By acquiring the real estate from the operators and then leasing the real estate back to them, they become our long-term tenants, and we refer to them as our customers. We provide a source of long-term capital to our customers by enabling them to avoid the need to incur debt and invest equity in order to finance the real estate that is essential to their business.

        We are a Maryland corporation organized as an internally managed real estate investment trust, or REIT. All of the real estate we acquire is held by our wholly owned subsidiaries, many of which are special purpose bankruptcy remote entities formed to facilitate the financing of our real estate. Our primary stockholder is STORE Holding Company, LLC, or STORE Holding, a Delaware limited liability company, substantially all of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. As a REIT, we will generally not be subject to federal income tax to the extent that we distribute all of our taxable income to our stockholders and meet other requirements.

        We predominantly acquire our single-tenant properties directly from our customers in sale-leaseback transactions where our customers sell us their operating properties and then simultaneously enter into a long-term triple-net lease with us to lease the property back. Accordingly, our properties are fully occupied and under lease from the moment we acquire them. All of our properties are subject to leases and we generate our cash from operations primarily through the monthly lease payments, or "base rent," we receive from our customers under their long-term leases with us. We also receive interest payments on loans receivable, which are a small part of our portfolio. We refer to the monthly lease and interest payments due from our customers as "base rent and interest." Most of our leases contain lease escalations every year or every several years that are based on the lesser of the increase in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, or a stated percentage (if expressed on an annual basis, currently averaging approximately 1.7%), which allows the monthly lease payments we receive to rise somewhat in an inflationary economic environment. As of June 30, 2014, approximately 97% of our leases (based on annualized base rent) are referred to as "triple net," which means that our customer is responsible for all of the maintenance, insurance and property taxes associated with the properties they lease from us, including any increases in those costs that may occur as a result of inflation. The remaining 3% of the leases had landlord responsibilities, generally related to maintenance and structural component replacement that may be required on such properties in the future. Also, we will occasionally incur nominal property-level expenses that are not paid by our

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customers, such as the costs of periodically making site inspections of our properties. We do not currently anticipate incurring significant capital expenditures or property costs. Since our properties are single-tenant properties, all of which are under long-term leases, it is not necessary for us to perform any significant ongoing leasing activities on our properties. As of June 30, 2014, the weighted average remaining term of our leases (calculated based on annualized base rent) was approximately 15 years, excluding renewal options, which are exercisable at the option of our tenants upon expiration of their base lease term. Leases approximating 98% of our base rent as of that date provide for tenant renewal options (generally two to four five-year options) and leases approximating 4% of our base rent provide our tenant the option, at their election, to purchase the property from us at a specified time or times (generally at the greater of the then-fair market value or our cost).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We acquire real estate with a combination of debt and equity capital and with cash from operations that is not otherwise distributed to our stockholders. Our equity capital is provided to us as needed for our real estate acquisition activity by investors in STORE Holding, which is our holding company parent. As of December 31, 2013, $290 million in remaining equity commitments were available to us from STORE Holding, all of which was received as of June 30, 2014. Our debt capital is provided on a temporary basis through short-term, variable-rate revolving credit facilities with banks, until a sufficiently large and diverse pool of real estate is accumulated to warrant the issuance of long-term fixed-rate debt, generally to banks or other institutional investors. We also, from time to time, obtain non-recourse mortgage financing from banks and insurance companies secured by specific property we pledge as collateral. By matching the expected cash inflows from our long-term real estate leases with the expected cash outflows of our long-term fixed-rate debt, we seek to "lock in," for as long as is economically feasible, the expected positive difference between our scheduled cash inflows on the leases and the cash outflows on our debt payments. In this way, we seek to reduce the risk that increases in interest rates would adversely impact our profitability.

        The availability of debt to finance commercial real estate in the United States can, at times, be impacted by economic and other factors that are beyond our control. An example of this is the period during the recession of 2007 to 2009 when availability of debt capital for commercial real estate was significantly curtailed. We seek to reduce the risk that long-term debt capital may be unavailable to us by limiting the period between the time we acquire our real estate and the time we finance our real estate with long-term debt. In addition, we have arranged our short-term debt facilities to have multiple-year terms in order to reduce the risk that short-term real estate financing would not be available to us. As we grow our real estate portfolio, we also intend to manage our debt maturities to reduce the risk that a significant amount of our debt will mature in any single year in the future. Management believes that the cash generated by our operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2014, our current borrowing capacity on our two secured credit facilities and our access to long-term debt capital, will be sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future and allow us to acquire the real estate for which we currently have made commitments. In order to continue to grow in the future beyond the equity provided to us by STORE Holding, our primary stockholder, we are seeking to access the public capital markets through this offering.

        As of December 31, 2013, our real estate investment portfolio totaled $1.7 billion, consisting of investments in 622 property locations with base rent and interest due from our customers aggregating approximately $12.2 million per month, excluding future rent payment escalations. By June 30, 2014, our investment portfolio had grown to almost $2.3 billion, consisting of investments in 767 property locations with base rent and interest aggregating approximately $16.1 million per month. Substantially all of our cash from operations is generated by our real estate portfolio.

        Our primary cash expenditures are the monthly principal and interest payments we make on the debt we use to finance our real estate investment portfolio and the general and administrative expenses

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of servicing the portfolio and operating our business. Since substantially all of our leases are triple net, our tenants are generally responsible for the maintenance, insurance and property taxes associated with the properties they lease from us; accordingly, we do not currently anticipate making significant capital expenditures or incurring other significant property costs.

        We intend to continue to grow through additional real estate investments. To accomplish this objective, we must continue to identify real estate acquisitions which are consistent with our underwriting guidelines and raise future additional capital. Historically, we have raised equity capital through private contributions from STORE Holding. With the completion of this offering, we expect to raise additional equity capital through the public issuance and sale of our common stock.

        We raise debt capital through several different markets, including the asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities markets, as well as the market for term debt financing. Each of these is described in more detail below. We believe that having access to multiple debt markets increases our financing flexibility because different debt markets may attract different debt investors, thus increasing our access to a potentially larger pool of debt investors. Also, a particular debt market may be more competitive than another at any particular point in time. In addition to these sources of debt capital, our senior leadership team has prior experience with senior secured and unsecured lines of credit, which may be deployed as we continue to grow the business and implement our asset-liability management strategies.

        Typically, we use short-term bank financing to acquire our real estate properties, until a sufficiently large and diverse pool of properties is accumulated to warrant the issuance of long-term debt, the proceeds of which we use to repay the amounts outstanding under our credit facilities. As of June 30, 2014, we had two secured bank credit facilities. One of the secured credit facilities, which renewed in October 2013, is currently structured as a repurchase facility consisting of two parts. The primary part is a two-year $150 million credit line, which is expandable to $250 million under certain circumstances. Borrowings under the primary portion of the facility bear an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.45%, are secured by real estate properties we pledge as collateral and are limited to 50% of the appraisal value of that real estate. The secondary part is a one-year $50 million credit line. Borrowings under this portion of the facility bear an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.95%, are limited to 100% of the purchase price of the real estate we pledge as collateral, and are secured by that real estate as well as our equity interests in certain of our consolidated special purpose subsidiaries and our holdings of the Class B notes issued under our STORE Master Funding debt program described below. Covenants under this credit facility include a minimum equity requirement of $25 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after October 2013, a minimum liquidity requirement of $10 million and a maximum pro forma leverage ratio of .75 to 1. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to concentration limits and portfolio covenants related to the pool of properties pledged as collateral, including a minimum weighted average aggregate fixed charge coverage ratio, or FCCR, for portfolio assets of 1.5 to 1 with no individual FCCR of less than 1 to 1. We continue to remain in compliance with these covenants. Our second secured credit facility is a three-year facility that expires in December 2015 and currently allows us to borrow up to $100 million, and is expandable up to $150 million under certain circumstances. Interest on borrowings under this facility is based on either a "base rate", as defined in the debt agreement, plus 2.00% or one-month LIBOR plus 3.00%. This facility is a full recourse obligation of the Company and is structured as a revolving credit facility whereby we pledge assets, which comprise a borrowing base, to the lender to secure any borrowings under the facility. The covenants under this second secured credit facility include a maximum leverage ratio of .65 to 1, minimum ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to fixed charges of 1.5 to 1 and a minimum consolidated net worth of $275 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after September 2012. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to portfolio covenants related to the pool of investment properties pledged as collateral under the facility, including a minimum weighted average aggregate FCCR for portfolio assets of 1.6 to 1 with no individual FCCR of less than

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1.25 to 1. We continue to remain in compliance with these covenants. The secured credit facilities also require payment of a non-use fee on undrawn amounts ranging from 0.25% to 0.70%.

        On September 19, 2014, we entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which replaces our two existing secured credit facilities that aggregate $300 million. This new facility, which includes an accordion feature that allows the size of the facility to be increased up to $500 million, is for an initial term of three years and includes a one-year extension option subject to certain conditions and the payment of a 20 basis point extension fee. Interest on the facility is determined using a leverage-based scale ranging from one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.50%, and also includes a fee of 0.25% assessed on the average unused portion of the facility. Availability under the facility is limited to 50% of the value of our unencumbered assets at any point in time. Covenants under this new facility include: maximum leverage of 65%, minimum fixed charge coverage of 1.5x, minimum net worth of $600 million plus 75% of net equity proceeds, and a maximum dividend payout ratio limited to 95% of Funds from Operations, all as defined in the agreement. The facility is recourse to us and includes a guaranty from STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC, one of our direct wholly-owned subsidiaries.

        As of June 30, 2014, essentially all of our long-term debt was fixed-rate debt, or was effectively converted to a fixed-rate for the term of the debt. Our primary long-term debt funding option is STORE Master Funding, which we began to use in 2012. As summarized below, a substantial portion of our real estate investment porfolio serves as collateral for outstanding borrowings under this debt program. Through this debt program, we arrange for bankruptcy remote, special purpose entity subsidiaries to issue multiple series of investment-grade asset-backed net-lease mortgage notes, or ABS notes, from time to time as additional collateral is added to the collateral pool. These ABS notes are issued in two classes, Class A and Class B. The Class A notes, which represent approximately 70% of the appraised value of the underlying real estate collateral, are currently rated A+ by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. We have historically retained the Class B notes, which are subordinated to the Class A notes as to principal repayment. The Class A notes generally require monthly payments of principal and interest with balloon payments due at their respective maturity dates, either seven or 10 years from date of issuance. The ABS notes are generally issued to institutional investors through the asset-backed securities market.

        Members of our senior leadership team pioneered the concept of serial issuances of rated debt backed by a growing collateral pool of net-leased commercial real estate in 2005. When we wish to issue additional long-term debt under the STORE Master Funding debt program, our special purpose entity subsidiaries acquire real estate assets to increase the size of the existing collateral pool sufficiently to support the additional debt. Upon issuance of a new series of debt under this program, the entire collateral pool (including the newly added real estate) will be pledged to secure all of the notes, both the existing and the new series, on a pro rata basis. This has the effect of increasing the diversity of the collateral pool for all of the note holders, including those that invested in prior series. For example, the first Master Funding note series issued in 2012 totaled $214.5 million in Class A principal amount, which was supported by a collateral pool valued at $305.9 million representing 132 property locations operated by 30 customers; those same note holders now hold notes secured by a significantly more diverse pool than when they purchased their investment, with the Master Funding notes outstanding at June 30, 2014 totaling $1.1 billion in Class A principal amount supported by a collateral pool valued at $1.5 billion representing 604 property locations operated by 143 customers. The amount of debt that can be issued in any new series is determined by the structure of the transaction and the amount of collateral that has been added to the pool. In addition, the issuance of each new series of notes is subject to the satisfaction of several conditions, including that there is no event of default on the existing note series and that the issuance will not result in an event of default on, or the credit rating downgrade of, the existing note series.

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        Absent a plan to issue additional long-term debt through the Master Funding program, we are not required to add assets to, or substitute collateral in, the existing collateral pool. We can voluntarily elect to substitute assets in the collateral pool, subject to meeting prescribed conditions that are designed to protect the collateral pool by requiring the substitute assets to be of equal or greater measure in attributes such as: the asset's fair value, monthly rent payments, remaining lease term and weighted average FCCR. In addition, we can sell underperforming assets and reinvest the proceeds in better performing properties. Any substitutions and sales are subject to an overall limitation of 35% of the collateral pool unless the substitution or sale is credit- or risk-based, in which case there are no limitations. Since our Master Funding program began in 2012, we sold two properties, representing less than 0.5% of the collateral pool value, with all of the sale proceeds reinvested as of July 2014.

        The A+ rating currently assigned to the Class A notes issued under our Master Funding program reflects the rating agency's opinion of the level of credit enhancement available for the benefit of the note holders. As structured, the Master Funding notes have several layers of credit enhancement—subordination (because the Class B notes are subordinate in payment of principal to the right of the more senior Class A notes); overcollateralization (since our Class A notes have an advance rate of 70%, the other 30% is the "overcollateralization" provided by the equity and the BBB-rated Class B notes held by STORE Capital); and the last layer of credit enhancement is the excess monthly cash flow generated by the collateral pool after debt service obligations and servicing and trustee expenses have been paid. A significant portion of our cash flows are generated by the special purpose entities comprising our Master Funding program. For the year ended December 31, 2013, excess cash flow, after payment of debt service and servicing and trustee expenses, totaled $24 million on cash collections of $60 million, which represents an overall ratio of cash collections to debt service of approximately 1.7 to 1 on the Master Funding program. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, excess cash flow totaled $23 million on cash collections of $55 million. If at any time the debt service coverage ratio (as defined in the program documents) generated by the collateral pool is less than 1.3 to 1, excess cash flow from the Master Funding entities will be deposited into a reserve account to be used for payments to be made on the net-lease mortgage notes, to the extent there is a shortfall. We anticipate that the debt service coverage ratio for the Master Funding program will remain well above program minimums.

        We believe our STORE Master Funding program provides us with several advantages, including the ability to:

    create a growing diversified pool of properties and realize resultant competitive debt costs;

    actively manage the pool of assets for the benefit of note holders as well as our stockholders, customers and other stakeholders;

    issue non-recourse (subject to certain customary limited exceptions) debt having limited corporate covenants, including but not limited to the fact that a change in control of STORE Capital would not cause the debt to become due, which increases our corporate flexibility; and

    issue frequent serial notes from a growing collateral pool to prudently extend sequential debt maturities.

        To complement STORE Master Funding, we also obtain debt in discrete transactions through other bankruptcy remote, special purpose entity subsidiaries, which debt is solely secured by specific real estate assets and is generally non-recourse to us (subject to certain customary limited exceptions). These discrete borrowings are generally in the form of traditional mortgage notes payable, with principal and interest payments due monthly and balloon payments due at their respective maturity dates, which typically range from seven to 10 years from the date of issuance. We generally obtain discrete secured borrowings from institutional commercial mortgage lenders, who subsequently securitize (that is, sell) the loans within the commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, market. We have also occasionally used similar types of financing from insurance companies and commercial

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banks. Our secured borrowings contain various covenants customarily found in mortgage notes, including a limitation on the issuing entity's ability to incur additional indebtedness on the underlying real estate. Certain of the notes also require the posting of cash reserves with the lender or trustee if specified coverage ratios are not maintained by the special purpose entity or the tenant.

        As previously noted, a substantial portion of our real estate investment portfolio serves as collateral for our consolidated outstanding debt. The following is a summary of the outstanding balance of our borrowings and the related gross investment amount of pledged real estate investments as of June 30, 2014:

 
   
  Gross Investment Amount  
(In millions)
  Oustanding
Borrowings
  Special Purpose
Entity
Subsidiaries
  All Other
Subsidiaries
  Total  

STORE Master Funding net-lease mortgage notes payable

  $ 1,093   $ 1,503   $   $ 1,503  

Other mortgage notes payable

    199     327         327  
                   

Total long-term

    1,292     1,830         1,830  

Secured credit facilities

        80     59     139  

Unencumbered real estate assets

        191     121     312  
                   

  $ 1,292   $ 2,101   $ 180   $ 2,281  
                   
                   

        Our decision to use STORE Master Funding or non-recourse traditional mortgage loan borrowings depends on borrowing costs, debt terms, debt flexibility and the tenant and industry diversification levels of the collateral pool. As we continue to acquire real estate, we expect to balance the overall degree of leverage on our portfolio by growing a pool of portfolio assets that will be unencumbered. A growing pool of unencumbered assets will increase our financial flexibility in the future by providing us with assets that could support unsecured short-term financing or that could serve as substitute collateral. Should market factors, which are beyond our control, adversely impact our access to these debt sources at economically feasible rates, our ability to grow through additional real estate acquisitions will be limited to any undistributed amounts available from our operations and any additional equity capital raises.

        As shown in the table below, net cash provided by operating activities rose since our inception primarily due to the increase in the size of our real estate investment portfolio. Our real estate investing activities have grown in volume as we continue to make headway into our target market by identifying and acquiring real estate, primarily through sale-leaseback transactions. Our investing activities in the table below are shown net of cash proceeds from the sales of 17 properties in 2013 aggregating $40.7 million and from the sales of seven properties aggregating $5.3 million in 2012. Real estate investment activity was funded with a combination of cash from operations, proceeds from the issuance of non-recourse debt obligations by our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries and proceeds from the issuance of common stock. We began making distributions in 2012 and paid dividends to our stockholders totaling $5.7 million in 2012 and $51.6 million in 2013. Cash for the increase in dividends between years resulted primarily from the increase in cash provided by our

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operations. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $61.8 million at December 31, 2013 and $94.7 million at June 30, 2014.

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31
2011
 
(In thousands)
  2014   2013   2013   2012  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 45,913   $ 23,914   $ 54,934   $ 22,415   $ 1,756  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (540,070 )   (376,632 )   (786,515 )   (672,154 )   (235,762 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    527,036     308,341     728,643     683,288     265,209  
                       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ 32,879   $ (44,377 ) $ (2,938 ) $ 33,549   $ 31,203  
                       
                       

        Management believes that the cash generated by our operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2014, our current borrowing capacity on our two secured credit facilities and our access to long-term debt capital, will be sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future and allow us to acquire the real estate for which we currently have made commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2013.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table provides information with respect to our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands).

 
   
  Payment due by period  
 
  TOTAL   1 year
(2014)
  1 - 3 years
(2015 - 2016)
  3 - 5 years
(2017 - 2018)
  More than
5 years
(after 2018)
 

Credit facilities (1)

  $   $   $   $   $  

Non-recourse long-term debt obligations:

                               

Principal

    991,402     16,218     38,089     51,021     886,074  

Interest

    342,025     48,750     94,637     89,889     108,749  

Commitments to customers

    40,353     37,979     2,374          

Corporate office operating lease obligations

    1,137     227     507     403      
                       

Total

  $ 1,374,917   $ 103,174   $ 135,607   $ 141,313   $ 994,823  
                       
                       

(1)
We had no balances outstanding on either of our secured credit facilities as of December 31, 2013.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        We seek to match the cash inflows from our long-term leases with the expected cash outflows on our long-term debt. To achieve this objective, our consolidated subsidiaries primarily borrow on a fixed-rate basis for longer-term debt issuances. At December 31, 2013, substantially all of our long-term debt outstanding carried a fixed interest rate. We are exposed to interest rate risk between the time we enter into a sale-leaseback transaction and the time we finance the related real estate with long-term fixed-rate debt. In addition, when that long-term debt matures, we may have to refinance the real estate at a higher interest rate. Market interest rates are sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control. Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of future interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flows.

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        To address interest rate risk, we seek to minimize the time period between acquisition of the real estate and the ultimate financing of that real estate with long-term fixed-rate debt. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we had average daily outstanding borrowings of $74.9 million on our variable-rate secured credit facilities at a weighted average annual interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.45% to 3.0%. We monitor our market interest rate risk exposures using a sensitivity analysis. Our sensitivity analysis estimates the exposure to market risk sensitive instruments assuming a hypothetical adverse change in interest rates. Based on the results of a sensitivity analysis, which assumes a 1% adverse change in interest rates, the estimated market risk exposure for our variable-rate debt was approximately $793,000, or less than 1.5% of net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our long-term debt generally provides for some amortization of the principal balance over the term of the debt, which serves to reduce the amount of refinancing risk at debt maturity. In addition, we may use various financial instruments designed to mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our cash flows and earnings, including hedging strategies, depending on our analysis of the interest rate environment and the costs and risks of such strategies. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on derivatives.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or the SEC. We adopt the new pronouncements as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, these new accounting pronouncements include technical corrections to existing guidance or introduce new guidance related to specialized industries or entities and therefore will have minimal, if any, impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

        In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (ASU 2014-08). This new guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in operations and have a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results would be presented as discontinued operations. The new standard is effective, on a prospective basis, for all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components of an entity that occur within interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We have chosen to early adopt ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2014 and have applied the provisions prospectively. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, we no longer present the operating results of sold properties, which do not represent a strategic shift in operations, as part of discontinued operations on the statement of operations. In implementing this guidance, the results of operations from properties sold or considered to be held for sale prior to adoption would still be reported as part of discontinued operations.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This new guidance establishes a principles-based approach for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. Lease contracts covered by Topic 840, Leases , are excluded from the scope of this new guidance. This new standard is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on our financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of our historical financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally

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accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The accounting policies discussed below are considered critical because changes to certain judgments and assumptions inherent in these policies could affect the financial statements. For more information on our accounting policies, please refer to the notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Accounting for Real Estate Investments

        We record the acquisition of real estate properties at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. We allocate the cost of real estate properties to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated relative fair values. Real estate properties subject to an existing in-place lease at the date of acquisition are recorded as business combinations, and each tangible and intangible asset and liability acquired is recorded at fair value. Management uses multiple sources to estimate fair value, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and leasing activities. We expense transaction costs associated with real estate acquisitions accounted for as business combinations in the period incurred. Properties classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the fair value, less anticipated closing costs.

Lease Intangibles

        In-place lease intangibles are valued based on management's estimates of lost rent and carrying costs during the time it would take to locate a tenant if the property were vacant, considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating lost rent and carrying costs, management considers market rents, real estate taxes, insurance, costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions and other related costs. The value assigned to in-place leases is amortized on a straight-line basis as a component of depreciation and amortization expense typically over the remaining term of the related leases.

        The fair value of any above-market and below-market leases is estimated based on the present value of the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and management's estimate of current market lease rates for the property, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease. Capitalized above-market lease intangibles are amortized over the remaining term of the respective leases as a decrease to rental revenue. Below-market lease intangibles are amortized as an increase in rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases plus the fixed-rate renewal periods on those leases, if any. Should a lease terminate early, the unamortized portion of any related lease intangible is immediately recognized in operations.

Impairment

        We review our real estate investments and related lease intangibles periodically for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management considers factors such as expected future undiscounted cash flows, estimated residual value, market trends (such as the effects of leasing demand and competition) and other factors in making this assessment. An asset is considered impaired if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted cash flows, and the impairment is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimating future cash flows is highly subjective and such estimates could differ materially from actual results.

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        We periodically evaluate the collectibility of our loans receivable, including accrued interest, by analyzing the underlying property-level economics and trends, collateral value and quality and other relevant factors in determining the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. A loan is determined to be impaired when, in management's judgment based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Specific allowances for loan losses are provided for impaired loans on an individual loan basis in the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less disposition costs.

Revenue Recognition

        We lease real estate to our tenants under long-term net leases that are predominantly classified as operating leases. Direct costs associated with lease origination, offset by any lease origination fees received, are deferred and amortized over the related lease term as an adjustment to rental revenue.

        Our leases generally provide for rent escalations throughout the lease terms. For leases that provide for specific contractual escalations, rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accordingly, accrued rental revenue, calculated as the aggregate difference between the rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis and scheduled rents, represents unbilled rent receivables that we will receive only if the tenants make all rent payments required through the expiration of the lease. Leases that have contingent rent escalators indexed to future increases in the CPI may adjust over a one-year period or over multiple-year periods. Generally, these escalators increase rent at the lesser of (a) 1 to 1.25 times the increase in the CPI over a specified period or (b) a fixed percentage. Because of the volatility and uncertainty with respect to future changes in the CPI, our inability to determine the extent to which any specific future change in the CPI is probable at each rent adjustment date during the entire term of these leases and our view that the multiplier does not represent a significant leverage factor, increases in rental revenue from leases with this type of escalator are recognized only after the changes in the rental rates have occurred. For leases that have contingent rentals that are based on a percentage of the tenant's gross sales, we recognize contingent rental revenue when the threshold upon which the contingent lease payment is based is actually reached.

        We suspend revenue recognition if the collectibility of amounts due pursuant to a lease is not reasonably assured or if the tenant's monthly lease payments become more than 60 days past due, whichever is earlier.

        We recognize interest income on loans receivable using the effective interest method applied on a loan-by-loan basis. Direct costs associated with originating loans are offset against any related fees received and the balance, along with any premium or discount, is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the related loan receivable using the effective interest method. A loan receivable is placed on nonaccrual status when the loan has become 60 days past due, or earlier if management determines that full recovery of the contractually specified payments of principal and interest is doubtful. While on nonaccrual status, interest income is recognized only when received.

Share-Based Compensation

        Certain of our directors, officers and key employees have been granted long-term incentive awards, including profits interests of STORE Holding, which provide them with equity interests as an incentive to remain in our service and align executives' interests with those of our equity holders. We estimate the fair value of restricted stock at the date of grant and recognize that amount in general and administrative expense ratably over the vesting period at the greater of the amount amortized on a

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straight-line basis or the amount vested. Historically, we have valued the restricted stock based on the per-share offering price of the common stock issued in our private equity offerings.

Depreciation

        Our real estate portfolio is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful life of the properties, which generally ranges from 30 to 40 years for buildings and is 15 years for land improvements. Any properties classified as held for sale are not depreciated.

Income Taxes

        We have made an election to qualify, and believe we are operating in a manner to continue to qualify, as a REIT for federal income tax purposes beginning with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. As a REIT, we will generally not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that we distribute all of our taxable income to our stockholders and meet other specific requirements; however, we are still subject to certain state and local income taxes and to federal income and excise tax on our undistributed income.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        We may enter into derivatives contracts as part of our overall financing strategy to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates associated with current and/or future debt issuances. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We record our derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.

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Results of Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2013

 
  Six months ended
June 30,
   
 
 
  Increase
(Decrease)
 
(In thousands)
  2014   2013  

Total revenues

  $ 84,351   $ 46,440   $ 37,911  

Expenses:

                   

Interest

    31,042     15,799     15,243  

Transaction costs

    1,558     1,510     48  

Property costs

    145     19     126  

General and administrative

    9,066     7,154     1,912  

Depreciation and amortization

    24,710     12,790     11,920  
               

Total expenses

    66,521     37,272     29,249  
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

    17,830     9,168     8,662  

Income tax expense

    102     51     51  
               

Income from continuing operations

    17,728     9,117     8,611  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    1,096     1,875     (779 )
               

Income before gain on dispostions of real estate investments

    18,824     10,992     7,832  

Gain on dispositions of real estate investments

    1,137         1,137  
               

Net income

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992   $ 8,969  
               
               

Overview

        As of June 30, 2014, our real estate investment portfolio had grown to almost $2.3 billion, consisting of investments in 767 property locations in 43 states, operated by 190 customers in various industries. Approximately 95% of the real estate investment portfolio represents commercial real estate properties subject to long-term leases, 5% represents mortgage loan and direct financing receivables primarily on commercial real estate buildings (located on land we own and lease to our customers) and a nominal amount represents loans receivable secured by our tenants' other assets. All of our owned properties were subject to a lease as of June 30, 2014.

Revenues

        Revenues rose to $84.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $46.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, driven primarily by the growth in the size of our real estate investment portfolio, which generated additional rental revenues and interest income. Our real estate investment portfolio grew from $1.3 billion in gross investment amount representing 498 properties at June 30, 2013 to almost $2.3 billion in gross investment amount representing 767 properties at June 30, 2014. Our real estate investments were made throughout the periods presented and were not all outstanding for the entire period; accordingly, the average real estate investment amounts outstanding during the six-month periods were $2.0 billion in 2014 and $1.1 billion in 2013. The weighted average rental and loan interest rate on our portfolio (calculated as the annualized base rent and interest in effect on the applicable date divided by the aggregate gross cost of the properties and loans comprising the real estate investment portfolio) was 8.5% as of June 30, 2014 as compared to 8.7% as of June 30, 2013.

        The initial rental rates we receive on sale-leaseback transactions on the various types of properties we target across the United States vary from transaction to transaction based on many factors, such as

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the terms of the lease, each property's real estate fundamentals and the market rents in the area. The majority of our transactions are sale-leaseback transactions where we acquire the property and simultaneously negotiate a lease with the tenant based on their business needs, whereas the properties listed in online commercial real estate marketplaces are often subject to existing leases and are offered by third-party sellers. Since our real estate leases represent an alternative for our customers to other forms of corporate capitalization, lease rates can also be influenced by changes in interest rates and overall capital availability. In general, because we provide tailored customer lease solutions, our lease rates have been historically subject to less variance than the auction marketplace as a whole. We have seen a general decrease of approximately 0.50% between June 2013 and June 2014 in real estate capitalization rates listed in online commercial real estate marketplaces. While we have experienced less downward lease rate pressures with the investments we have funded to date, we are seeing some lease rate compression within our investment pipeline. The lower long-term interest rate environment has contributed to this easing, as have the narrower differences between long-term and short-term interest rates, suggesting a greater market level comfort with long-term borrowing costs. We believe that this environment will contribute to some lease rate compression later in the year. The impact of lower lease rates may be wholly or partially offset by opportunities for lower long-term borrowing costs, although there is no assurance of this.

Interest Expense

        Interest expense increased to $31.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $15.8 million for the comparable period in 2013 due primarily to an increase in long-term borrowings used to partially fund the acquisition of properties for our growing real estate investment portfolio. We funded the growth in our real estate investment portfolio with added equity and long-term debt, using our short-term credit facilities to temporarily finance properties we acquired until we had a sufficiently large and diverse pool of properties to issue long-term fixed-rate debt. The average debt outstanding on our secured credit facilities decreased from $112.6 million in the 2013 period to $69.1 million in the 2014 period at a weighted average interest rate of 3.77% in 2013 as compared to 4.39% in 2014, including a non-use fee on undrawn amounts. During these periods, our secured credit facilities bore interest at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a credit spread of 2.45% to 3.0%. The LIBOR rate was fairly stable during the first six months of 2013 and 2014 at less than 0.3%. In July and December of 2013 and May of 2014, our consolidated special purpose entities issued a total of three series of STORE Master Funding net-lease mortgage notes payable aggregating $641 million in principal amount. In addition, we added $80.9 million of traditional mortgage debt between June 2013 and June 2014, bringing our long-term debt outstanding to $1.29 billion at June 30, 2014 from $584.6 million at June 30, 2013. The increase in interest expense due to our issuance of additional long-term debt was partially offset by a decrease in the weighted average interest rate of the debt, as

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the debt issued after June 30, 2013 generally bears lower interest rates than debt we issued in earlier years. The following table summarizes our interest expense for the periods (dollars in thousands).

 
  For the six months
ended June 30,
 
 
  2014   2013  

Interest expense—secured credit facilities (includes non-use fees)

  $ 1,519   $ 2,125  

Interest expense—unsecured credit facility

        59  

Interest expense—non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    26,711     11,738  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    2,885     1,885  

Amortization of debt (premium) discount, net

    (73 )   (8 )
           

Total interest expense

  $ 31,042   $ 15,799  
           
           

Secured short-term credit facilities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 69,147   $ 112,591  

Average interest rate (includes non-use fees)

    4.39 %   3.77 %

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 1,087,289   $ 453,750  

Average interest rate

    4.91 %   5.17 %

Transaction Costs

        Our real estate acquisitions have been predominantly sale-leaseback transactions, although we do occasionally acquire properties subject to an existing lease. Costs incurred on real estate transactions where we acquired properties that are subject to an existing lease were expensed to operations as incurred. Transaction costs expensed during the six months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $1.6 million, as compared to the $1.5 million incurred during the comparable period of 2013. Whether the real estate we acquire is subject to an existing lease or not determines how we account for the related transaction costs and, accordingly, may cause variability in the level of such costs expensed to operations in the future.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses include compensation and benefits; professional fees such as portfolio servicing, legal and accounting fees; and general office expenses such as insurance, office rent and travel costs. General and administrative costs totaled $9.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to $7.2 million for the same period in 2013 primarily due to the growth of our portfolio and additions to our staff due to the growth in our operations. Expenses, such as property-related insurance costs and the costs of servicing the properties and loans comprising our real estate portfolio, increase in direct proportion to the increase in the size of the portfolio. Other costs, including the compensation paid to our real estate acquisition personnel, are based on the volume of real estate acquisitions made during the period; these costs were higher during the first half of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 commensurate with the increase in acquisition volume. We added three additional employees between June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2014 to expand our primary internal operating functions, contributing to the increase in compensation and employee benefits expense. We expect that general and administrative expenses will continue to rise in some measure as our real estate investment portfolio grows; however, we expect that such expenses as a percentage of the portfolio will decrease over time due to efficiencies and economies of scale.

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense

        Depreciation and amortization expense generally rises in proportion to the increase in the size of our real estate portfolio and, accordingly, such expense rose from $12.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $24.7 million for the comparable period in 2014.

Net Income

        Our net income rose to $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from the $11.0 million in net income reported for the comparable period in 2013. The increase in net income is primarily due to the growth in the size of our real estate investment portfolio, which generated additional rental revenues and interest income. In addition, we reported an aggregate gain of $2.1 million on the sale of six properties during the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to an aggregate gain of $1.0 million on the sale of eight properties in the same period of 2013. Gains and losses on the sales of properties are reported, net of tax, below income from continuing operations.

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012

 
  Year ended December 31,    
 
 
  Increase
(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  2013   2012  

Total revenues

  $ 108,904   $ 40,610   $ 68,294  

Expenses:

                   

Interest

    39,180     11,472     27,708  

Transaction costs

    2,643     387     2,256  

Property costs

    127     7     120  

General and administrative

    14,132     10,362     3,770  

Depreciation and amortization

    30,349     11,015     19,334  
               

Total expenses

    86,431     33,243     53,188  
               

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

    22,473     7,367     15,106  

Income tax expense

    155     70     85  
               

Income from continuing operations

    22,318     7,297     15,021  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    3,995     879     3,116  
               

Net income

  $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ 18,137  
               
               

Overview

        As of December 31, 2013, our real estate investment portfolio totaled $1.7 billion, consisting of investments in 622 property locations in 42 states, operated by 148 customers in various industries. Approximately 96% of the real estate investment portfolio represents commercial real estate properties subject to long-term leases, 4% represents mortgage loans receivable on commercial real estate buildings (located on land we own and lease to our customers) and a nominal amount represents loans receivable secured by our tenants' inventory or other assets. All of our owned properties were subject to a lease and all of our tenants were current in their contractual payments to us as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Revenues

        Revenues rose by 168% to $108.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $40.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, driven primarily by the growth in the size of our

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real estate investment portfolio, which generated additional rental revenues and interest income. Our real estate investment portfolio grew from $911.7 million in gross investment amount representing 371 properties at December 31, 2012 to $1.7 billion in gross investment amount representing 622 properties at December 31, 2013. The $837 million we invested in portfolio assets during 2013 represented 268 properties operated by 94 customers in 33 industries in 39 states. Our real estate investments were made throughout the years presented and were not all outstanding for the entire period; accordingly, about half of the increase in revenues between years is related to recognizing a full year of revenue on acquisitions that were purchased during 2012 and about half of the increase represents a partial year of revenue on assets that were acquired during 2013. The full revenue impact of 2013 acquisitions will be seen in 2014. In addition, for those of our lease contracts that provided for scheduled rent escalations in 2013, the weighted average increase in monthly rent was 1.7%. Because the rent escalations occurred throughout the year, the full impact of 2013 rent escalations will not be recognized until 2014. The weighted average real estate investment amounts outstanding during the years were $1,280.2 million in 2013 and $486.2 million in 2012. The weighted average rental and loan interest rate on our portfolio (calculated as the annualized base rent and interest in effect on that date divided by the aggregate gross cost of the properties and loans comprising the real estate investment portfolio) was 8.6% as of December 31, 2013 as compared to 8.7% as of December 31, 2012.

        The initial rental rates we receive on sale-leaseback transactions on the various types of properties we target across the United States vary from transaction to transaction based on many factors, such as the terms of the lease, each property's real estate fundamentals and the market rents in the area. Although we have seen real estate capitalization rates in general that are listed in online commercial real estate marketplaces, for property types similar to those we target, decrease by approximately 0.4% between 2012 and 2013, the transactions we seek are generally those not listed in an auction marketplace and, as such, may not be subject to the same competitive pressures. The majority of our transactions are sale-leaseback transactions where we acquire the property and simultaneously negotiate a lease with the tenant based on their business needs, whereas the properties listed on the auction marketplaces are often subject to existing leases and are offered by third-party sellers. It has been our experience that a general decrease in capitalization rates in an auction marketplace, while influencing the market rental rates for some property types in some markets, does not have the same degree of impact on the properties we seek to acquire due to the custom-tailored nature of the sale-leaseback transactions we provide.

Interest Expense

        Interest expense increased to $39.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $11.5 million in 2012 due primarily to an increase in short-term and long-term borrowings used to partially fund the acquisition of properties for our growing real estate investment portfolio. We funded the growth in our real estate investment portfolio with added equity and long-term debt, using our short-term credit facilities to temporarily finance properties we acquired until we had a sufficiently large and diverse pool of properties to issue long-term fixed-rate debt. The average debt outstanding on our secured credit facilities increased from $54.8 million in 2012 to $74.9 million in 2013 at a weighted average interest rate of 3.18% in 2012 as compared to 3.13% in 2013. During these periods, our secured credit facilities bore interest at a variable rate based on one-month LIBOR plus a credit spread of 2.45% to 3.0%. The LIBOR rate was fairly stable during 2012 and 2013 at less than 0.3%. In addition to the interest, we paid a non-use fee on undrawn amounts. In March, July, and December of 2013, our consolidated special purpose entities issued a total of three series of STORE Master Funding net-lease mortgage notes payable aggregating $633 million in principal amount. In addition, we added $61.6 million of traditional mortgage debt for the year ended December 31, 2013, bringing our long-term debt outstanding to $991.4 million at December 31, 2013 from $306.6 million at

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December 31, 2012. The following table summarizes our interest expense for the periods (dollars in thousands).

 
  For the year
ended December 31,
 
 
  2013   2012  

Interest expense—secured credit facilities (includes non-use fees)

  $ 3,262   $ 2,393  

Interest expense—unsecured credit facility

    82     144  

Interest expense—non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    31,650     6,834  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    4,195     2,114  

Amortization of debt (premium) discount, net

    (9 )   (13 )
           

Total interest expense

  $ 39,180   $ 11,472  
           
           

Secured short-term credit facilities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 74,877   $ 54,814  

Average interest rate (includes non-use fees)

    4.36 %   4.37 %

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 629,181   $ 122,813  

Average interest rate

    5.03 %   5.56 %

Transaction Costs

        Our real estate acquisitions have been predominantly sale-leaseback transactions, though we do occasionally acquire properties subject to an existing lease. Costs incurred on real estate transactions where we acquired properties that are subject to an existing lease were expensed to operations as incurred. Transaction costs expensed during the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $2.6 million and were higher than the $0.4 million incurred during the comparable period of 2012, because we had a higher volume of transactions subject to existing leases in 2013. Whether the real estate we acquire is subject to an existing lease or not determines how we account for the related transaction costs and, accordingly, may cause variability in the level of such costs expensed to operations in the future.

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses include compensation and benefits; professional fees such as portfolio servicing, legal and accounting fees; and general office expenses such as insurance, office rent and travel costs. General and administrative costs totaled $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $10.4 million for 2012 primarily due to the growth of our portfolio and additions to our staff due to the growth in our operations. Expenses, such as property-related insurance costs and the costs of servicing the properties and loans comprising our real estate portfolio, increase in direct proportion to the increase in the size of the portfolio. Other costs, including the compensation paid to our real estate acquisition personnel, are based on the volume of real estate acquisitions made during the period; these costs were higher in 2013 than in 2012 because our acquisition volume was higher in 2013. We hired eight employees in 2013 to expand our primary internal operating functions, increasing compensation and employee benefits expense. We expect that general and administrative expenses will continue to rise in some measure as the real estate investment portfolio grows; however, we expect that such expenses as a percentage of the portfolio will decrease over time due to efficiencies and economies of scale.

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense

        Depreciation and amortization expense generally rises in proportion to the increase in the size of the real estate portfolio and, accordingly, such expense rose from $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 to $30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Net Income

        Our net income rose to $26.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from the $8.2 million in net income reported in 2012. The increase in net income is primarily due to the growth in the size of our real estate investment portfolio, which generated additional rental revenues and interest income. In addition, we reported an aggregate gain of $2.2 million (net of taxes) on the sale of 17 properties during the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to an aggregate gain of $0.2 million on the sale of seven properties during 2012. Gains and losses on the sales of properties are reported, net of tax, in income from discontinued operations.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to the Period from Inception (May 17, 2011) Through December 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands)
  Year Ended
December 31,
2012
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
  Increase
(Decrease)
 

Total revenues

  $ 40,610   $ 3,860   $ 36,750  

Expenses:

                   

Interest

    11,472     1,120     10,352  

Transaction costs

    387     446     (59 )

Property costs

    7         7  

General and administrative

    10,362     4,024     6,338  

Depreciation and amortization

    11,015     964     10,051  
               

Total expenses

    33,243     6,554     26,689  
               

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    7,367     (2,694 )   10,061  

Income tax expense

    70     5     65  
               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    7,297     (2,699 )   9,996  

Income from discontinued operations

    879     677     202  
               

Net income (loss)

  $ 8,176   $ (2,022 ) $ 10,198  
               
               

Revenues

        Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 rose to $40.6 million from $3.9 million for our first partial year of operations in 2011 primarily due to the substantial growth in our real estate investment portfolio. Our first real estate acquisition closed at the end of July 2011 at a purchase price of approximately $9.6 million. Between July and December of 2011, we acquired 132 real estate properties totaling $273.0 million in investment amount. Of the properties we purchased during 2011, we sold 20 properties totaling approximately $42 million that were a part of a single larger transaction and incurred approximately $42,000 in disposition costs on the sale of those properties. By December 31, 2011, our real estate property portfolio totaled $230.8 million, consisting of 112 properties in 25 states with Texas and Tennessee each representing more than 10% of the total investment amount. Also, in 2011 we held one loan receivable from one of our tenants in the amount of $5.0 million secured by the tenant's retail furniture inventory and other assets. During 2012, we

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invested in 266 real estate locations totaling $681.2 million. Also, during 2012, we sold seven properties, reporting an aggregate gain on the sales of approximately $180,000. By December 31, 2012, our real estate investment portfolio totaled $911.7 million representing investments in 371 properties in 34 states with only one state, Texas (at 15%), representing more than 10% of the total investment amount. Our total investment portfolio in 2012 also included five loans receivable with an aggregate carrying amount of $41.5 million, three of which loans were secured by land or buildings and two of which were secured by a tenant's equipment or inventory. The weighted average rental and loan interest rate of the portfolio at December 31, 2012 was 8.7%. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, all of our properties were subject to leases and the tenants were current in their lease payments. Since most of the properties in our portfolio at December 31, 2012 were not yet held an entire year, the full impact of the lease streams on reported revenue occurred in 2013.

Interest Expense

        During 2012, we began financing our existing portfolio and our newly acquired properties with long-term debt, increasing our mortgage notes payable from $13.5 million at December 31, 2011 to $306.6 million at December 31, 2012. We also increased the level of leverage on the portfolio (calculated as the total amount of debt outstanding as a percentage of the gross cost of the real estate investment portfolio) from 19% at December 31, 2011 to 51% at December 31, 2012. In addition, we increased the usage of our secured credit facilities in 2012 to acquire real estate investments pending further issuances of long-term fixed-rate debt. Accordingly, interest expense rose from $1.1 million for the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011 to $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Interest expense and related borrowings are summarized below (dollars in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2012
  Inception
(May 17, 2011)
through
December 31,
2011
 

Interest expense—secured credit facilities (includes non-use fees)

  $ 2,393   $ 569  

Interest expense—unsecured credit facility

    144     2  

Interest expense—non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    6,834     30  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    2,114     519  

Amortization of debt premium/discount

    (13 )    
           

Total interest expense

  $ 11,472   $ 1,120  
           
           

Secured short-term credit facilities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 54,814   $ 18,748  

Average interest rate—secured credit facilities (includes non-use fees)

    4.37 %   4.85 %

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities:

             

Average debt outstanding

  $ 122,813   $ 943  

Average interest rate

    5.56 %   5.30 %

General and Administrative Expenses

        General and administrative expenses increased from $4.0 million for the period from inception (May 17, 2011) to December 31, 2011 as compared to $10.4 million for the full year ended December 31, 2012, predominantly due to the shorter, partial-year operating period in 2011 since

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formation and to the addition of personnel and service providers to support our growing portfolio. The increase in our number of full-time employees from 19 at the end of 2011 to 36 at the end of 2012 was accompanied by expanding our office space and by related increased office costs, as well as increased costs related directly to the larger real estate portfolio, such as servicing and insurance costs.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

        Depreciation and amortization expense grew from approximately $1.0 million for the period from inception in May 2011 to December 31, 2011 to $11.0 million for the full year ended December 31, 2012 due to the growth in the real estate portfolio.

Net Income (Loss)

        Net income rose to $8.2 million in 2012 from a net loss of $2.0 million in 2011 primarily due to the increase in revenue generated by our growing real estate investment portfolio. Also, our operations in 2011 included expenses related to our organizational and start-up activities and we incurred a net loss for that initial period of operations from our inception (May 2011) through December 31, 2011.

Non-GAAP Measures

        Our reported results are presented in accordance with GAAP. We also disclose Funds from Operations, or FFO, and Adjusted Funds from Operations, or AFFO, both of which are non-GAAP measures. We believe these two non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they are widely accepted industry measures used by analysts and investors to compare the operating performance of REITs. FFO and AFFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements; accordingly, they should not be considered alternatives to net income as a performance measure or cash flows from operations as reported on our statement of cash flows as a liquidity measure and should be considered in addition to, and not in lieu of, U.S. GAAP financial measures.

        We compute FFO in accordance with the definition adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT. NAREIT defines FFO as GAAP net income or loss adjusted to exclude net gain from sales of depreciated real estate assets, real estate impairment losses, depreciation and amortization expense from real estate assets, extraordinary items and other specified non-cash items, including the pro rata share of such adjustments of unconsolidated subsidiaries. To derive AFFO, we modify the NAREIT computation of FFO to include other adjustments to GAAP net income related to non-cash revenues and expenses such as straight-line rents, amortization of deferred financing costs and stock-based compensation. Such items may cause short-term fluctuations in net income but have no impact on operating cash flows or long-term operating performance. Additionally, in deriving AFFO we exclude transaction costs associated with acquiring real estate subject to existing leases; we exclude these costs from AFFO because they are not the primary drivers of our decision making process. We use AFFO as one measure of our performance when we formulate corporate goals.

        FFO is used by management, investors and analysts to facilitate meaningful comparisons of operating performance between periods and among our peers primarily because it excludes the effect of real estate depreciation and amortization and net gains on sales, which are based on historical costs and implicitly assume that the value of real estate diminishes predictably over time, rather than fluctuating based on existing market conditions. We believe that AFFO is an additional useful supplemental measure for investors to consider because it will help them to better assess our operating performance without the distortions created by other non-cash revenues or expenses. FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

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        The following is a reconciliation of net income (which we believe is the most comparable GAAP measure) to FFO and AFFO.

 
   
   
   
   
  From
Inception
(May 17,
2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
 
 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  2014   2013   2013   2012  

Net income (loss)

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992   $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )

Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets:

                               

Continuing operations

    24,565     12,686     30,117     10,871     952  

Discontinued operations

        445     575     147     47  

(Gain) loss on dispositions of real estate, net of tax

    (2,106 )   (623 )   (2,162 )   (180 )   41  
                       

Funds from Operations

    42,420     23,500     54,843     19,014     (982 )

Adjustments:

                               

Straight-line rental revenue, net

    (1,502 )   (486 )   (1,421 )   (218 )    

Amortization of above-market lease intangibles

    197                  

Transaction costs

    1,558     1,510     2,643     387     446  

Non-cash equity-based compensation

    1,140     585     1,228     356      

Non-cash interest expense

    2,812     1,877     4,186     2,100     519  
                       

Adjusted Funds from Operations

  $ 46,625   $ 26,986   $ 61,479   $ 21,639   $ (17 )
                       
                       

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GRAPHIC


LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

To our prospective stockholders:

        S|T|O|R|E Capital was started in May 2011, but we are hardly new. S|T|O|R|E is the culmination of thousands of real estate investments made over multiple companies in a journey that has produced consistently superior risk-adjusted stockholder returns. Our formula for achieving success has been to first fill a market need. In our case, we serve real estate-intensive companies who have a choice to either own or rent their real estate. Through our ownership of the real estate they use every day in their businesses, our aim is to reduce our customers' cost of capital and elevate their stockholder wealth. What has been rewarding to me and our team is to have helped so many customers over the years, while at the same time having consistently added value to our stockholders.

        I have served as President of three "net-lease" real estate investment trusts (REITs) and have been engaged in net-lease and mortgage financing activities for almost thirty years. The two prior companies I presided over were, like S|T|O|R|E, initially privately held, then publicly listed, with investors benefitting greatly from their decision to invest in us. Ultimately, each prior company was sold, one to a global finance company and the other to an international consortium. S|T|O|R|E is the finest investment and management platform I have been associated with because it is a progression from our continuing education and prior successes. I started S|T|O|R|E with an excellent team of leaders who have worked together across one or both of our prior companies. Our Chairman, Mort Fleischer, has served as Chairman of all three companies, starting with Franchise Finance Corporation of America (FFCA) in 1979, then later Spirit Finance Corporation (Spirit) in 2003 before helping to found S|T|O|R|E in 2011.

        S|T|O|R|E is the most aptly named of our three companies. The name, which stands for S ingle T enant O perational R eal E state, also reflects our progression. When we took FFCA public in 1994, our company held a net-lease real estate portfolio limited to chain restaurant assets. FFCA's name stemmed from its initial extension of real estate and equipment financing to chain restaurant franchisees, where it was for years a leading capital provider. We later extended our offerings to interstate travel plazas, automotive parts and services companies and convenience stores. Over the years, we concluded that chain restaurants and the other real estate types we held were not separate asset classes, but a single asset class we call "profit center," or STORE real estate. What makes this an asset class is that risk evaluation can be performed on three levels: the success of the profit-center real estate that we own or finance, the overall corporate credit of our tenant and the value of the underlying real estate. This fact has a great bearing on how investment risk can be measured. S|T|O|R|E was formed to be a "pure play" on this broad asset class.

        Why did we form S|T|O|R|E? Because we believe the market is not sufficiently addressed by existing participants and we believe it to be very large: over $2 trillion in size. In 2013, we invested approximately $840 million into STORE assets and, through June 30, 2014, we have made additional investments totaling $591 million. Our investment activity was consistent with our prior companies, and our goal is to increase this annual investment. With a focus on middle market and larger unrated companies, we believe we became the market leader in just our second full year of operations. We have, through our history, made most of our investments in the real estate employed by middle-market and larger unrated companies. We have always believed that these companies need capital, and even more so since the passage of Dodd Frank and the implementation of Basel III, which have discouraged the provision of long-term real estate capital from traditional regulated institutions. Consistent with our

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past endeavors, we are here to grow the market for net-lease capital; we are here to create demand, and not just take market share.

        How did we make S|T|O|R|E better? We have learned a great deal about how to capitalize and operate a REIT. In 1995, FFCA was the first net-lease REIT to achieve an investment-grade credit rating. Shortly thereafter, we added to our net-lease investment strategies by including a mortgage finance program that was funded through the issuance of rated mortgage-backed securities; we were also the first net-lease REIT to make use of this financing technique, raising proceeds from issuing securities with ratings ranging from AAA to BBB. This securitization activity impressed upon us the importance of strong information and reporting systems, which were required by our fixed income stakeholders and the rating agencies that evaluated our bond issuances. So, at S|T|O|R|E, we elected at the outset to make an investment in an information systems platform that expanded on many of our best prior ideas. Since our days at FFCA, where we published extensive industry research, we have always been huge collectors of data. We believe that having premier information systems can both enable portfolio performance improvement and broaden our financial flexibility. The result is our best financial reporting and servicing platform to date.

        How we structure our borrowings is key to stockholder returns. At S|T|O|R|E, we incorporated a financing innovation we made in 2005 that is exceptionally well-suited to STORE assets: we created our second real estate master trust, which we call STORE Master Funding. We decided to use this financing tool, rather than being an unsecured bond issuer as we were at FFCA, because it can actually lower the cost of our liabilities. By liabilities, I mean both term borrowings and preferred stock, which are borrowing tools customarily used by REITs. In addition, our Master Funding conduit permits greater operational flexibility. Our 2007 sale of Spirit is a perfect illustration of this, because the master trust financing permitted the change of control, thereby enhancing investor returns. At S|T|O|R|E, we started with our own A-rated conduit, but received a ratings upgrade to A+ from Standard & Poor's in May 2014. This positions S|T|O|R|E amongst the few REITs to have access to A+ rated borrowings.

        Direct originations have been a hallmark of the companies we have managed. Net-lease REITs, in purchasing real estate, are always providing capital to someone. If real estate is acquired from a third party and is already subject to a lease contract, there are typically limited ways to add value to the seller. However, for transactions that are done directly with real estate-intensive companies, the dynamics are different because the tenant, and not a third party owner, is the customer. Since there is no existing real estate lease contract, we have an opportunity to craft a capital solution that is attentive to the business. Problems that we solve range from operational flexibility to tax considerations to renovations to new construction. With respect to operational flexibility, our customers are most interested in our ability to help them expand outperforming properties and address underperforming assets. We refer to property expansion as Opportunity Value Capture. Administering underperforming properties involves numerous options to limit the cost to companies of getting locked into long-term lease agreements on properties that detract from their business value; we refer to this as Opportunity Cost Containment. Most landlords do not think about these issues, and many are constrained from providing such solutions. But our customers are right to think about this, and we have long viewed lease flexibility to be important. In two published articles that I wrote last year, I estimated that the value of such lease flexibility could well equal a company's existing equity valuation (1) . With an ability to provide this kind of added value to our customers, we have naturally been able to realize superior lease pricing over auctioned real estate that is subject to someone else's lease contract.

        There is always a credit component to making a net-lease real estate investment. Any tenant can have their credit rated, either by a rating agency or by third party algorithms. We use Moody's

   


(1)
Christopher H. Volk, "An Opportunity Cost Primer," Strategic Finance April 2013.
Christopher H. Volk, "In Search of Opportunity Value," Corporate Finance Review July/August 2013.

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RiskCalc to rate our tenants. But the risk in a STORE property net-lease investment lies less in the tenant than in the lease contract itself. At the heart of lease contracts are obligors, guarantors, cross-default issues, master leases, financial reporting requirements and the price paid for the real estate. Lease contracts, not tenant credit ratings, govern investment risk. At S|T|O|R|E, we built upon our extensive history to create the STORE Score, which is effectively a risk rating on each lease contract. Notably, given the profits our STORE properties produce for our customers, we believe the risk ratings of our contracts are materially superior to our customers' corporate credit ratings. As a result, we seek to undertake investment risk comparable to portfolios comprised of investment-grade-rated tenants.

        Without growth prospects, dividend-intensive companies can be interest rate-sensitive. Stockholder returns come from dividends and share price changes. In turn, share price changes tend to be most responsive to cash flow growth per share. And cash flow growth per share is mostly a function of internal cash flow growth (arising from rental increases and reinvested surplus cash flow) and external cash flow growth (arising from continued new accretive investments that are enabled by new equity issuances). We have been attentive to these dynamics over many years and many economic and interest rate environments. We formed S|T|O|R|E to be a dynamic company that can grow in a variety of economic environments by filling the continued demands of the large market we continue to serve.

        Our approaches to corporate capitalization, operations and net-lease investing have been formed over thirty years. Our approach to corporate governance has been more constant. In a world of short-term pressures, we have always sought to take the long-term view. Making the investment in our leading-edge IT platform at S|T|O|R|E is one such example, which we expect to pay investors back for many years to come through increased operating efficiency and better portfolio performance. You should likewise not see us ever trading off short-term lease rates for long-term growth, or growing for growth's sake. And when we borrow money, we will generally seek extended debt terms, even if the interest rates are higher. We have done this in order to lessen investor long-term risk to enhance the long-term value of our platform. We have also sought to be considerate of our cost of capital. We believe that a key goal of a leadership team is to create stockholder value by making accretive investments. At the same time, we have always been mindful of our other stakeholders, including our customers, note holders and employees. Over many years, we have been proud to help our customers create wealth and succeed. We have been likewise pleased to have forged long-term relationships with our note holders and to have provided personal growth opportunities for our employees in an environment that encourages debate, change, teamwork, professionalism and personal accomplishment.

        As we introduce S|T|O|R|E to the public markets, we will be over three years old with a scalable, efficient operating platform, highly competitive and flexible borrowing sources and a portfolio of profit center real estate totaling over $       billion. Proceeds from this offering will help us to lower our cost of capital and permit our continued rapid growth. S|T|O|R|E is already a market leader, and we believe we have years of high relative growth ahead of us. For more than 30 years, through a variety of interest rate and economic environments, we have proved out the need for our services, with almost $12 billion deployed. S|T|O|R|E is poised to be a leader in this marketplace and to do what we have always done for our stakeholders: deliver and make a difference.

GRAPHIC


Christopher H. Volk
Chief Executive Officer

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OUR BUSINESS

Our Company

        S|T|O|R|E is an internally managed net-lease real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is a leader in the acquisition, investment and management of S ingle T enant O perational R eal E state, or STORE Properties, which is our target market and the inspiration for our name. S|T|O|R|E continues the investment activities of our senior leadership team, which has been investing in single-tenant operational real estate for over three decades. We are one of the largest and fastest-growing net-lease REITs and own a large, well-diversified portfolio that consists of investments in 767 property locations operated by 190 customers across 43 states as of June 30, 2014. Our customers operate across a wide variety of industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors of the U.S. economy, with restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters and furniture stores representing the top industries in our portfolio. We estimate the market for STORE Properties to be among the nation's largest real estate sectors, exceeding $2 trillion in market value and including more than 1.5 million properties.

        We provide net-lease solutions principally to middle-market and larger companies that own STORE Properties. The distinguishing characteristic of STORE Properties is that sales and profits are generated at the location by the business operating on that real estate, making each location a profit center and, therefore, fundamentally important to that business. Our net-lease solutions are designed to provide a long-term, lower-cost solution to improve our customers' capital structures and, thus, be a preferred alternative to real estate ownership.

        In addition to the value we provide our customers, we also seek to create value for our stockholders by:

    Originating real estate investments that provide superior returns.   More than 75% of our investments (by dollar volume) have been originated by our internal origination team through direct customer relationships using our form financing documents. Our focus on direct originations allows us to offer custom-tailored financing solutions, superior customer service and greater certainty of execution for which we have received a higher lease rate. The result has been that, since our founding, we have realized average initial lease and loan rates measurably higher than those available in the broad broker, or auction, marketplace. For example, our weighted average net-lease capitalization rate exceeded the weighted average net-lease capitalization rate on leases of national restaurant franchise concepts for each of the quarters shown in the table below. Our senior leadership team believes the difference in capitalization rate represents the value many of its restaurant customers paid for our custom-tailored financing solution, superior customer service and greater certainty of execution.

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Our Net-Lease Pricing Advantage

GRAPHIC

        Source: NNNetAdvisors.com, other than S|T|O|R|E data

          1 Includes national restaurant concepts that have a minimum of 100 franchised locations and no corporate guarantee from the franchisor. Examples of such concepts include Applebee's, Burger King, Golden Corral, Hooters, KFC, O'Charley's, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Ruby Tuesday, T.G.I. Friday's and Taco Bell, all of which are represented in our restaurant portfolio, which is our largest industry within the service sector at 30.8% of annualized base rent and interest as of June 30, 2014. See "Our Business— Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio—Diversification by Industry."

          2 Includes retail, industrial and medical office concepts that have a minimum of 100 locations and are leased to a tenant under a lease with 10 or more years remaining on the base lease term, with retail comprising the bulk of this category. Examples of such concepts include Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Carmike Cinemas, Fred's (general merchandiser), Gander Mountain (sporting goods retailer), Gold's Gym and The RoomStore, all of which are represented in our retail portfolio, which, collectively, is our second largest sector at 15.5% of annualized base rent and interest as of June 30, 2014. See "Our Business—Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio—Diversification by Industry."

      Our stockholder returns are also enhanced by rent payment escalations in our leases, which provide a stable source of internal revenue growth. As of June 30, 2014, substantially all of our leases provided for payment escalations, with approximately 63% providing for annual escalations. The weighted average annual escalation of our base rent and interest is 1.7% (if the escalations in all of our leases are expressed on an annual basis) as of June 30, 2014.

    Implementing innovative and judicious borrowing strategies.   We seek to employ leverage judiciously, using diverse sources of fixed-rate, long-term financing. S|T|O|R|E is one of the few REITs to have an A+ rated borrowing capacity, which we define to mean either a corporate credit rating of A+ or higher from a nationally recognized rating agency or a securitization vehicle, or conduit, through which A+ or higher-rated debt securities are issued. Our largest borrowing source is our private conduit program, STORE Master Funding, which was pioneered by our senior leadership team in 2005, under which multiple series of A+ rated notes are issued from time to time to institutional investors in the asset-backed securities market. The notes are secured by a collateral pool of properties owned by certain of our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries and the related leases; the payments under the leases are used to make payments on the notes. These notes provide us with access to long-term, low cost capital and the flexibility to manage our portfolio and provide our customers with operational flexibility that can enhance their business value.

    Continuing to grow through accretive investments.   Our origination team has been one of the most active in the nation, evaluating a large, robust and dynamic list of potential investment opportunities, or pipeline. The size of our pipeline permits us to be highly selective with respect to our investments while acquiring a large investment portfolio. In accumulating our growing investment portfolio, we are constantly evaluating a pipeline that exceeds ten times the volume

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      of transactions that we close. Our pipeline has been the engine for our investment growth from its founding in 2011 to an investment portfolio that totals almost $2.3 billion as of June 30, 2014, as depicted in the chart below. We intend to continue to grow our portfolio by pursuing value-added investment opportunities.

Our Total Investment Portfolio at Quarter End

GRAPHIC

    Managing investment risk.   We believe that diligent investment underwriting, strong lease documentation that forges alignments of interest with our customers, portfolio diversity and proactive portfolio management are important to protect stockholder returns. Each of our investments has been backed by an attention to underwriting, documentation and ongoing portfolio monitoring developed by our senior leadership team over a period of more than 30 years.

    Operating a scalable and efficient platform.   We believe S|T|O|R|E is the most efficient and scalable platform ever constructed by our senior leadership team, supported by investments in the latest generations of scalable servicing, information and customer relationship management technologies.

        S|T|O|R|E was founded by members of our senior leadership team in May 2011. Over more than 30 years, our team has invested almost $12 billion in STORE Properties through public limited partnerships and two private and public real estate investment trusts. The two public real estate investment trusts, Franchise Finance Corporation of America, or FFCA, and Spirit Finance Corporation (now Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.), or Spirit, were both listed on the New York Stock Exchange until they were sold in 2001 and 2007, respectively. Both FFCA and Spirit outperformed the REIT sector while listed, achieving annualized total returns of 12.2% and 19.7%.

        In the following tables, we present the total annualized returns of FFCA and Spirit, which were managed by members of our senior leadership team, compared against total returns on the S&P 500 and the MSCI US REIT Index. Some of these figures date as far back as 20 years and cover periods with economic characteristics and cycles and interest rate environments that are significantly different from those we face today and may face in the future. This past performance data is not an indicator of our future performance, and our total returns may be significantly less than those reflected in this data. In addition, our future performance may not outpace, and may be significantly outpaced by, the S&P 500 and the MSCI US REIT Index. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the past performance data set forth below and presented elsewhere in this prospectus.

        The following table shows the annualized total return of FFCA while a public company compared with that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the MSCI US REIT Index.

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Relative Performance of FFCA While a Public Company (Annualized Total Return(1)(2)(3))

 
  FFCA   S&P 500   MSCI US REIT
Index
 

From IPO to de-listing

    12.2 %   16.7 %   11.5 %

(Jun-94 to Aug-01)

                   

Two years prior to de-listing

    17.8 %   (4.3 )%   16.9 %

(Aug-99 to Aug-01)

                   

One year prior to de-listing

    18.6 %   (19.5 )%   15.7 %

(Aug-00 to Aug-01)

                   

(1)
From FFCA's IPO in June 1994 at $20.00 per share until it was acquired in August 2001 for $25.00 per share, it delivered a 12.2% annualized total return to stockholders, as compared to the 11.5% returned by the benchmark MSCI US REIT Index and the 16.7% returned by the S&P 500 Index over the same period. This total return calculation incorporates both the stock price performance and dividends paid. We have selected the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index for purposes of this table because it includes approximately 80% coverage of the available market capitalization in the United States and is considered a common benchmark used by investors when evaluating a company's trading performance relative to the broad universe of U.S. domestic equity securities. The MSCI US REIT Index is used for purposes of comparison in this table because it currently includes 135 U.S. equity REITs and is considered the primary benchmark for U.S. equity REIT performance. However, comparison of FFCA's stock performance to the performance of the MSCI US REIT Index and the S&P 500 Index may be limited due to the differences between FFCA and the other companies represented in the MSCI US REIT Index and the S&P 500 Index, including with respect to size, asset type, geographic concentration and investment strategy. The information regarding annualized total return to stockholders achieved by FFCA is not a guarantee or prediction of the returns that we may achieve in the future, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able to replicate these returns.

(2)
Past performance is not an indicator of future performance, and we may achieve total returns that are less than those shown in the table above. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—The past performance of FFCA and Spirit is not an indicator of our future performance."

(3)
Annualized total return calculation incorporates both the stock price performance and dividends paid. Calculations for FFCA are based on data from Bloomberg, Datastream and publicly available company filings and do not account for tax effects.

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        The following table shows the annualized total return of Spirit while a public company compared with that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the MSCI US REIT Index.


Relative Performance of Spirit While a Public Company (Annualized Total Return(1)(2)(3))

 
  Spirit   S&P 500   MSCI US REIT
Index
 

From IPO to de-listing

    19.7 %   8.8 %   10.8 %

(Dec-04 to Aug-07)

                   

Two years prior to de-listing

    19.3 %   9.3 %   6.6 %

(Aug-05 to Aug-07)

                   

One year prior to de-listing

    40.1 %   14.0 %   (1.8 )%

(Aug-06 to Aug-07)

                   

(1)
From Spirit's IPO in December 2004 at $11.00 per share until it was acquired in August 2007 for $14.50 per share, it delivered a 19.7% annualized total return to stockholders, as compared to the 10.8% returned by the benchmark MSCI US REIT Index and the 8.8% returned by the S&P 500 Index over the same period. This total return calculation incorporates both the stock price performance and dividends paid. We have selected the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index for purposes of this table because it includes approximately 80% coverage of the available market capitalization in the United States and is considered a common benchmark used by investors when evaluating a company's trading performance relative to the broad universe of U.S. domestic equity securities. The MSCI US REIT Index is used for purposes of comparison in this table because it currently includes 135 U.S. equity REITs and is considered the primary benchmark for U.S. equity REIT performance. However, comparison of Spirit's stock performance to the performance of the MSCI US REIT Index and the S&P 500 Index may be limited due to the differences between Spirit and the other companies represented in the MSCI US REIT Index and the S&P 500 Index, including with respect to size, asset type, geographic concentration and investment strategy. The information regarding total return to stockholders achieved by Spirit is not a guarantee or prediction of the returns that we may achieve in the future, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able to replicate these returns.

(2)
Past performance is not an indicator of future performance, and we may achieve total returns that are less than those shown in the table above. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—The past performance of FFCA and Spirit is not an indicator of our future performance."

(3)
Annualized total return calculation incorporates both the stock price performance and dividends paid. Calculations for Spirit are based on data from Bloomberg, Datastream and publicly available company filings and do not account for tax effects.

        Our Chairman of the Board, Morton H. Fleischer, founded FFCA (where he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) and was a co-founder of Spirit (where he served as Chairman); our Chief Executive Officer, Christopher H. Volk, served as President of FFCA, was a co-founder of Spirit (where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer) and was a member of the boards of directors of both companies where he chaired their respective investment committees (and chairs our investment committee today); and our Chief Financial Officer, Catherine Long, served as principal accounting officer of FFCA and Chief Financial Officer of Spirit. All of the members of our senior leadership team have worked together at one or both of these companies where they developed and have continued to refine our investment, origination and underwriting strategies and processes.

        Prior to this offering, a substantial portion of our equity capital has been provided by certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. either directly or through certain of its subsidiaries. Oaktree is a global investment management firm specializing in alternative investments

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with approximately $91 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2014. Its parent company, Oaktree Capital Group, LLC, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OAK." We have also received equity investments from several pension and other institutional investors, whose investments in us are managed by Oaktree, as well as investments from certain members of our senior leadership team. We believe we are the only REIT investing in STORE Properties that has been capitalized primarily by large, sophisticated institutional investors. Through this offering, we intend to supplement our initial private institutional equity capital with public capital to facilitate our growth and continued improvement in our capital efficiency.

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. We believe that we have been organized and operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify as a REIT for federal income taxes commencing with such year. We currently intend to continue to operate as a REIT in the future.


Our Target Market

        We are a leader in providing real estate financing solutions principally to middle-market and larger businesses that own STORE Properties and operate in the service, retail and industrial sectors of the U.S. economy. We estimate the market for STORE Properties to exceed $2 trillion in market value and to include more than 1.5 million properties.

        We define middle-market companies as those having approximate annual gross revenues of between $20 million and $300 million, although some of our customers have annual revenues substantially in excess of $300 million. Most of our customers do not have credit ratings, while some have ratings from rating agencies that service insurance companies or fixed-income investors. Most of these unrated companies either prefer to be unrated or are simply too small to issue debt rated by a nationally recognized rating agency in a cost-efficient manner.

        Despite the market's size, the financing marketplace for STORE Properties is highly fragmented, with few participants addressing the long-term capital needs of middle-market and larger unrated companies. While we believe our net-lease financing solutions can add value to a wide variety of companies, we believe the largest underserved market and, therefore, our greatest opportunity is bank-dependent, middle-market and larger companies that generally have less access to efficient sources of long-term capital.

        We believe the demand for our net-lease solutions is even greater today as a result of the current bank regulatory environment. In our view, the increased scrutiny and regulation of the banking industry over the past several years in response to the collapse of the housing and mortgage industries from 2007 to 2009, particularly with the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Basel Accords issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, have made commercial banks even less responsive to the long-term capital needs of middle-market companies. These companies have historically depended on commercial banks for their financing.

        S|T|O|R|E was formed to capitalize on this market opportunity to address the capital needs of middle-market and larger unrated companies by offering them a superior alternative to financing their profit-center real estate with traditional mortgage or bank debt and their own equity. We believe our opportunities include both gaining market share from the fragmented network of net-lease capital providers and growing the market by creating demand for net-lease solutions that meet the long-term real estate capital needs of these companies.

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        The following chart depicts our target market of STORE Properties, divided into three primary sectors and 14 sub-sectors.

GRAPHIC


*
Source: STORE Capital Corporation (dollars in billions).

        Within the 14 sub-sectors, the market for STORE Properties is further subdivided into a wide variety of industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors, such as:

Automotive parts stores   Home improvement stores

Cold storage facilities

 

Movie theaters

Department stores

 

Office supplies retailers

Discount stores

 

Pet care facilities

Drugstores

 

Rental centers

Early childhood education

 

Secondary education

Furniture stores

 

Specialty retailers

Entertainment facilities

 

Supermarkets

Fast food restaurants

 

Truck stops

Health clubs

 

Wholesale clubs

        Many of these industries are represented within our diverse property portfolio.


Our Competitive Strengths

        We believe we possess the following competitive strengths that enable us to implement our business and growth strategies and distinguish us from other market participants, allowing us to compete effectively in the single-tenant, net-lease market:

    Superior Origination and Underwriting Capabilities.   Our internal origination team uses a combination of referrals, our proprietary database of approximately 8,000 prospective companies, real estate brokers and advertisements on national commercial real estate listing services to source the most attractive investments. Our primary focus is on direct originations, which have accounted for more than 75% of our investment originations (by dollar volume), and which we believe enable us to deliver higher returns to our stockholders and provide superior value to our customers.

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      We originate our investment portfolio using underwriting procedures developed by our senior leadership team over several decades. Each investment in our portfolio has three payment sources for underwriting, which is the characteristic that STORE Properties have in common. The first and primary source of payment is unit- or store-level profitability, since the distinguishing characteristic of a STORE Property is that the real estate is a profit center, as sales and profits are generated at the property location. The second source of payment is the overall corporate credit and the availability of cash flow from all of our customer's assets to support all of its obligations (including its obligations to S|T|O|R|E). The third and final source of payment is the value of the real estate that we will acquire; our general guideline is that we will not invest in a STORE Property for an amount greater than its replacement cost. As of June 30, 2014, the amount invested in our real estate portfolio is approximately 82% of the replacement cost (new) of our properties. We believe our origination and underwriting procedures enable us to identify and manage risk, decrease the potential effect of future defaults and increase the recovery rate for any defaulted investment assets.

    Large, Diversified Portfolio.   As of June 30, 2014, we had invested almost $2.3 billion in 767 property locations, substantially all of which are profit centers for our customers. Our portfolio is highly diversified with 190 customers operating 170 different brand names, or concepts, across 43 states and over 50 industry groups. None of our customers represented more than 3% of our portfolio as of June 30, 2014, based on annualized base rent and interest. Our portfolio's diversity decreases the impact on us of an adverse event affecting a specific customer, industry or region, thereby increasing the stability of our cash flows. Additional acquisitions in the future will further increase the diversity of our portfolio.

    A+ Rated Borrowing Capacity.   We have an A+ rated borrowing capacity from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services for structured finance products. Our A+ rated borrowing capacity ranks us as one of the few REITs to have either a corporate credit rating of A+ or higher from a nationally recognized rating agency or a securitization vehicle, or conduit, through which A+ or higher-rated debt securities are issued. Our rating supports our STORE Master Funding debt program, under which multiple series of rated notes have been issued from time to time to institutional investors in the asset-backed securities market. As of June 30, 2014, notes issued under the STORE Master Funding debt program had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of approximately $1.1 billion. Prior to May 2014, notes issued under the STORE Master Funding debt program (except for the lowest tranche of such notes that are retained by our subsidiaries) were rated "A" by Standard & Poor's. In connection with our most recent issuance of Master Funding notes on May 6, 2014, Standard & Poor's increased the A rating on all of our outstanding Class A notes to A+. These notes are non-recourse to us, subject to customary limited exceptions noted below.

      The notes, which are issued by certain of our consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries, are secured by a collateral pool of properties owned by the subsidiaries and the related leases. The collateral pool is pledged to an indenture trustee who holds fee title to the properties and an assignment of the leases pursuant to a security interest granted to the indenture trustee in favor of the holders of the notes. As tenants make their lease payments, they are deposited into a lockbox account and held by the indenture trustee for the benefit of the noteholders who uses them to make the payments on the notes. Because the notes are non-recourse to us and to the consolidated special purpose entities that issue them, subject to customary limited exceptions noted below, neither we nor the issuers have any obligation to make principal or interest payments on the notes in the event the lease payments were insufficient to make the note payments. The customary limited exceptions to recourse are for matters such as fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence or willful misconduct, misapplication of payments, bankruptcy and environmental liabilities. After payment of debt service and servicing and trustee

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      expenses, any excess cash flow generated by the collateral pool is then released to us. S|T|O|R|E is the property manager and servicer for the leases that are the collateral for the notes and, in that capacity, has discretion in managing the collateral pool. We believe that this discretion enhances our operational flexibility by enabling us to: advance additional funds to customers for property expansion or improvements; issue additional notes in future series that reflect the increase in the value of properties or the entire collateral pool; substitute assets in the collateral pool (subject to meeting certain prescribed conditions and criteria); and sell underperforming assets and reinvest the proceeds in better performing properties, subject, in the case of substitutions and sales, to an overall limitation of 35% of the collateral unless the substitution or sale is credit- or risk-based, in which case there are no limitations. We also have the ability to add properties to the collateral pool between series issuances, thereby further increasing the pool's size and diversity. By implementing a highly rated debt program that is supported by a large, diverse and growing collateral pool, we can lower our borrowing costs and, in turn, deliver more competitive financial terms to our customers, thereby enhancing their business value. We believe this is a significant competitive advantage for us since these features are not common in the traditional lending market or typically offered by other financing sources. We refer to these features as "Master Funding Solutions," and we market them as such to our customers.

      The use of non-recourse, long-term debt is designed to reduce our cost of capital and interest rate sensitivity, and improve our corporate operating flexibility.

    Return Stability and Predictability.   We believe the following attributes of our business enable us to achieve favorable risk-adjusted returns compared to portfolios of larger, rated investment-grade customers: our portfolio is highly diversified across customers, concepts and regions; we make real estate investments in broad, fundamental industries that we believe have a low likelihood of functional obsolescence; we base investment decisions upon disciplined underwriting and acquisition procedures; we seek to enter into long-term leases with built-in lease escalators; we use master leases and cross-defaulted leases, where appropriate, to mitigate risk; and we require corporate and unit-level financial reporting from our customers, which provides us with a better ability to assess and manage risk.

      Over the past 20 years, our senior leadership team has consistently made investments with average lease rates priced attractively relative to comparable 10-year U.S. Treasury yields. While lease rates have shown periodic sensitivity to Treasury yields, they have tended to be more predictable and less volatile. Over the past 10 years, lease rates have averaged between 8.0% and 9.0%; over that same period, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has varied significantly. Despite the volatility of Treasury yields over the past 20 years, our senior leadership team has been able to achieve lease spreads (representing the difference between lease rates and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield) averaging in excess of 450 basis points, with an overall improvement in the spread over time.

      The chart below depicts the average annual lease rate on new investments made at S|T|O|R|E since inception, and at FFCA and Spirit during the times when they were public companies, compared with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield over the same period.

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Average Annual Spreads on New Investments (1)

GRAPHIC


              Source: U.S. Treasury and, with respect to FFCA and Spirit, publicly available company filings.

        (1) Using the data underlying this chart, we have estimated an aggregate Sharpe ratio for FFCA, Spirit and S|T|O|R|E of 7.21, as compared to the estimated Sharpe ratios of the Industrial (2.39), Mall (2.03), Office (2.00) and Multifamily (1.84) REIT sectors, which we calculated using capitalization rates published by Green Street Advisors, Inc. The Sharpe ratio measures the ratio of excess returns to risk, using the spread between capitalization rates and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yields to measure excess returns, and using the standard deviation of returns to measure risk. The higher the Sharpe ratio, the better the historical risk-adjusted performance. The usefulness of Sharpe ratios as a measure of the relationship between return and risk is limited. For example, the ratio is calculated based on historical data, and future returns and risk may not be consistent with this historical data. Particularly, these ratios are calculated over a span of years dating back as far as 20 years and for periods with economic characteristics and cycles and interest rate environments that are significantly different from those we face today and may face in the future.

Proprietary Information Platform and Proactive Property and Tenant Management.   The design of our proprietary, highly scalable technology platform, which was led by our senior leadership team based on their experience of more than 30 years in the net-lease industry, provides us the ability to proactively manage our investment portfolio.

Experienced and Nationally Recognized Senior Leadership Team with Proven Track Record.   Members of our senior leadership team have been engaged in the acquisition, investment and management of STORE Properties since 1980. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher H. Volk, and Chairman of the Board, Morton H. Fleischer, each have over 30 years of experience originating, acquiring, operating, financing and managing STORE Properties. Messrs. Volk and Fleischer, together with other members of our senior leadership team, have organized, operated and sold two New York Stock Exchange-listed REITs, both of which invested in STORE Properties.

      Since 1980, our senior leadership team has successfully originated and invested almost $12 billion in STORE Properties, which we believe to represent more internally originated, or organic, investment activity than any other single market participant. Collectively, the prior investments have represented $4 billion in equity capital and $6 billion in investor distributions.

      The substantial experience and knowledge of our senior leadership team has resulted in S|T|O|R|E having an extensive network of contacts in the businesses whose real estate we seek to own or finance, as well as in the investment banking, real estate broker, financial advisory and lending communities.

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Our Business and Growth Strategies

        Our objective is to create a market-leading platform for the acquisition, investment and management of STORE Properties that will provide attractive risk-adjusted returns and a stable source of income for our stockholders. We have identified and implemented the following business strategies to achieve this objective:

    Realize Stable Income and Internal Growth.   We seek to make investments that generate strong current income as a result of the difference, or spread, between the rate we earn on our assets and the rate we pay on our liabilities (primarily our long-term debt). We intend to augment that income with internal growth. We seek to realize superior internal growth through a combination of (1) a target dividend payout ratio that permits some free cash flow reinvestment and (2) cash generated from the 1.7% weighted average annual escalation of base rent and interest in our portfolio (as of June 30, 2014). We believe this will enable strong dividend growth without relying exclusively on future common stock issuances to fund new portfolio investments. Additionally, our weighted average lease term of 15 years and superior underwriting and portfolio monitoring capabilities, which reduce default losses, are intended to make our cash flows highly stable.

    Capitalize on Direct Origination Capabilities for External Growth.   As a market leader in STORE Property investment originations, we plan to complement our internal growth with continued new investments that will expand our platform and raise investor cash flows.

      We seek to capitalize on our direct customer relationships and our ability to add value to our customers through our tailored net-lease financing solutions in order to continue to accumulate a diversified investment portfolio with asset-level returns that exceed those that would otherwise be available to our stockholders in similar investments. Since the beginning of 2013, we have made approximately $1.4 billion of new investments, which was substantial relative to our year-end 2012 total assets of $980 million. We expect to continue to grow rapidly as we meet the needs of our customers.

    Leverage our Highly Scalable Platform and Superior Capabilities to Drive Growth.   Building on our senior leadership team's experience of more than 30 years in net-lease, profit-center real estate investments, we have developed superior capabilities in the most fundamental areas of real estate finance: origination, underwriting, documentation, operations and capital markets. Through our disciplined employment of investment underwriting methods that have been developed over the past 30 years, we seek to invest in assets that have attractive risk-adjusted returns in excess of those that would customarily be available to individual investors from an auction real estate marketplace. Using our form financing documents that have been developed and refined over more than 30 years, we negotiate lease and loan agreements that forge an alignment of interest with our customers. These agreements include the widespread use of master leases (which represented 73% of our investments in multiple properties with a single customer as of June 30, 2014); guarantees from our customers' parents or affiliates; and extensive customer financial reporting provisions, including unit-level financial reporting. We believe these features in our documentation decrease our investment risk and are generally unavailable to investors in real estate acquired in an auction real estate marketplace. We have learned that we can improve our efficiency, process integrity and the scalability of our platform through the selective outsourcing of certain non-core functions, among which are certain administrative servicing tasks, legal services and IT functions. The development and implementation of our latest proprietary IT solutions have facilitated our ability to create a highly scalable platform that can be efficiently administered while providing our staff and management with information essential to efficient capital access and superior portfolio management. Lastly, we seek to use our extensive capital markets history, which spans individual

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      and institutional investors and the issuance of secured and unsecured debt, to realize more efficient capital costs and more efficient borrowings than our customers.

      We plan to leverage all of these capabilities to improve our efficiency and process integrity and drive superior risk-adjusted growth.

    Continue to Focus on Middle-Market Companies Operating STORE Properties in the Net-Lease Market.   We believe we have selected the most attractive investment opportunity within the net-lease market, STORE Properties, and targeted the most attractive customer type within that market, middle-market and larger unrated companies. We intend to continue to focus on this market given its strong fundamentals and outsized growth potential. Within the net-lease market for STORE Properties, our value proposition is most compelling to middle-market, bank-dependent companies who are not rated by any nationally recognized rating agency due to their size or capital markets preferences, but who have strong credit metrics. While our lease financing solutions can add value to a wide variety of companies, we believe we fulfill the greatest needs of these companies that generally have less access to efficient sources of long-term capital and are not generally targeted by other market participants (many of whom prefer to focus on broader net-lease investment opportunities offered by larger real estate intensive companies with credit ratings).

    Actively Manage our Balance Sheet to Maximize Capital Efficiency.   Our senior leadership team seeks to select funding sources designed to lock in long-term investment spreads and limit interest rate sensitivity. We seek to maintain a prudent balance between the use of debt (which includes STORE Master Funding, CMBS borrowings, insurance borrowings, bank borrowings and possibly preferred stock issuances) and equity financing. We target a level of debt within a range of six to seven times our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. As of June 30, 2014, the long-term, non-recourse debt of our consolidated special purpose entities had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $1.3 billion, a weighted average maturity of 7.4 years and a weighted average interest rate of 4.88%.


Our Real Estate Investment Portfolio

        As of June 30, 2014, our total investment in real estate and loans approximated $2.3 billion, representing investments in 767 property locations, substantially all of which are profit centers for our customers. These investments generate our cash flows from contracts predominantly structured as net leases, mortgage loans and combinations of leases and mortgage loans, or hybrid leases. All of our owned single-tenant properties are subject to leases; the weighted average non-cancellable remaining term of our leases at June 30, 2014, was 15 years.

        Our real estate portfolio is highly diversified. As of June 30, 2014, our 767 property locations are operated by 190 customers across 43 states. None of our customers represented more than 3% of our portfolio at June 30, 2014 and our top ten largest customers represented less than 21% of annualized base rent and interest. Our customers operate their businesses across 170 concepts in more than 50 industries. Our top five concepts as of June 30, 2014 were Applebee's, Ashley Furniture Homestore, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, O'Charley's and Gander Mountain; combined, these concepts represented 16% of annualized base rent and interest. Our top five industries as of June 30, 2014 are restaurants, health clubs, early childhood education centers, movie theaters and furniture stores. Combined, these industries represented 57% of annualized base rent and interest. Our geographic diversification (by

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annualized base rent and interest) is displayed below, with each dot representing a location where one or more of our properties are located.

GRAPHIC

        Our industry diversification by annualized base rent and interest is displayed below.

GRAPHIC

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    Diversification by Customer

        Our 767 property locations are operated by our 190 customers. The following table details our ten largest customers as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Customer
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(1)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number
of
Properties
 

O'Charley's LLC

  $ 5,612     2.91 %   30  

Gander Mountain Company

    5,493     2.85     10  

Sailormen, Inc. 

    4,482     2.32     41  

Camping World, Inc./FreedomRoads, LLC

    4,060     2.10     8  

Starplex Master Holdings, Inc. 

    3,928     2.03     6  

Heald College, LLC(2)

    3,627     1.88     5  

Apple Sauce, Inc. 

    3,504     1.82     19  

RMH Franchise Holdings, Inc. 

    3,462     1.79     17  

Hill Country Holdings, LLC

    3,090     1.60     5  

Garden Ridge Corporation

    3,068     1.59     3  

All other customers (180 customers)

    152,692     79.11     623  
               

Total

  $ 193,018     100.00 %   767  
               
               

(1)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases, loans and direct financing receivables in place as of that date.

(2)
Heald College, LLC operates the properties under a lease that is also guaranteed by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., its parent.

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    Diversification by Concept

        Our customers operate their businesses across 170 concepts. The following table details those concepts as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Concept
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(1)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number of
Properties
 

Applebee's

  $ 7,648     3.96 %   39  

Ashley Furniture HomeStore

    6,593     3.42     12  

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

    5,950     3.08     57  

O'Charley's

    5,612     2.91     30  

Gander Mountain

    5,493     2.85     10  

FreedomRoads

    4,060     2.10     8  

Golden Corral

    3,794     1.97     16  

Heald College

    3,627     1.88     5  

Gold's Gym

    3,500     1.81     6  

Starplex Cinemas

    3,492     1.81     5  

Garden Ridge

    3,068     1.59     3  

Main Event Entertainment

    3,028     1.57     4  

Fatz Cafe

    2,941     1.52     19  

Theragenics Corporation

    2,900     1.50     3  

LA Fitness

    2,898     1.50     4  

Children's Learning Adventure

    2,652     1.37     4  

KFC

    2,603     1.35     33  

South Florida Radiation Oncology

    2,568     1.33     9  

University of St. Augustine

    2,536     1.31     1  

Preferred Freezer Services

    2,465     1.28     1  

Gibson Brands

    2,357     1.22     3  

Rainbow Child Care Center

    2,309     1.20     20  

Enchanted Care Learning Center

    2,291     1.19     13  

Hooters

    2,110     1.09     10  

Best Friends Pet Care

    2,090     1.08     15  

Wildwood Casino

    2,050     1.06     2  

Burger King

    2,020     1.05     22  

Bluewater Thermal Solutions

    2,001     1.04     9  

Conn's Home Plus

    2,000     1.04     4  

All other concepts (141 concepts)

    96,362     49.92     400  
               

Total

  $ 193,018     100.00 %   767  
               
               

(1)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases, loans and direct financing receivables in place as of that date.

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    Diversification by Industry

        Our customers' business concepts are diversified across various industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors. The following table summarizes those industries as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Tenant Industry
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(1)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number
of
Properties
 

Service:

                   

Restaurants—full service

  $ 38,251     19.82 %   205  

Restaurants—limited service

    21,299     11.03     211  

Health clubs

    17,582     9.11     37  

Early childhood education centers

    13,670     7.08     69  

Movie theaters

    10,548     5.46     19  

Junior colleges

    5,688     2.95     8  

Colleges and professional schools

    4,014     2.08     4  

All other service industries (22 industries)

    29,838     15.46     93  

Retail:

                   

Furniture stores

    8,503     4.41     17  

Sporting goods stores

    5,494     2.85     10  

Recreational vehicle dealers

    4,060     2.10     8  

All other retail industries (7 industries)

    11,790     6.11     38  

Industrial:

                   

All industrial (18 industries)

    22,281     11.54     48  
               

  $ 193,018     100.00 %   767  
               
               

(1)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases, loans and direct financing receivables in place as of that date.

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    Diversification by Geography

        Our 767 property locations are spread across 43 states. The following table details the geographical locations of our properties as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

State
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(1)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number of
Properties
 

Texas

  $ 25,954     13.45 %   71  

Illinois

    13,902     7.20     44  

Tennessee

    11,851     6.14     55  

Georgia

    11,786     6.11     53  

Florida

    11,514     5.97     59  

California

    9,892     5.13     14  

Ohio

    9,119     4.72     49  

Arizona

    8,382     4.34     29  

North Carolina

    7,624     3.95     51  

Kentucky

    6,976     3.61     31  

Oklahoma

    6,202     3.21     26  

South Carolina

    5,950     3.08     24  

Indiana

    5,455     2.83     29  

Pennsylvania

    5,226     2.71     15  

Mississippi

    5,023     2.60     24  

Colorado

    4,844     2.51     9  

Alabama

    4,159     2.15     16  

Missouri

    3,917     2.03     11  

Kansas

    3,513     1.82     7  

Washington

    2,838     1.47     8  

New Jersey

    2,809     1.46     4  

Iowa

    2,621     1.36     12  

Michigan

    2,476     1.28     10  

Minnesota

    2,281     1.18     14  

Virginia

    2,122     1.10     13  

All other states (18 states)(2)

    16,582     8.59     89  
               

  $ 193,018     100.00 %   767  
               
               

(1)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases, loans and direct financing receivables in place as of that date.

(2)
Includes one property in Ontario, Canada which represents less than 0.2% of annualized base rent and interest.

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    Lease Expirations

        The following table sets forth the schedule of our lease, loan and direct and direct financing receivable expirations as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Lease Expiration/Loan Maturity Year(1)
  Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest(2)
  % of
Annualized
Base Rent
and
Interest
  Number of
Properties
 

Remainder of 2014

  $     %    

2015

    1,129     0.59     7  

2016

             

2017

    271     0.14      

2018

    1,036     0.54     2  

2019

    1,037     0.54     4  

2020

    689     0.36     2  

2021

    2,924     1.51     4  

2022

    988     0.51     4  

2023

    8,414     4.36     37  

2024

    5,041     2.61     12  

2025

    4,714     2.44     15  

2026

    7,822     4.05     27  

2027

    20,968     10.86     61  

2028

    36,055     18.68     112  

2029

    22,542     11.68     83  

2030

    2,781     1.44     2  

2031

    16,628     8.62     105  

2032

    29,204     15.13     166  

2033

    17,127     8.87     82  

2034

    9,438     4.89     42  

>2044(3)

    4,210     2.18      
               

Total

  $ 193,018     100.00 %   767  
               
               

(1)
Expiration year of contracts in place as of June 30, 2014 and excludes any tenant option renewal periods.

(2)
Represents base rent and interest, annualized based on rates in effect on June 30, 2014, for all of our leases, loans and direct financing receivables in place as of that date.

(3)
There are no contract expirations between 2035 and 2043.


Investment Guidelines

        We seek to invest in properties possessing characteristics that reduce our real estate investment risks. Our goal is to invest in properties that will be continuously occupied and produce income from our customers. We seek commercially desirable locations and properties with improvements that also are suitable for use by other tenants. These types of commercial properties permit us to promptly re-lease the real estate to another operator with minimal management time and expense or sell the property if a sale is determined to be advantageous to us. We seek to invest in properties that have strong unit-level economics that make a positive contribution to the total operations of our customers. By investing in this type of commercial property, we believe there is a smaller risk of default because our customers depend on the property for their sales and profits. We also prefer to make our property investments at or below the replacement cost of the property to reduce the risk of the business moving

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to a different location, and to reduce our residual valuation risk. We seek to make investments that are diversified by customer, industry and geography. Through portfolio diversification, we seek to protect our stockholders from fluctuations in income caused by under-performing individual real estate assets or adverse economic conditions affecting an entire industry. We anticipate our portfolio will become more diverse as we continue to make new real estate investments.

        The products we typically offer our customers include net-leases, mortgage loans and combinations of leases and mortgage loans, or hybrid leases, which combine a lease of the real estate with a mortgage loan secured by the improvements. We also plan to create other financing products if doing so will provide greater transaction certainty, tax savings or efficiency to our customers. Virtually all of our lease investments have primary lease terms of between 10 and 20 years, with lease escalations that are tied to inflation or have fixed-rate increases, or both. As of June 30, 2014, the weighted average, non-cancellable remaining term of our leases was approximately 15 years.

    Real Estate Property Types

        Our target STORE Properties include three different types of real estate:

    Specialty.   The first single-tenant property type we target is "specialty" real estate, which is real estate built for a specific application and leased to our customers without regard to the number of square feet. This category includes restaurants, movie theatres, health clubs, and other similar businesses.

    Generic.   A number of single-tenant properties in our target market are more generic, consisting of real estate that could be leased to a variety of users in multiple industries. These property types include an assortment of retail and industrial assets, such as an Ashley Furniture Homestore or a Gander Mountain sporting goods store.

    Business-Centric.   The third and final single-tenant property type we target is business-centric real estate, which is property that is indistinguishable from the business itself. Examples of these property types include theme parks, ski resorts and parking facilities.

    Product Types

        We have three principal financial products: net leases, mortgage loans and hybrid leases.

    Net Leases.   The vast majority of our investments are leased to customers under net leases, and our principal net lease is a triple-net lease, whereby our tenants are required to pay all of the maintenance, insurance, tax and other expenses associated with the properties. As of June 30, 2014, 97% of our leases were triple-net leases. We target leases that have a primary lease term of 15 or more years.

    Mortgage Loans.   We may, from time to time, extend mortgage loans with customers based on their needs and preferences. As of June 30, 2014, we had two mortgage loan investments.

    Hybrid Leases.   A hybrid lease is a combination of a net lease, typically on the land, and a coterminous mortgage loan secured by the improvements on the land. Under a hybrid lease, the land is legally separated from the improvements on the land, and the customer sells the land to us and pledges the improvements to us to secure a mortgage loan from us. Members of our senior leadership team have used hybrid lease structures to accommodate customer tax and ownership preferences since the early 1980s. As of June 30, 2014, hybrid leases accounted for less than 6% of our annualized base rent and interest.

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    Lease Escalations

        We benefit from contractual rent escalations, as approximately 97% of our leases and loans (by annualized base rent and interest) have escalations that are either fixed or based on the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. CPI-based rent escalations generally increase rent at the lesser of the increase in CPI or a stated contractual fixed percentage. Our escalations provide a measure of inflation protection for our stockholders, as well as a strong potential source of internal growth. As of June 30, 2014, approximately 63% of our leases provide for annual escalations. We believe such frequent escalations are unusual in the net-lease real estate auction marketplace, where escalations are not uncommon, but are usually less frequent. The majority of the remainder of our leases generally provide for payment escalation every five years. As of June 30, 2014, the weighted average annual escalation rate of our entire portfolio was 1.7% (if the escalations in all of our leases are expressed on an annual basis). Additional information on lease escalation frequency and weighted average annual escalation rates is displayed below.

Lease Escalation Frequency
  Percentage of
Annualized
Base Rent
and Interest
  Weighted
Average Annual
Escalation Rate
 

Annually

    63 %   1.8 %

Every 2 years

    2 %   0.2 %

Every 3 years

    2 %   2.1 %

Every 5 years

    29 %   1.7 %

Every 10 years

    1 %   1.0 %

Other

    3 %   NA  
           

Total / Weighted Average

    100 %   1.7 %
           
           

        As depicted in the chart below, approximately 74% of contractual rent escalations (by annualized base rent and interest) are CPI-based, while approximately 23% are based on fixed percentage or scheduled increases. The complete distribution of contractual rent escalation types in our portfolio (by annualized base rent and interest) is displayed below.

GRAPHIC

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    Other Investments

        In order to provide comprehensive real estate financing solutions to our customers, a small percentage of our portfolio may be invested in other assets not described above. These investments are made in assets that are necessary to our customers' businesses and typically occur in connection with the purchase or financing of other assets of our customers. These other investments could include investments in properties where the customer does not directly generate income at the location, but the asset is otherwise important to the customer's business, such as its corporate headquarters or a product distribution facility. In some instances, we may also make investments where the real estate is leased by us under a ground lease.

        In addition, we may make a limited amount of additional investments on properties we own or finance in the form of loans secured by equipment or other fixtures owned by the customer. In limited cases, we may also take title to certain furniture, fixtures or equipment located at the premises that are integral to the business and would have value to a replacement tenant. As of June 30, 2014, such investments comprised less than 1% of our total portfolio.


Investment Origination Process

        The real estate investments we make are identified by our internal origination team, which is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. We have six direct-origination relationship managers who have responsibility for specific geographic territories. Together, their efforts have accounted for more than 75% of our investment originations, which represented a mix of new and existing customers. New customers are generally obtained from referrals or through our proprietary database of approximately 8,000 prospective companies. To complement our direct origination efforts, we have a team of two relationship managers operating a "broker desk," which analyzes investment opportunities that are available through real estate brokers or advertised on national commercial real estate listing services. Our broker desk actively monitors the listings of STORE Properties and estimates that the aggregate listing price of available STORE Properties is in excess of $10 billion at any given time. Our broker desk evaluates potential investment opportunities and bids on select investments that meet our investment criteria. The activities of our broker desk have contributed to approximately 25% of our investment originations. As a group, our internal origination team enhances our market presence by attending targeted industry and business conferences, by communicating through direct mailings and e-mail correspondence and by using social media. Once transactions are closed, we maintain a continuing and direct relationship with our customers regardless of how the investments were originated. In addition to the origination efforts of our internal origination team, members of our senior leadership team and other S|T|O|R|E employees periodically identify opportunistic acquisitions of portfolios of STORE Properties. Since 2012, S|T|O|R|E has evaluated, but has not consummated, any such opportunistic portfolio investments.

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        The following graph illustrates our methods of investment originations:

GRAPHIC


Our Pipeline of Investment Opportunities

        In connection with our evaluation of potential investment opportunities, we utilize a software tracking system that segregates those opportunities into multiple stages, as listed in the table below. Those stages, collectively, represent our "pipeline." Each member of our internal origination team is required to log potential investment opportunities into the pipeline when they are identified as actionable and to update the system as the opportunity flows from one stage to another. This enables us to track each opportunity as it moves through the various stages. By tracking every stage of the pipeline, we can measure the percentage of opportunities that flow through each stage, as noted by the percentages in the table below. We have tracked each stage of our pipeline since our inception in May 2011 and the table below reflects such data since inception.

        In accumulating our growing investment portfolio, we are constantly evaluating a broad array of potential investment opportunities, with an estimated 50% of potential investment opportunities considered actionable and included in our pipeline. An actionable opportunity is any identified opportunity that we are actively pursuing because it meets certain basic investment criteria, including, but not limited to, triple-net, single-tenant, fee simple ownership (as opposed to a ground lease interest), and our assessment of the likelihood of getting some level of financial reporting from the prospective tenant. As of June 30, 2014, our pipeline approximated $6 billion in size, meaning that we had identified about $6 billion of actionable opportunities. The percentage of actionable opportunities that historically have reached each of the other stages of our pipeline is shown in the table below. An opportunity in the "Letter of Intent Sent" stage means we have reviewed all available information

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about the opportunity and have submitted a non-binding offer to purchase the property or properties on the economic terms proposed. An opportunity in the "Letter of Intent Executed" stage means we have reached a non-binding agreement with the seller on the proposed terms in our letter of intent and the parties have signed the letter. An opportunity in the "Investment Approved" stage means our investment committee has approved the opportunity, either on the terms set forth in the executed letter of intent or on such modified terms as the committee may make in its deliberation of the opportunity. An opportunity in the "Contract Executed" stage means we and the seller(s) have signed a purchase and sale agreement, which sets forth the terms and conditions under which the property will be sold by the seller and purchased by us. An opportunity in the "Investment Closed" stage means that we have funded the purchase of the property or properties and taken title to the real estate.

        By its nature, our pipeline is dynamic, and its size and composition, as well as the timing and probability of investment closings, are likely to vary substantially over time. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We may not acquire the properties that we evaluate in our pipeline."


Estimated Historical Proportions of Identified Opportunities that Reach Each Investment Stage

Investment Stage
  Estimated Percentage
of Total Opportunities
 

Actionable Opportunities

    50 %

Letter of Intent Sent

    31 %

Letter of Intent Executed

    11 %

Investment Approved

    7 %

Contract Executed

    5 %

Investment Closed

    4 %

        As of June 30, 2014, 7% of the actionable opportunities (or approximately $422 million of investments), including commitments to fund improvements to real estate properties previously acquired, had reached the "Investment Approved" stage of our pipeline and were in the process of being closed or funded, subject to customary due diligence and closing conditions. Between July 1, 2014 and September     , 2014, $         million of the $422 million had closed; $         million had fallen out of closing for various reasons; and $         million is still in the process of being closed or funded. Of the $         million, $         million is considered probable of closing because we have signed purchase agreements or disbursement contracts and have no reason to believe that any special circumstances or facts exist that could cause us to conclude that closing or funding the transaction is doubtful. Subsequent to June 30, 2014, an additional $         million of investment opportunities had reached the Investment Approved stage, bringing the total volume of investments and commitments in the process of being closed or funded to $         million as of September     , 2014.

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        The following chart depicts the distribution of our pipeline as of June 30, 2014 across different industry sectors for all properties for which an industry sector had been identified.

GRAPHIC


Customer Value Proposition

        We believe that our direct investment originations and relationships add value to our customers by offering tailored financing solutions that are superior to those available from traditional financing sources. Key to accomplishing this is our ability to be responsive and customer-centric in a marketplace that tends to focus primarily on real estate and the initial lease, or capitalization, rates. We believe that our real estate lease solutions expand the business opportunities for our customers. By contrast, many real estate leases and mortgages offered in the marketplace by other participants include wealth-eroding restrictions such as punitive prepayment penalties and prepayment restrictions, assignability limitations and the inability to address underperforming and outperforming locations. In addition, many real estate landlords and their leases do not address other important customer-centric considerations, such as solutions to increase after-tax proceeds from real estate sales and the availability of new capital for improvements to existing real estate. We believe that the lack of these operational considerations can have a meaningfully negative impact on the stockholder value of our customers. We refer to the menu of solution we offer our customers as Master Funding Solutions. Our Master Funding Solutions do not impose excessive or overly restrictive limitations on our customers and provide them with the operational flexibility to increase stockholder value by allowing them to expand locations that are performing well and address locations that are underperforming. In addition, Master Funding Solutions address improving after-tax proceeds, availability of development capital and the ability to efficiently assign our leases. Beyond Master Funding Solutions, our goal is to be the landlord of choice through our professionalism, reliability, experience and desire to serve the needs of our customers. STORE Properties are subject to many administrative needs, from lease assignments and corporate restructurings, to insurance, lien waivers, easements and similar requests. We believe that if we provide responsive services to our customers, we will improve their operating performance, and decrease their administrative staffing requirements.

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Investment Underwriting

        When we review a potential investment, we use a "bottom-up" approach to underwriting and investment risk, which has been developed by our senior leadership team over 30 years of originating and managing investments in the single tenant net-lease industry. Each investment in our portfolio has three payment sources for underwriting. The first and primary source of payment for our underwriting review is unit- or store-level profitability, since the distinguishing characteristic of a STORE Property is that sales and profits are generated at the property location. The second source of payment is the overall corporate credit and the availability of cash flow from all of our customer's assets to support all of its obligations (including its obligations to S|T|O|R|E). If the assets we invest in fail to produce profits, then payments (including our rent) would come from cash flows generated by our customer's other assets. The third and final source of payment is the value of the real estate that we will acquire; our general guideline is that we will not invest in a STORE Property for an amount greater than its replacement cost. As illustrated by the following diagram, our proprietary underwriting analysis uses a "credit pyramid," which analyzes the three primary sources of payment for our leases and loans:

GRAPHIC

        Unit-Level Profitability.     We review the difference, or spread, between unit-level financial performance and the rent and loan payments we expect to receive. We believe that profitability of the business operated at our real estate locations provides an indication of future residual value. We view properties having insufficient cash flow to make contractual payments to us to be credit-dependent, meaning that our customers have to make payments to us from other sources of cash flow. The resulting risk is that adverse tenant credit events (such as an insolvency or bankruptcy) will likely cause underperforming properties to become vacant. In addition, unprofitable properties result in a cash flow drain on the operations of our customers, weakening their financial results and credit profiles.

        Tenant or Corporate Credit.     We perform detailed credit reviews of the financial condition of all our proposed customers to determine their financial strength and flexibility and their ability to pay us from resources other than the operations at our real estate locations. These other tenant resources are

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a potential source of payment to us and represent a secondary source of our payments, or the second tier of our pyramid. Alternative tenant cash flows from sources other than the properties we own can raise the margin of error for our investment.

        Real Estate Valuation.     For each of our real estate properties, our underwriting process evaluates comparable real estate assets in the real estate market applicable to each proposed investment. We generally invest in real estate assets at or below replacement cost. In addition, for our generic real estate investments, we seek rental streams that are supportable by the local real estate auction marketplace. Our historical underwriting analysis suggests that this real estate valuation procedure should result in lower default rates and increased recovery rates for defaulted properties. In our underwriting process, we employ nationally recognized databases to estimate supportable real estate values. Prior to closing, we also use third-party real estate appraisers and engineers to provide estimates of value as well as the physical condition and economic useful life of the real estate improvements. These underwriting procedures provide us with an idea of likely ranges of real estate valuation in the event of a default. This is a third and essential source of payment for S|T|O|R|E, representing both investment residual value as well as recovery default value.

        We supplement our bottom-up approach reflected in our credit pyramid with an additional analysis, including the following:

        Tenant Management.     In our underwriting process, we also review the quality of management of each of our customers and their management's ability to compete in a changing market place. We believe that the quality of our customers' management and ability to respond to competitive market conditions is an additional element of credit support for our underwriting.

        Industry.     In our underwriting process, we review each industry in order to determine competitive factors and the long-term viability of the industry. We believe that by identifying macro-economic industry trends, we can better attempt to avoid investment in industries subject to long-term functional obsolescence. We believe that industry viability supports investments, residual values and investment recovery values in the event of tenant defaults.

        Structure and Documentation.     Investment structure and documentation play significant roles in our investment decisions. We believe that both promote alignments of interest, whereby the tenant is discouraged from working against our interests. Structural considerations include corporate, parent company or stockholder guarantees. Documentation considerations include liens on assets held at our real estate locations, the use of bankruptcy remote entities (in the case of hybrid leases or mortgage loans) and master leases, which bind multiple properties in a single lease. Master leases effectively transform individual property risk to an aggregate risk across multiple properties, which lowers our investment risk. As of June 30, 2014, approximately 73% of our investments in multiple properties with a single customer were in the form of master leases.

    Effective Default Risk or the STORE Score

        Our investment risk is different from that of an unsecured creditor because insolvent companies will typically continue paying us as they seek to reorganize, assuming our single-tenant properties are contributing to the profitability of their company. We developed the STORE Score to account for both of our principal risks: (i) the risk of tenant or company insolvency (the loss of our secondary source of payment); and (ii) the risk of lease rejection in bankruptcy (following a tenant or company default), as a result of insufficient property-level cash flows (the loss of our first source of payment).

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        Risk of Tenant or Company Insolvency.     Tenant financial distress is typically caused by consistently poor or deteriorating operating performance, near-term liquidity issues or unexpected liabilities. To assess the probability of tenant or company insolvency, we utilize Moody's Analytics RiskCalc, which is a model for predicting private company defaults based on Moody's Analytics Credit Research Database, which incorporates both market and company-specific risk factors. The Moody's Analytics Credit Research Database was built in partnership with over 50 leading financial institutions around the world and contains 50 million financial statements on over 12 million borrowers and more than 800,000 private company defaults. According to Moody's, RiskCalc is used by the world's leading banks, corporations and asset managers, including Barclay's, HSBC, Union Bank, Commerce Bank and Rabobank, to screen obligors at origination, detect credit deterioration, price credit risk, monitor and benchmark exposures or investments and address regulatory compliance.

        Moody's Analytics RiskCalc generates an estimated default frequency, or EDF, expressed as a percentage, for each tenant or borrower and equates this EDF to a corresponding credit rating. The chart below lists the maximum percentage EDF that corresponds to each Moody's RiskCalc credit rating, with the percentage indicating the likelihood that a tenant or borrower would commit an act of default within the next 12 months, where default is defined (by Moody's) as the occurrence of any of the following events: bankruptcy; 90-days past due; placement on non-accrual status or write-down. For example, an implied Aaa-rated private company would have a maximum risk of default of 0.02% within the next 12 months.

Credit Rating
  1-Year Tenant EDF  

Aaa

    0.02%  

Aa1

    0.03%  

Aa2

    0.05%  

Aa3

    0.09%  

A1

    0.14%  

A2

    0.18%  

A3

    0.22%  

Baa1

    0.28%  

Baa2

    0.43%  

Baa3

    0.66%  

Ba1

    1.10%  

Ba2

    1.65%  

Ba3

    2.48%  

B1

    3.71%  

B2

    5.57%  

B3

    8.35%  

Caa/C

    In excess of 8.35%  

*
Source Reference: Moody's Analytics RiskCalc, Version 3.1

        The companies within our portfolio had Moody's RiskCalc credit ratings ranging from A1 to B3 as of June 30, 2014, as shown by the light-colored bars in the chart below entitled "Moody's EDF and STORE Score Equivalent Ratings."

        Risk of Lease Rejection.     In the event of tenant or company insolvency, our credit risk is that we "take back" a property due to rejection of the lease in bankruptcy. The profitability of the business operating on our property or properties is typically the primary factor for a tenant in determining whether to keep a property operating or to vacate and turn over the premises to us. With respect to a lease, we estimate a probability of lease rejection based on the unit fixed charge coverage ratio, or Unit FCCR, at the property or properties we lease to our customer. The Unit FCCR is the ratio of cash

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flow generated by a unit (after deducting an allocation for corporate overhead) to the aggregate of debt service and operating lease payments for such unit, which is a more conservative method of calculating Unit FCCR than a "four-wall" Unit FCCR calculation that does not factor in corporate overhead. As of June 30, 2014, our weighted average Unit FCCR was 2.91x, and our median Unit FCCR was 2.08x. With respect to mortgage loans and hybrid leases, since our borrower/tenant is typically a bankruptcy remote entity that has sub-leased the real property collateral to the operator, we apply the same probability of lease rejection analysis with respect to the loan (by virtue of the underlying sublease) as we do to a traditional net-lease tenant. The table below shows the estimated probabilities of lease rejection we have assigned to various ranges of Unit FCCR values:

Unit FCCR Range
  Lease Rejection
Probability
 

2.0x or Greater

    10 %

1.5x - 2.0x

    25 %

1.0x - 1.5x

    50 %

1.0x or Less

    100 %

        Calculating the STORE Score.     To quantify the probability of lease rejection to us of any lease in our portfolio, we multiply (i) the tenant's EDF percentage, which we refer to as Tenant Risk, by (ii) our estimate of the probability of lease rejection (based on the tenant's Unit FCCR). The resultant percentage, which we refer to as Contract Risk, represents our assessment of the credit risk of our contract—either our lease or loan—with that tenant or company. We then map the Contract Risk percentage to the implied credit rating on the Moody's Analytics RiskCalc rating scale to arrive at our STORE Score, which is our overall assessment of the long-term credit risk of the investment.

        The following is an example of our calculation of the STORE Score for a lease on a property with a Unit FCCR between 1.5x and 2.0x where the tenant has a Moody's 1-year EDF percentage of 1.2%, which equates to a Moody's RiskCalc rating of Ba2:

GRAPHIC

        In the example above, our estimated credit risk, or STORE Score, is Baa2, which is determined by multiplying the Tenant Risk of 1.2% by our estimated lease rejection probability of 25%, resulting in a Contract Risk of 0.30% corresponding to a Baa2 implied credit rating. We perform this analysis for each lease and loan in our portfolio. As the table below shows, our tenants—denoted by the light-colored bars—have a weighted average tenant credit profile (as measured by Moody's RiskCalc) of approximately Ba2, as of June 30, 2014. However, the credit quality of our contracts—denoted by the dark bars—is enhanced to a weighted average of Baa2 (as of June 30, 2014) based on our assessment of the likelihood of our tenants choosing to continue to operate at our properties in the event of their insolvency.

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Moody's EDF and STORE Score Equivalent Ratings

GRAPHIC


*
Data as of June 30, 2014.


Portfolio Management

        In addition to assessing risk, we also work to limit potential defaults through strong portfolio monitoring and proactive intervention through property substitutions, sales or other means. Our strong servicing platform makes this possible. Following the acquisition of each property, we continue to actively monitor its profitability as well as the financial performance of each of our customers through:

    Financial Monitoring:   We monitor the financial performance of each customer and each property by reviewing both corporate and unit-level financial statements to assess the ability of customers to meet their payment obligations. We believe that early detection of customer financial stress allows us more flexibility in risk mitigation and can lessen default and loss probability.

    Real Estate Monitoring:   We periodically perform site inspections of our properties based on an evaluation of financial performance, unique property characteristics and industry factors and trends. We use this information to ensure customer compliance with maintenance obligations and because site inspections can provide a leading indicator of property-level performance trends.

    Management of Defaults:   If a problem is identified, we respond quickly in order to improve investment recoveries by assessing and implementing various recovery alternatives available to us.

    Selective Property Sales:   From time to time, we sell properties that underperform financially or otherwise do not meet our long-term objectives in order to avoid potential customer defaults in the future. In addition, on a limited and selective basis, we may acquire and re-sell properties that we purchase in connection with the acquisition of a larger portfolio of properties. If properties are being sold on an "all or none" basis, we may purchase some properties that do not precisely meet our desired investment criteria in order to acquire a larger portfolio of properties we wish to hold.

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Financing Strategy

        Our capital consists of debt and equity components. We have financed and expect to finance our assets using a number of different sources, including cash from operations, and the continued issuance of equity and debt. We believe that we are the only REIT investing in STORE Properties that has received private equity funding from large, sophisticated institutional investors. Through this offering, we intend to add to our initial private institutional equity capital with future public capital to facilitate our growth and to improve our capital efficiency.

        We believe that our borrowings contribute to potential stockholder returns and growth funding. We believe that the availability of multiple debt capital sources helps to improve our funding efficiency and manage funding risk. STORE Master Funding, CMBS borrowings, insurance borrowings and bank borrowings, while all offering forms of term debt financing, are funded through different investment sources. In addition to these sources of debt capital, our senior leadership team has experience with senior unsecured lines of credit and term borrowings (FFCA was the first net-lease REIT to obtain an investment-grade rating) and even fully traunched mortgage-backed securities pools (FFCA used them to fund mortgage loans).

        We believe that how our assets are funded with equity and borrowings is important in our ability to deliver investor returns and manage investment risk. Risks that can be better managed through equity and liability choices include: (i) our ability to control our investment portfolio; (ii) our ability to manage long-term interest rate risk, which is the risk that rising interest rates cause cash flow erosion; and (iii) our ability to realize the benefits of growth for our stockholders. The risks attendant to these considerations are as follows:

    Borrowing Levels

        Our senior leadership team is mindful of maintaining a prudent balance between the use of borrowings and equity financing. For a REIT, borrowings include preferred stock issuances, since the after-tax impact for REITs of preferred securities is the same as for borrowings. We tend to target a level of debt (which includes recourse and non-recourse borrowings and preferred stock issuance) within a range of six to seven times our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We believe such a borrowing level is historically consistent with conservatively capitalized REITs. We also have a preference for borrowings that improve our flexibility to manage our company for the benefit of our stockholders.

    Interest-Rate Sensitivity Management

        Long-term interest rate risk can be managed by:

    Locking into Long-Term Financing Contracts.   We have historically sought to avoid floating-rate long-term borrowings, even if they are managed with interest rate swaps. We generally are willing to accept the longest term borrowings, even if it means that we pay more.

    Lease Escalations.   Lease escalations can insulate us from the impact of rising interest rates.

    Secured Borrowings.   While our senior leadership has used unsecured borrowings, secured borrowings offer two benefits: (i) increased scrutiny from third parties, which improves investment discipline, and (ii) reduced interest rate risk resulting from loan amortization. When compared to companies that make use of unsecured borrowings, secured borrowings are a substitute for both unsecured borrowings and preferred stock and can therefore lower capital costs. Secured borrowings are also generally assumable, which enhances corporate operating flexibility.

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    Laddered Maturities.   Laddered borrowing maturities limit interest rate risk by reducing the potential for liability sensitivity in any given year. We will be liability-sensitive in certain years to the extent that our debt maturities exceed our retained free cash flow. As we grow, our balance sheet will be expected to tolerate larger debt maturities while limiting any liability sensitivity. While preferred stock issuances can limit liability sensitivity, since they are a debt substitute for REITs, we expect to weigh this feature against the annual preferred share cost. Our senior leadership team has historically avoided issuing preferred stock because the cost typically has materially exceeded that of available borrowing alternatives.

    Mean Reversion.   Our senior leadership team believes that investments should not be made simply because we have the ability to realize a satisfactory spread between the lease rate and the borrowings at any given moment. Recent interest rates have been at historic lows, which has placed downward pressure on lease rates. However, the lease rates are not indexed to interest rates and any eventual debt refinancing has a likelihood of reverting to historical levels, which can be destructive to interest rate spreads and investment economics.

    Continued Corporate Growth.   We believe that new investments that are accretively funded with future equity issuances and borrowings can contribute meaningfully to our future cash flow growth per share. Such potential growth can also serve to insulate our stockholders from the risks of rising interest rates, through both the potential for increased dividends and higher lease rates on new investments in a rising interest rate environment.

    Growth Management

        We expect to continue to grow rapidly as we meet the needs of our middle-market customers. We expect the benefits of growth will be to lower our risk through greater investment diversity and to realize greater per share cash flows for our existing stockholders than would be realized absent the growth. This is what is termed external growth. External growth can be a material source of stockholder cash flow growth, especially if the annual investment activity is high relative to the balance sheet of the enterprise. Since the beginning of 2013, we have made approximately $1.4 billion in new investments, which was substantial relative to our year-end 2012 total assets of $980 million. We anticipate that the rate of increase of our external growth will eventually reduce over time as we increase in size. Key to our external growth will be maintaining investment return discipline, which is important to rendering new share issuance favorable for our existing stockholders.


Proprietary Information Technology Platform

        We have a scalable and flexible information technology, or IT, platform. As a new company formed in 2011, we were able to design, develop and build our own proprietary infrastructure and database platform by using the latest technologies in database design and management. Our senior leadership team had previously constructed two prior platforms and drew on this knowledge when designing and implementing the system we developed for S|T|O|R|E. We combined the best features of prior platforms with the latest in systems design, operation and management to build an IT platform that is scalable, flexible, secure and stable. Our IT platform allows us to collect, access, manage and analyze large amounts of data, with the ability to integrate information across multiple software applications.

        A key component of our scalable IT platform is our property management and servicing platform, the STORE Universal Database System, or SUDS. SUDS was specifically designed and built by us to facilitate the collection, storage, management and analysis of our extensive customer and property information associated with the investments we make. The SUDS application joins our property database, accounting system and customer relationship management system, allowing for integrated reporting and information delivery. Information accessible to SUDS includes data we capture and also

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information that is imported from third party vendors we employ. SUDS is fully available to our staff at their desktop, can be remotely accessed and includes:

    Lease Abstracts.   A summary of the primary contract terms, including payment dates, rental amounts, rental increases and expiration dates;

    Customer Information.   Complete customer information, including contact history, as well as corporate financial information, including corporate fixed charge coverage ratios and Moody's RiskCalc ratings;

    Document Scans.   The primary financing documents for each transaction, including lease and loan agreements, appraisals and our internal credit memoranda which analyze each transaction we finance;

    Property Information.   Complete property information, location data, land and building dimensions, age, appraisal data, photographs, site inspection information and financial performance history, including unit-level fixed charge coverage ratios; and

    Servicing Information.   Complete servicing information, including payment history and all customer requests and interaction.

        SUDS offers us strong and scalable portfolio servicing capacity, can integrate information from multiple sources and compliments our other employed software solutions, including:

    Customer Relationship Management (CRM ). We use Salesforce.com, an industry-leading CRM application to manage our origination, underwriting and closing activities;

    Accounting System.   We use Coda Financials from UNIT4 Business Software, a highly flexible general ledger and accounting system that was also used by our leadership team at FFCA;

    Customer Financial Statement Analysis.   We use software from Moody's Analytics to archive and analyze customer financial data and also to provide ongoing EDF Scores as we monitor portfolio performance; and

    Document and Reporting Access.   We use Microsoft Sharepoint for secure, mobile access to paperless reports, presentations and information delivery, which is important to enable the ready access of such information by our staff in a largely paperless environment.

        We maintain and continually update our IT platform with the help of select leading vendors. Our information systems reside in secure, backed-up, off-site servers administered by an independent vendor in a data center that serves multiple Fortune 100 companies. We believe the combination of our state-of-the-art IT platform, SUDS, our proprietary systems and our custom software is unique to the net-lease industry and provides us a competitive advantage.


Competition

        We face competition in the acquisition and financing of STORE Properties from numerous investors, including traded and non-traded public REITs, private equity investors and institutional investment funds, some of which have greater financial resources than we do, a greater ability to borrow funds to acquire properties and the ability to accept more risk. We also believe that competition for real estate financing comes from middle-market business owners themselves, many of whom have had a historic preference to own, rather than lease, the real estate they use in their businesses. The competition we face may increase the demand for STORE Properties and, therefore, reduce the number of suitable acquisition opportunities available to us or increase the price we must pay to acquire STORE Properties. This competition will increase if investments in real estate become more attractive relative to other forms of investment.

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Employees

        As of June 30, 2014, we had 47 full-time employees, all of whom are located in our single office in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our staff is mostly comprised of professional employees engaged in origination, underwriting, closing, financial reporting, portfolio management and capital markets activities essential to our business. Our staff is complemented by select vendors and outsourcing employed by our leadership team over many years. Together, we have designed the integration of our staff with external service suppliers to offer us both high scalability and strong process integrity.


Principal Legal Proceedings

        We may become party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Since our organization in May 2011, we have not been a party, as plaintiff or defendant, to any legal proceedings that we believe to be material or which, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation if determined adversely to us.


Principal Executive Offices

        Our principal offices are located at 8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255. We currently occupy approximately 14,000 square feet of space leased from an unaffiliated third party. We believe that our offices are adequate for our present and currently planned future operations and that adequate additional space will be available if needed in the future.


Insurance

        Our leases and loan agreements typically provide that our tenants and borrowers will maintain insurance of the type and in the amounts that are usual and customary for similar types of commercial property, including adequate commercial general liability, fire, flood and extended loss insurance provided by reputable companies, with commercially reasonable exclusions, deductibles and limits. Under certain circumstances, however, we may permit certain tenants and borrowers to self-insure. Pursuant to such leases, our tenants are required to name us (and any of our lenders that have a mortgage on the property leased by the tenant) as additional insureds on their liability policies and additional named insured or loss payee (or mortgagee, in the case of our lenders) on their property policies. Depending on the location of the property, losses of a catastrophic nature, such as those caused by earthquakes and floods, may be covered by insurance policies that are held by our tenant with limitations such as large deductibles or co-payments that a tenant may not be able to meet.

        In addition to being a named insured on our tenants' liability policies, we separately maintain commercial general liability coverage in the event our tenants or borrowers do not obtain their required insurance. We also maintain full property coverage on all properties not occupied by our tenants and other property coverage as may be required by our lenders which are not required to be carried by our tenants under our leases.


Regulation

        General.     Our properties are subject to various laws, regulations, including regulations relating to fire and safety requirements, ordinances and affirmative and negative covenants and in some instances, common area obligations. Our tenants and borrowers have primary responsibilities for compliance with these requirements pursuant to our lease and loan agreements. We believe that each of our properties has the necessary permits and approvals to operate and conduct its business.

        Americans With Disabilities Act.     Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, and rules promulgated thereunder, in order to protect individuals with disabilities, public

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accommodations must remove architectural and communication barriers that are structural in nature from existing places of public accommodation to the extent "readily achievable". In addition, under the ADA, alterations to a place of public accommodation or a commercial facility are to be made so that, to the maximum extent feasible, such altered portions are readily accessible to and usable by disabled individuals. The "readily achievable" and the standard takes into account, among other factors, the financial resources of the affected site and the owner, lessor or other applicable person.

        Compliance with the ADA, as well as other federal, state and local laws, may require modifications to properties we currently own or may purchase, or may restrict renovations of those properties. Failure to comply with these laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants, as well as the incurrence of the costs of making modifications to attain compliance, and future legislation could impose additional obligations or restrictions on our properties. Although our tenants and borrowers are generally responsible for all maintenance and repairs of the property pursuant to our lease and other financing agreements, including compliance with the ADA and other similar laws or regulations, we could be held liable as the owner of the property for a failure of one of our tenants to comply with these laws or regulations.


Environmental Matters

        General.     All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to Federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to human health and the environment. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on certain statutory classes of persons, including owners or operators, for the costs of investigation or remediation of contaminated properties, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal. These laws and regulations apply to past and present business operations of our tenants and borrowers and the use, storage, handling and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous substances or wastes. Our tenants and borrowers are obligated to comply with environmental laws. Our leases and loans typically impose obligations on our tenants and borrowers to indemnify us from all or most compliance costs we may experience as a result of the environmental conditions on our properties. If a tenant or borrower fails to, or cannot comply, we may be required to pay such costs. We are not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of our properties which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot predict whether new or more stringent laws relating to the environment will be enacted in the future or how such laws will impact the operations of businesses at our properties. Costs associated with an environmental event could be substantial.

        Superlien Laws.     Under the laws of many states, contamination on a site may give rise to a lien on the site for clean-up costs. In several states, such a lien has priority over all existing liens, including those of existing mortgages. In these states, the lien of a mortgage may lose its priority to such a "superlien."

        CERCLA.     The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or CERCLA, imposes strict liability on present and past "owners" and "operators" of a contaminated site for the costs of clean-up. A secured lender may be liable as an "owner" or "operator" of a contaminated site if agents or employees of the lender have participated in the management of such site or in the operations of the tenant. Excluded from CERCLA's definition of "owner" or "operator" however, is a person "who without participating in the management of the facility, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect his security interest". This is the so called "secured creditor exemption." With respect to most of the assets in our investment portfolio, we are the owner of the real property. However, with respect to a few of the assets in our investment portfolio, we are not the owner of the property but have a mortgage loan on the property. In both instances, we believe we meet the secured creditor exemption.

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        Liability is not limited to the original or unamortized principal balance of a loan or to the value of the site securing a loan. CERCLA provides substantial protection to lenders by defining the activities in which a lender can engage and still have the benefit of the secured creditor exemption. In order for a lender to be deemed to have participated in the management of a site, the lender must actually participate in the operational affairs of the site or our tenant or borrower. CERCLA provides that "merely having the capacity to influence, or unexercised right to control" operations does not constitute participation in management. A lender may lose the protection of the secured creditor exemption only if it exercises decision-making control over our tenant's or borrower's environmental compliance and hazardous substance handling and disposal practices, or assumes responsibility for substantially all operational functions at the site or overall management encompassing day-to-day decision making with regard to environmental compliance. CERCLA also provides that a lender will continue to have the benefit of the secured creditor exemption even if it forecloses on a site, purchases it at a foreclosure sale or accepts a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure provided that the lender seeks to sell the site at the earliest practicable commercially reasonable time on commercially reasonable terms.

        Certain Other Federal and State Laws.     Many states have statutes similar to CERCLA, and not all of those statutes provide for a secured creditor exemption. In addition, under federal law, there is potential liability relating to hazardous wastes and underground storage tanks under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA. The definition of "hazardous substances" under CERCLA specifically excludes petroleum products. Subtitle I of RCRA governs underground petroleum storage tanks. The protections accorded to lenders under CERCLA are also accorded to the holders of security interests in underground petroleum storage tanks if the lender does not participate in management of the underground storage tanks and is not otherwise engaged in petroleum production, refining or marketing. It should be noted, however, that liability for cleanup of petroleum contamination may be governed by state law, which may not provide for any specific protection for secured creditors.

        In a few states, transfers of some types of sites are conditioned upon cleanup of contamination prior to transfer. In these cases, a lender that becomes the owner of a site through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise, may be required to clean up the contamination before selling or otherwise transferring the site.

        Also, certain federal, state and local laws govern the removal, encapsulation or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs, in the event of the remodeling, renovation or demolition of a building. Such laws, as well as common law standards, may impose liability for releases of ACMs and may provide for third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of sites for personal injuries associated with such releases.

        Beyond statute-based environmental liability, there exist common law causes of action (for example, actions based on nuisance or on toxic tort resulting in death, personal injury or damage to site) related to hazardous environmental conditions on a site. While it may be more difficult to hold a lender liable in such cases, unanticipated or uninsured liabilities of our tenant or borrower may jeopardize the tenant's or borrower's ability to meet its lease or loan obligations.

        Additional Considerations.     The cost of remediating hazardous substance contamination at a site can be substantial. If a lender becomes liable, it can bring an action for contribution against the owner or operator who created the environmental hazard, but that individual or entity may be without substantial assets.

        If a lender forecloses on a mortgage secured by a site on which business operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations, the lender will be required to operate the site in accordance with those laws and regulations. Such compliance may result in substantial expense.

        In addition, a lender may be obligated to disclose environmental conditions on a site to government entities and/or to prospective buyers (including prospective buyers at a foreclosure sale or following foreclosure). Such disclosure may decrease the amount that prospective buyers are willing to pay for the affected site, sometimes substantially, and thereby decrease the ability of the lender to recoup its investment in a loan upon foreclosure.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Officers

        The names and ages of our officers, directors and director nominees as of the date of this prospectus are set forth below. Upon the completion of this offering, Joseph M. Donovan and Quentin P. Smith, Jr. are anticipated to be elected to our board of directors.

Name
  Age   Position

Morton H. Fleischer

    77   Chairman of the Board of Directors

Christopher H. Volk

    58   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Manish Desai

    35   Director

Derek Smith

    50   Director

Rajath Shourie

    40   Director

Kenneth Liang

    53   Director

Mahesh Balakrishnan

    31   Director

Joseph M. Donovan

    59   Director Nominee

Quentin P. Smith, Jr. 

    63   Director Nominee

Catherine Long

    58   Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer

Michael T. Bennett

    57   Executive Vice President—General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

Christopher K. Burbach

    38   Executive Vice President—Underwriting

Mary Fedewa

    49   Executive Vice President—Acquisitions

Michael J. Zieg

    41   Executive Vice President—Portfolio Management

Morton H. Fleischer , Chairman of the Board of Directors

        Mr. Fleischer was one of our founders in May 2011 and has served as the Chairman of our board of directors since our organization. Prior to co-founding us, Mr. Fleischer co-founded Spirit Finance Corporation (now Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.), or Spirit, a real estate investment trust, and served as Chairman from its inception in 2003 to February 2010, including the three years that Spirit was publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, 2004 to 2007. Prior to Spirit, Mr. Fleischer founded numerous real estate limited partnerships in the 1980s and 1990s that were predecessors to Franchise Finance Corporation of America, or FFCA, a real estate investment trust that he formed and took public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994. Mr. Fleischer served as FFCA's Chairman of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer until FFCA was acquired by GE Capital Corporation in 2001. FFCA was the nation's largest publicly traded net-lease REIT and owned or financed over 5,000 single-tenant properties at the time of its sale to GE Capital Corporation in 2001. Mr. Fleischer received a B.A. degree from Washington University—St. Louis, Missouri from which he was awarded its Distinguished Business Alumni Award in 1993.

Christopher H. Volk , President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

        Mr. Volk was one of our founders in May 2011 and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director since our organization. With more than 30 years of experience in structuring, managing and financing commercial real estate companies, Mr. Volk led the largest ever real estate limited partnership roll-up transaction of its time in 1994; oversaw the issuance of FFCA's unsecured debt rating in 1995, which was the first unsecured debt rating ever issued to a net-lease REIT; and, in 2005, led the creation of the first commercial real estate master trust debt conduit in the United States designed to finance net-lease assets. Prior to forming us, Mr. Volk co-founded Spirit and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and as a board member from August 2003 to February 2010. Prior to co-founding Spirit in 2003, Mr. Volk served for over 16 years in numerous capacities with FFCA, including President and Chief Operating Officer and a member of FFCA's board of directors. Mr. Volk continued as Chief Operating Officer of GE Capital Franchise Finance, the new

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name given to the business following the FFCA acquisition, until December 2002. He received a B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University and an M.B.A. degree from Georgia State University.

Manish Desai , Director

        Mr. Desai has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Desai is a Managing Director of Oaktree and is involved in the investment and management of Oaktree's real estate funds. Mr. Desai joined Oaktree in 2004 from Morgan Stanley. At Morgan Stanley he served as an Analyst for Morgan Stanley Realty, or MSR, and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds, or MSREF. During his time at MSR and MSREF, Mr. Desai was involved in a number of advisory assignments, including the spin-off and restructuring of Fairmont Hotels, as well as the evaluation of numerous properties and portfolios for acquisition. Prior experience includes internships at American Enterprise Institute and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in the executive offices at the White House. Mr. Desai received a B.A. degree in Public Policy with a secondary major in Economics from Stanford University.

Derek Smith , Director

        Mr. Smith has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Smith is a Managing Director of Oaktree and is responsible for the execution and management of all real estate investments and the administration of Oaktree's real estate funds. Prior to joining Oaktree in 2010, Mr. Smith spent 19 years at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, most recently as the Vice Chair of the Global Real Estate Department. In this role, Mr. Smith represented numerous opportunity funds, investment banks and other private investors in all aspects of their investments in all types of real estate. Mr. Smith also served as the Chair of the Technology Committee of Paul Hastings, where he led the firm's use and investment in information systems and technology. Mr. Smith received a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University and a J.D. degree from Cornell University. He is a member of the State Bar of California.

Rajath Shourie , Director

        Mr. Shourie has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Shourie is a Managing Director of Oaktree and Co-Portfolio Manager of Oaktree's Opportunities Funds. He joined Oaktree in 2002, and since then has spent his time investing in distressed debt. He has invested in the airline/aircraft industry for a number of years, and led the firm's investments in financial institutions during the global financial crisis. Mr. Shourie has worked with a number of Oaktree's portfolio companies, and, in addition to his service on our board, currently serves on the boards of Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC), Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ:SBLK) and Nine Entertainment Company (ASX:NEC), a leading TV network in Australia. He has been active on creditors' committees, including the steering committee in the restructuring of CIT Group. Prior to joining Oaktree, he worked in the Principal Investment Area at Goldman, Sachs & Co., and was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. Mr. Shourie earned a B.A. in Economics from Harvard College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He then went on to receive an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar.

Kenneth Liang , Director

        Mr. Liang has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Liang is a Managing Director of Oaktree and Head of Restructurings in Oaktree's Opportunities Funds group. Mr. Liang coordinates all restructurings of investments in Oaktree's Distressed Opportunities and Value Opportunities strategies. Mr. Liang has been active in numerous creditors' steering committees, including the Tribune Company restructuring, as well as the restructurings of CIT Group, Enron, World Com/MCI, Charter Communications and Nine Entertainment Company (a leading TV network in Australia). Mr. Liang has worked with a number of Oaktree's portfolio companies including the Tribune Company (media), Jackson Square Aviation (aircraft leasing), Tekni-Plex (packaging and tubing manufacturer) and Taylor

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Morrison (North American homebuilder). From Oaktree's formation in 1995 until June 2001, Mr. Liang was Oaktree's General Counsel. Earlier, he served as a Senior Vice President at TCW with primary legal and restructuring responsibility for Special Credits Funds investments and, before that, he was an associate at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers. Mr. Liang holds a B.S. degree in Business Finance and Economics from the University of Southern California and a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Mahesh Balakrishnan , Director

        Mr. Balakrishnan has served as a director since 2011. Mr. Balakrishnan is a Senior Vice President in Oaktree's Opportunities Funds group. Mr. Balakrishnan joined Oaktree in 2007 and has been focused on investing in the shipping, real estate, chemicals and financial institutions sectors. He has been active on a number of creditors' committees including ad hoc committees in the Lehman Brothers and LyondellBasell restructurings. Prior to joining Oaktree, Mr. Balakrishnan spent two years as an Analyst in the Financial Sponsors & Leveraged Finance group at UBS Investment Bank. Mr. Balakrishnan graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree in Economics (Honors) from Yale University.

Joseph M. Donovan , Director Nominee

        Mr. Donovan is currently the non-executive Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Fly Leasing Limited, a Dublin, Ireland based commercial aircraft leasing company (NYSE:FLY), which he joined in 2007 prior to its initial public offering. Mr. Donovan is also an independent director, Chairman of the Investment Committee and member of the Compensation Committee of Institutional Financial Markets Inc. (AMEX:IFMI), a New York City-based broker-dealer and asset management company, and has been with the company since 2009. Mr. Donovan has been involved in investment banking since 1983 and has been with CS First Boston/the First Boston Corporation, Smith Barney Inc., Prudential Securities and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC. Mr. Donovan was formerly a licensed certified public accountant. Mr. Donovan holds a B.B.A. degree in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Quentin P. Smith, Jr. , Director Nominee

        Mr. Smith is the founder and President of Cadre Business Advisors LLC, or Cadre, a management consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning, business performance improvement, capital formation and turnaround management. Prior to starting Cadre, Mr. Smith was Partner-in-Charge of Arthur Andersen's Desert Southwest business consulting practice with responsibility for business development and client engagement management for Arizona and New Mexico. Mr. Smith has business development, growth and operational profit and loss experience across a wide variety of industries. Mr. Smith also has over eight years of diversified corporate management experience. He is currently on the Board of Banner Health System and chairs its Compensation and Governance Committees and was previously its Chairman. He has served on the boards of the Arizona Public Service Company and Arizona MultiBank. He also has served on the boards of Employee Solutions, Inc., Rodel, Inc. and iCrossing, Inc. until those companies were sold or acquired. Mr. Smith holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Management and Computer Science from Purdue University and an M.B.A. in Quantitative Methods from Pepperdine University.

Catherine Long , Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer

        Ms. Long was one of our founders in May 2011 and has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer since our organization. Ms. Long has over 30 years of accounting, operating and financial management expertise. Prior to co-founding us, Ms. Long was CFO, Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Spirit from its inception in August 2003 to February 2010. Prior

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to Spirit, Ms. Long served in various capacities with FFCA and its successor, GE Capital Franchise Finance. Ms. Long was also FFCA's Principal Accounting Officer and actively participated in FFCA's real estate limited partnership rollup, as well as numerous securitization transactions and business combinations. Prior to her employment with FFCA, Ms. Long was a senior manager specializing in the real estate industry with the international public accounting firm of Arthur Andersen in Phoenix, Arizona. She was named CFO of the Year in 2008 by the Arizona chapter of Financial Executives International. She received a B.S. degree in accounting with high honors from Southern Illinois University and has been a certified public accountant since 1980.

Michael T. Bennett , Executive Vice President—General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

        Mr. Bennett was one of our founders in May 2011 and has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary since our organization and, recently, was named General Counsel. Mr. Bennett has over 30 years of legal, transactional and operational experience in the real estate and finance industries. Prior to co-founding us, Mr. Bennett was Senior Vice President—Operations, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary at Spirit from early 2005 to February 2010 where he was involved in structuring, negotiating and closing all of its real estate and debt-related transactions, including the largest retail sale-leaseback transaction in the United States in 2006. From 1991 to 2000, Mr. Bennett served as Vice President and General Counsel of Farmer Mac (NYSE:AGM), a government-sponsored enterprise providing financing to America's agricultural industry. Mr. Bennett's legal career included several years in private law practice with Brown & Wood, a New York based law firm which subsequently merged with the law firm of Sidley Austin, concentrating on complex mortgage and other asset-based structured finance transactions. He received a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) in Government and Foreign Affairs from Hampden-Sydney College and a J.D. degree from the University of Virginia Law School. He is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia, the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Christopher K. Burbach , Executive Vice President—Underwriting

        Mr. Burbach joined us in February 2012 and has served as our Executive Vice President—Underwriting since that time. Mr. Burbach has a broad range of experience in credit, underwriting and financial analysis. Prior to joining us, Mr. Burbach served in numerous capacities at Spirit from February 2006 to January 2012, including most recently as Vice President of Investment Management responsible for managing the investments of the company's $3.5 billion real estate portfolio. Mr. Burbach also managed the Underwriting group at Spirit. Prior to Spirit, Mr. Burbach served as Chief Executive Officer of VM Management, Inc. which owned a for-profit private school and managed a non-profit charter school in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to VM Management, Mr. Burbach was a consultant with Navigant Consulting, Inc. in San Francisco, California, engaged in financial consulting for the Construction and Government Industries Groups. Mr. Burbach received a B.S. degree in Finance from Santa Clara University and an M.B.A. degree from Arizona State University. Mr. Burbach is also a CFA charterholder.

Mary Fedewa , Executive Vice President—Acquisitions

        Ms. Fedewa was one of our founders in May 2011 and has served as our Executive Vice President—Acquisitions since our organization. Ms. Fedewa has over 20 years of experience in a broad range of financial services. Prior to co-founding us, Ms. Fedewa spent several years investing as principal in single-tenant commercial real estate for private real estate companies. Ms. Fedewa was previously a Managing Director of Acquisitions at Spirit from 2004 to 2007, originating net-lease transactions in a variety of industries across the United States. Prior to Spirit, Ms. Fedewa held numerous positions within GE Capital, concluding as a Senior Vice President of GE Franchise Finance which was the successor company to FFCA. Throughout her GE Capital tenure, Ms. Fedewa held leadership positions within Mortgage Insurance, Private Label Financing and Commercial Finance.

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While at GE, Ms. Fedewa was awarded a Six Sigma Black Belt and also served as a GE Quality Leader. Ms. Fedewa attended North Carolina State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance.

Michael J. Zieg , Executive Vice President—Portfolio Management

        Mr. Zieg was one of our founders in May 2011 and serves as our Executive Vice President—Portfolio Management. Mr. Zieg has spent over 15 years in the commercial real estate industry with experience in finance, transaction structuring, credit, and asset management and recovery. Prior to co-founding us, Mr. Zieg was Senior Vice President—Portfolio Management at Spirit from 2007 to February 2010 where he oversaw portfolio management for a net-lease real estate portfolio in excess of $3.5 billion. From 1997 to 2007, Mr. Zieg was with the national law firm of Kutak Rock LLP, where he was a partner focusing on corporate finance and securities transactions. Mr. Zieg represented Spirit as outside legal counsel beginning with its inception in 2003 through its sale to a private consortium in 2007 when he joined the company. Prior to assisting in the formation of Spirit, he also represented FFCA as outside counsel from 1997 until its sale to GE Capital in 2001. Mr. Zieg received a B.B.A. degree in Finance from Texas A&M University and a J.D. degree from the University of Denver.


Family Relationships

        There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.


Our Corporate Governance

        We have structured our corporate governance in a way that we believe aligns our interests with those of our stockholders, including but not limited to the following:

    our controlling stockholder has advised us that, when it ceases to have beneficial ownership of a majority of our shares, it will ensure that employees of our controlling stockholder will no longer constitute a majority of our board of directors;

    our board of directors is not classified and each of our directors is subject to election annually, and we will not classify our board of directors in the future without the approval of our stockholders;

    we will have a fully independent audit committee and independent director representation on our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees as of the consummation of this offering, and our independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of our corporate officers or non-independent directors;

    at least one of our directors will qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC;

    we will opt out of the Maryland business combination and control share acquisition statutes, and in the future will not opt in without stockholder approval; and

    we do not have a stockholder rights plan, and we will not adopt a stockholder rights plan in the future without (a) the approval of our stockholders or (b) seeking ratification from our stockholders within 12 months of adoption of the plan if the board of directors determines, in the exercise of its duties under applicable law, that it is in our best interest to adopt a rights plan without the delay of seeking prior stockholder approval.

        Oaktree has advised us that it does not intend to vote in favor of the classification of our board, an opt-in to the Maryland business combination statute or control share acquisition statute or the adoption of a stockholder rights plan.

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Controlled Company

        We have applied to list our common stock on the NYSE. After the completion of this offering, certain investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. or their respective subsidiaries that are invested in us, will continue to indirectly own more than 50% of the combined voting power of our common stock; therefore, under current listing standards, we will qualify as a "controlled company." Accordingly, will be exempt from requirements to have a majority of independent directors, a fully independent nominating and corporate governance committee with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities and a fully independent compensation committee with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities. For at least some period following the consummation of this offering, we intend to use these exemptions. As a result, following the consummation of this offering, the majority of our directors will not be independent and we will not have a nominating and corporate governance committee or a compensation committee that is comprised entirely of independent directors. As a result, you will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE's corporate governance requirements. If we cease to be a controlled company and our shares are still listed on the NYSE, we will be required to comply with these provisions within the transition periods specified in the NYSE's corporate governance rules.


Stockholders Agreement

        Prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to enter into a stockholders agreement with STORE Holding Company, LLC, or STORE Holding. Under this stockholders agreement, STORE Holding will have the right, subject to certain terms and conditions, to nominate representatives to our board of directors and committees of our board of directors. For so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, STORE Holding directors may only be removed with STORE Holding's consent. However, if the number of STORE Holding directors exceeds the number of directors STORE Holding is entitled to nominate under the stockholders agreement, STORE Holding is required to take all necessary action to cause the appropriate number of STORE Holding directors to offer to resign. If there is a vacancy on our board of directors because of the resignation or removal of a STORE Holding director, the stockholders agreement requires us to nominate an individual designated by STORE Holding for election. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement."

        Pursuant to the stockholders agreement, STORE Holding will have certain nomination rights. For so long as STORE Holding owns shares representing at least 50% or more of the combined voting power of our common stock, STORE Holding will be entitled to nominate the majority of the directors to serve on the board of directors. When STORE Holding owns shares representing less than 50% but greater than or equal to 40% of the combined voting power of our common stock, STORE Holding will be entitled to nominate the number of directors equal to the lowest whole number that is at least 40% of the total number of directors. When STORE Holding owns shares representing less than 40% but greater than or equal to 30% of the combined voting power of our common stock, STORE Holding will be entitled to nominate the number of directors equal to the lowest whole number that is at least 30% of the total number of directors. When STORE Holding owns shares representing less than 30% but greater than or equal to 20% of the combined voting power of our common stock, STORE Holding will be entitled to nominate the number of directors equal to the lowest whole number that is at least 20% of the total number of directors. When STORE Holding owns shares representing less than 20% but greater than or equal to 10% of the combined voting power of our common stock, STORE Holding will be entitled to nominate the number of directors equal to the lowest whole number that is at least 10% of the total number of directors.

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Director Independence

        The board of directors has determined that Morton H. Fleischer is an "independent director" as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE. The board of directors has also determined that director nominees Joseph M. Donovan and Quentin P. Smith, Jr. meet the requirements to be an "independent director" as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE.


Board Structure

        The board of directors currently consists of seven members. Upon the consummation of this offering, Messrs. Donovan and Quentin Smith will be elected as additional, independent directors and the board of directors will therefore consist of nine members. Our charter and bylaws provide that our board of directors will consist of such number of directors as may from time to time be fixed by our board of directors; provided, that, in accordance with the stockholders agreement, so long as STORE Holding continues to beneficially own shares representing 10% or more of the combined voting power of our common stock, we will agree to nominate individuals designated by STORE Holding for election as our directors as specified in the stockholders agreement.

        Each director is to hold office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal (each director may be removed with cause by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors); provided, that, for so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, STORE Holding directors may only be removed with STORE Holding's consent. However, if the number of STORE Holding directors exceeds the number of directors STORE Holding is entitled to nominate under the stockholders agreement, STORE Holding is required to take all necessary action to cause the appropriate number of STORE Holding directors to offer to resign. Vacancies on the board of directors may be filled at any time by the remaining directors; provided, that, if there is a vacancy on our board of directors because of the resignation or removal of a STORE Holding director, the stockholders agreement requires us to nominate an individual designated by STORE Holding for election.

        At any meeting of the board of directors, except as otherwise required by law, a majority of the total number of directors then in office will constitute a quorum for all purposes.

        Our board of directors is not divided into classes with staggered terms, and each of our directors is subject to re-election annually.


Background and Experience of Directors

        When considering whether directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the board of directors focused primarily on each person's background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors' individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business. In particular, the members of our board of directors considered the following important characteristics, among others:

    Mr. Fleischer—our board of directors considered Mr. Fleischer's familiarity with our history and operations, his experience as an early participant in net-lease financing and his extensive real estate and capital markets experience.

    Mr. Volk—our board of directors considered Mr. Volk's familiarity with our history and operations, his experience as an early participant in net-lease financing and his extensive real estate and capital markets experience.

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    Mr. Desai—our board of directors considered Mr. Desai's extensive experience in evaluating and investing in real-estate related assets.

    Mr. Derek Smith—our board of directors considered Mr. Smith's extensive knowledge and experience in the legal aspects of negotiating, structuring and managing real estate investments.

    Mr. Shourie—our board of directors considered Mr. Shourie's extensive experience in real estate, finance and corporate governance.

    Mr. Liang—our board of directors considered Mr. Liang's extensive experience in real estate, finance and corporate governance.

    Mr. Balakrishnan—our board of directors considered Mr. Balakrishnan's experience in real estate, finance and corporate governance.

    Mr. Donovan—our board of directors considered Mr. Donovan's experience as a board member, his extensive investment banking and capital markets experience and his expertise in accounting and finance.

    Mr. Quentin Smith—our board of directors considered Mr. Smith's experience as a board member, extensive business management consulting, corporate management and operational experience.


Committees of the Board

        We currently have an Audit Committee, and upon the consummation of this offering, the board of directors will establish a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Upon completion of this offering, copies of the charters will be available on our website. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.

    Audit Committee

        Upon the completion of this offering, we expect our Audit Committee to consist of Messrs. Donovan, Fleischer and Quentin Smith, with Mr. Donovan serving as the chair. The functions of our Audit Committee, among other things, include:

    reviewing our financial statements, including any significant financial items or changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm;

    reviewing our financial risk and control procedures, compliance programs and significant tax, legal and regulatory matters;

    appointing and determining the compensation for our independent auditors;

    establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and

    reviewing and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm.

        Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Donovan qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K and that Messrs. Donovan, Fleischer and Smith are independent as independence is defined in Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and under the NYSE listing standards. The Audit Committee will consist of all independent directors upon the completion of this offering.

    Compensation Committee

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will establish a Compensation Committee and will adopt a charter for the Compensation Committee that complies with applicable federal, state and NYSE rules

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relating to corporate governance matters. We expect our Compensation Committee to consist of Messrs. Derek Smith, Fleischer and Balakrishnan, with Mr. Smith serving as the chair. The functions of our Compensation Committee, among other things, will include:

    reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of certain of our key executives, evaluating the performance of these executives in light of those goals and objectives, and determining the compensation of these executives based on that evaluation;

    reviewing and approving executive officer and director compensation;

    reviewing and approving overall compensation programs; and

    administering our incentive compensation and equity-based plans.

        In order to comply with certain SEC and tax law requirements, our compensation committee (or a subcommittee of the compensation committee) must consist of at least two directors that qualify as "non-employee directors" for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and satisfy the requirements of an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will establish a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and will adopt a charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that complies with applicable federal, state and NYSE rules relating to corporate governance matters. We expect our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consist of Messrs. Fleischer, Desai and Liang, with Mr. Fleischer serving as the chair. The functions of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, will include:

    identifying individuals qualified to become board members and recommending director nominees and board members for committee membership;

    developing and recommending to our board corporate governance guidelines; and

    overseeing the evaluation of our board of directors and its committees and management.


Risk Oversight

        Our board of directors will oversee a company-wide approach to risk management that is carried out by our senior leadership team. Our board of directors will determine the appropriate risk for us generally, assess the specific risks faced by us and review the steps taken by our senior leadership team to manage those risks. While our board of directors will maintain the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees will oversee risk in certain specified areas. Specifically, our Compensation Committee will be responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements, and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our Audit Committee will oversee management of enterprise risks and financial risks, as well as potential conflicts of interests. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with the independence of our board of directors.


Risk and Compensation Policies

        Our senior leadership team, at the direction of our board of directors, has reviewed our employee compensation policies, plans and practices to determine if they create incentives or encourage behavior that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. In conducting this evaluation, our senior leadership team has reviewed our compensation plans, including our long-term incentive plan and employment agreements, to evaluate risk and the internal controls we have implemented to manage those risks. In completing this evaluation, our board of directors and senior leadership team believe that there are no unmitigated risks created by our compensation policies, plans and practices

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that create incentives or encourage behavior that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.


Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        Upon completion of this offering, none of the members of our Compensation Committee will have ever been an officer or employee of us. None of our executive officers will have served as a member of the board of directors, compensation committee or other board committee performing equivalent functions of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as one of our directors or on our Compensation Committee.


Codes of Conduct

        Upon or prior to completion of this offering, we anticipate that our board of directors will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees. Upon completion of this offering, a copy of this code will be available on our website. We expect that any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.


Director Compensation

        None of our directors received compensation in 2013 except for our chairman, Mr. Fleischer, who received aggregate compensation of $393,800, consisting of $200,000 in cash director fees and $193,800 in the value of restricted stock awards. Other than Mr. Fleischer, no director has received any compensation for serving on the board of directors or committees thereof. Subsequent to this offering, Mr. Fleischer will be entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $200,000 and annual grants of restricted stock in an amount having a value of $200,000 that will vest over four years.

        Subsequent to this offering, Messrs. Donovan and Quentin Smith will each be entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $50,000, and each will receive annual grants of restricted stock in an amount having a value of $80,000 that will vest at the end of each term served. The first such grant will be effective upon completion of this offering based on the offering price of our common stock. They will also be entitled to receive $2,000 per meeting for each meeting of the board of directors in excess of six meetings per year.

        Mr. Donovan will also receive $17,500 in cash to serve as the chair of our Audit Committee. Messrs. Derek Smith and Fleischer will not receive a cash retainer to serve as the chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, respectively. If an outside director (a director who is not an employee of us or of our controlling stockholder) other than Mr. Fleischer serves as chair of the Compensation Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in the future, we anticipate that the chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will each receive an annual cash retainer of $10,000.

        Directors who are employees of us or of our controlling stockholder will not receive any compensation for serving on the board of directors or committees thereof. If we have additional outside directors in the future (directors who are not employees of us or of our controlling stockholder), we anticipate that they will be entitled to compensation arrangements to be determined.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The following members of our senior leadership team are the "named executive officers" for purposes of the SEC's compensation disclosure regulations for emerging growth companies: Christopher Volk, Catherine Long and Mary Fedewa. In addition to providing compensation information with respect to the named executive officers, we also have disclosed, in the table below and in the other tables and discussion that follow in this section of the prospectus, compensation information with respect to the other members of our senior leadership team, which include Michael Bennett, Michael Zieg and Christopher Burbach. Throughout this section of the prospectus, we refer to Messrs. Volk, Bennett, Zieg and Burbach and Mmes. Long and Fedewa, collectively, as our "reporting officers."

        Upon completion of this offering, we will establish a Compensation Committee that will be responsible for making all executive compensation determinations in the future. We anticipate that our Compensation Committee will design a compensation program with the objectives of attracting and retaining top management talent, linking compensation realized to the achievement of our short- and long-term strategic goals, and aligning stockholder and management interests by encouraging long-term stockholder value creation.

    Summary Compensation Table

        The table below summarizes for each of the reporting officers the compensation amounts paid or earned for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Name and Principal Position
  Year   Salary ($)   Bonus ($)   Stock
awards ($)(1)
  All other
compensation ($)(4)
  Total ($)  

Christopher Volk

    2013     500,000     484,500     871,896     30,126     1,886,522  

President and Chief Executive

    2012     500,000     484,500     564,800     30,066     1,579,366  

Officer(2)

    2011     312,500     313,700         19,651     645,851  

Catherine Long

    2013     350,000     339,000     411,720     24,604     1,125,324  

Chief Financial Officer and

    2012     350,000     339,000     266,800     24,360     980,160  

Executive Vice President(2)

    2011     218,750     219,600         12,476     450,826  

Michael Bennett

    2013     320,000     310,000     387,504     30,532     1,048,036  

Executive Vice President—

    2012     320,000     310,000     251,000     30,085     911,085  

General Counsel(2)

    2011     200,000     200,800         18,876     419,676  

Mary Fedewa

    2013     350,000     339,000     387,504     25,507     1,102,011  

Executive Vice President—

    2012     320,000     310,000     251,000     22,313     903,313  

Acquisitions(2)

    2011     200,000     200,800         10,067     410,867  

Michael Zieg

    2013     320,000     310,000     387,504     19,663     1,037,167  

Executive Vice President—

    2012     320,000     310,000     251,000     20,940     901,940  

Portfolio Management(2)

    2011     200,000     200,800         8,207     409,007  

Christopher Burbach

    2013     320,000     310,000     349,392     17,208     996,600  

Executive Vice President—

    2012     288,889     280,000         9,611     578,500  

Underwriting(3)

                                     

(1)
We provide information regarding the assumptions used to calculate the value of all stock awards made to our reporting officers in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

(2)
2011 compensation reflects partial year service beginning in May 2011.

(3)
2012 compensation reflects partial year service beginning in February 2012.

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(4)
The following table sets forth the amounts of other compensation, including perquisites and other personal benefits, paid to, or on behalf of, our reporting officers included in the "All Other Compensation Column." Perquisites and other personal benefits are valued on the basis of the aggregate incremental cost to us.

Name
  Year   Disability
Insurance
Premium ($)
  Annual
Physical ($)
  Club
Dues ($)
  401(k)
Match ($)
  Total ($)  

Christopher Volk

    2013     10,451     1,075     8,400     10,200     30,126  

    2012     10,451     1,215     8,400     10,000     30,066  

    2011     10,451         4,200     5,000     19,651  

Catherine Long

    2013     11,012     1,500     1,892     10,200     24,604  

    2012     11,012     1,500     1,848     10,000     24,360  

    2011     8,052         924     3,500     12,476  

Michael Bennett

    2013     10,607     1,325     8,400     10,200     30,532  

    2012     10,607     1,078     8,400     10,000     30,085  

    2011     11,476         4,200     3,200     18,876  

Mary Fedewa

    2013     8,335         6,972     10,200     25,507  

    2012     8,335     1,500     2,478     10,000     22,313  

    2011     6,029         838     3,200     10,067  

Michael Zieg

    2013     7,571         1,892     10,200     19,663  

    2012     9,092         1,848     10,000     20,940  

    2011     4,147         860     3,200     8,207  

Christopher Burbach

    2013     3,012         3,996     10,200     17,208  

    2012     3,012         3,399     3,200     9,611  

    Current Employment Agreements with Reporting Officers

        Each of our reporting officers entered into an employment agreement with STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of S|T|O|R|E ("STORE Capital Advisors"), and S|T|O|R|E as the guarantor of the obligations of STORE Capital Advisors thereunder. At the end of the initial terms in May 2014, the employment agreements automatically extended for one additional year.

        Each employment agreement provides for the base salary of the reporting officer, which is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above under the column entitled "Salary." The base salary is considered annually by our board of directors, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of our board of directors or such committee; however, the base salary, including any increases, may not be decreased during the term of the employment agreement. Any increase will be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which the increase is approved.

        In addition to the base salary, each reporting officer is eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus for each fiscal year during the term of the employment agreement, based on the satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives to be adopted by our board of directors, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the beginning of the year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year. The reporting officer's targeted bonus opportunity shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the executive's base salary, and (ii) with respect to Messrs. Bennett, Burbach and Zieg, up to $400,000; with respect to Mmes. Fedewa and Long, up to $425,000; and, with respect to Mr. Volk, up to $900,000, each payable in shares of restricted common stock of S|T|O|R|E. In addition, each reporting officer is eligible to receive equity awards, if any, as determined by our board of directors under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or any other equity plan maintained by STORE Capital Advisors or its affiliates.

        For a description of the compensation paid to the reporting officers for the last three fiscal years, see the Summary Compensation Table above.

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        If we terminate a reporting officer for "cause," the reporting officer will be entitled to receive his or her annual base salary, incentive bonus and other benefits that have been earned and accrued prior to the date of termination and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. "Cause" means the reporting officer's:

    refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of our board of directors, to perform substantially all of his or her employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice by us;

    willful misconduct;

    personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on our business or reputation or any of our affiliates, as determined in our board of director's reasonable discretion;

    conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendre (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction);

    willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation that has a material adverse impact on our business or reputation or any of our affiliates, as determined in our board of director's reasonable discretion; or

    any material breach of the reporting officer's non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality covenants.

        If the reporting officer resigns without "good reason," the reporting officer will be entitled to receive his or her annual base salary, incentive bonus and other benefits that have been earned and accrued prior to the date of termination and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the date of termination. "Good reason" means termination of employment by the reporting officer on account of any of the following actions or omissions:

    a material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the reporting officer's duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the reporting officer of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with the position;

    a reduction in the reporting officer's base salary or target bonus;

    a requirement that the primary location at which the reporting officer performs his or her duties be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona or a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the reporting officer is required to do because of a relocation of our headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona;

    a material breach by us of the reporting officer's employment agreement; or

    a failure by us, in the event of a change of control (as defined in the employment agreement), to obtain from any successor to us an agreement to assume and perform the reporting officer's employment agreement.

        If the reporting officer resigns with "good reason" or we terminate him or her without "cause," the reporting officer will be entitled to the severance benefits described below, subject to the timely execution and non-revocation of a release:

    all base salary, incentive bonus and other benefits that have been earned and accrued prior to the date of termination and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the date of termination;

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    an amount equal to the sum of (1) the reporting officer's base salary, plus (2) an amount equal to the target cash bonus for which the executive was eligible for in the prior fiscal year, whether received or not, plus (3) the bonus for which the reporting officer is eligible in the year in which the termination occurs, prorated for the portion of the year he or she was employed; provided, however, that upon the consummation of this offering, we will enter into new employment agreements with each of our reporting officers that will change the terms of these provisions;

    to the extent the reporting officer is eligible for and elects continued coverage for himself or herself and his or her eligible dependents in accordance with COBRA, for a period of 12 months, we will pay the excess of (1) the amount the reporting officer is required to pay monthly to maintain coverage under COBRA over (2) the amount the reporting officer would have paid monthly if he or she had continued to participate in our medical and health benefits plan; and

    only if we terminate him or her without "cause," immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of our restricted common stock that he or she has been awarded as part of our bonus program.

        Our current employment agreements also provide that each reporting officer, or his or her estate, is entitled to certain benefits in the event of his or her disability or death. Specifically, each reporting officer or, in the event of the reporting officer's death, his or her estate, will be entitled to receive:

    all base salary, incentive bonus and other benefits that have been earned and accrued prior to the date of termination and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the date of termination;

    an amount equal to the target cash bonus for which the reporting officer is eligible in the year in which his or her death or his or her termination due to disability occurs, prorated for the portion of the year he or she was employed and less any incentive bonus payments received by the reporting officer with respect to the year of termination; and

    immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of our restricted common stock that he or she has been awarded as part of our bonus program; and

    to the extent the reporting officer is eligible for and elects continued coverage for himself or herself and his or her eligible dependents in accordance with COBRA, for a period of 18 months, we will pay the excess of (1) the amount the reporting officer is required to pay monthly to maintain coverage under COBRA over (2) the amount the reporting officer would have paid monthly if he or she had continued to participate in our medical and health benefits plan.

        If a "change of control" (as defined in the employment agreements) occurs, and within six months and one day prior to or after the change of control the reporting officer's employment with us is terminated by us for any reason, the reporting officer shall become 100% vested in any unvested restricted stock awards granted in connection with our annual bonus program.

        The employment agreements also contain standard confidentiality provisions, which apply indefinitely and non-competition and non-solicitation provisions which apply during the term of the employment agreement and for one year following the reporting officer's termination under certain circumstances.

    Severance and Change in Control-Based Compensation

        As more fully described above under the caption "—Current Employment Agreements with Reporting Officers" and below under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Long-Term Incentives with STORE Holding Company, LLC," we and STORE Holding Company, LLC

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have agreed to provide our reporting officers with certain payments or benefits upon certain termination of employment events or in connection with a change in control.

    New Employment Agreements with Reporting Officers

        Upon completion of this offering, each of our reporting officers will enter into new employment agreements with STORE Capital Advisors and us, as the guarantors of the obligations of STORE Capital Advisors thereunder. The current employment agreements with each of our reporting officers will be terminated. The terms of the new employment agreements with our reporting officers are substantially similar to the terms of the current employment agreements except as described below.

    Term.   The new employment agreements will have a four-year term, commencing upon the consummation of this offering.

    Base Salary.   The new employment agreements will have an initial base salary that is equal to the 2014 salary set forth in the table below.

Reporting Officer
  Title   2014 Salary  

Christopher Volk

  President and Chief Executive Officer   $ 600,000  

Catherine Long

  Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer   $ 420,000  

Mary Fedewa

  Executive Vice President, Acquisitions   $ 420,000  

Christopher Burbach

  Executive Vice President, Underwriting   $ 330,000  

Michael Zieg

  Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management   $ 330,000  

Michael Bennett

  Executive Vice President and General Counsel   $ 320,000  
    Annual Incentive Compensation.   In addition to the base salary, each reporting officer will be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus for each fiscal year during the term of the employment agreement, based on the satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives to be adopted by our board of directors, as advised by the compensation committee of our board of directors, in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year. In addition, each reporting officer will be eligible to receive equity awards, if any, as determined by our board of directors under the 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

    Severance.   If the reporting officer resigns with "good reason" or we terminate him or her without "cause," the reporting officer will be entitled to the severance benefits described below:

    all base salary, incentive bonus and other benefits that have been earned and accrued prior to the date of termination and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the date of termination;

    the target cash bonus for which the reporting officer is eligible in the year in which the termination occurs, prorated for the portion of the year he or she was employed;

    in the case of our chief executive officer an amount equal to the sum of (1) two times his base salary, plus (2) two times the target cash bonus for which he was eligible for in the prior fiscal year, whether received or not; and in the case of our other reporting officers an amount equal to the sum of (1) one and one-half times his or her base salary, plus (2) one and one-half times the target cash bonus for which the reporting officer was eligible for in the prior fiscal year, whether received or not;

    to the extent the reporting officer is eligible for and elects continued coverage for himself or herself and his or her eligible dependents in accordance with COBRA, for a period of

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        12 months, we will pay the excess of (1) the amount the reporting officer is required to pay monthly to maintain coverage under COBRA over (2) the amount the reporting officer would have paid monthly if he or she had continued to participate in our medical and health benefits plan; and

      only if we terminate him or her without "cause," immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of our restricted common stock that he or she has been awarded as part of our bonus program.

    401(k) Plan

        We have established a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Our reporting officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. The Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation within prescribed limits, generally on a pre- or post-tax basis, through contributions to the 401(k) plan. Currently, we match contributions made by participants in the 401(k) plan up to a specified percentage of the employee contributions, and these matching contributions are fully vested as of the date on which the contribution is made. We believe that providing a vehicle for retirement savings though our 401(k) plan, and making fully vested matching contributions, adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and provides further incentives to our employees, including our reporting officers, in accordance with our compensation policies.

    2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan

        In 2012, our board of directors adopted the STORE Capital Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the 2012 Incentive Plan, pursuant to which awards may be provided to key employees, officers, directors and others expected to provide significant services to S|T|O|R|E and its affiliates to promote their long-term financial success and increase stockholder value. Subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2012 Incentive Plan, a maximum of 620,000 shares of our common stock may be issued as a result of grants awarded under the 2012 Incentive Plan. As of June 30, 2014, we have awarded 368,624 shares of restricted stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2012 Incentive Plan.

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    Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding outstanding equity awards held by each of our reporting officers as of December 31, 2013.

 
  Stock Awards  
Name
  Number of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested(1)
  Market
value of
shares or
units of
stock that
have not
vested ($)(2)
  Equity incentive
plan awards:
number of
unearned shares,
units or other
rights that
have not
vested(3)
  Equity incentive
plan awards:
market value of
unearned shares,
units or other
rights that
have not
vested ($)(4)
 

Christopher Volk

    57,509     1,380,216     280 (5)(7)   1,717,705  

                200 (6)(7)   (6)

Catherine Long

    27,160     651,840     105 (5)   644,140  

                150 (6)   (6)

Michael Bennett

    25,558     613,392     105 (5)   644,140  

                150 (6)   (6)

Mary Fedewa

    25,558     613,392     105 (5)   644,140  

                150 (6)   (6)

Michael Zieg

    25,558     613,392     105 (5)   644,140  

                150 (6)   (6)

Christopher Burbach

    14,558     349,392     (5)    

                200 (6)   (6)

(1)
Each grant vests ratably in four installments on February 15th of each year following the grant date.

(2)
The market value of shares is based on the per share price as of December 31, 2013. This amount is estimated based upon the price at which we most recently issued stock prior to December 31, 2013 because there was no public market for the shares at that time.

(3)
Represents the Series B Units of STORE Holding Company, LLC granted to members of our senior leadership team by STORE Holding Company, LLC in consideration of their services to STORE Holding Company, LLC in connection with the initial and secondary equity commitments of its members, as described in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Long-Term Incentives with STORE Holding Company, LLC." 15% of each award vests over five years on the anniversary of the respective grant dates, with 25% remaining subject to forfeiture if a termination occurs under certain circumstances. If and to the extent the Series B Units become vested and eligible to receive cash distributions, they will dilute the holdings of the other owners of STORE Holding Company, LLC and not the holders of our common stock.

(4)
The market value of the Series B Units assumes that STORE Holding Company, LLC sold its remaining equity interests in us and liquidated without any transaction costs. While this calculation is based upon the price at which we most recently issued stock prior to December 31, 2013, the actual valuation is only determinable when the holders of the equity interests become eligible to receive cash distributions with respect to these equity interests, if at all.

(5)
Series B-1 Units granted May 2011.

(6)
Series B-2 Units granted March 2013. At December 31, 2013, we estimated that the Company's value had not appreciated to a level that would have created value in these awards, so we believe the market value was zero on that date.

(7)
Includes Series B Units held in irrevocable trusts with respect to which Mr. Volk disclaims any legal or beneficial ownership.

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    2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan

        Prior to this offering, we intend to adopt the STORE Capital Corporation 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Incentive Plan. We do not anticipate that we will make awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan until 2015. The following is a summary of certain terms and conditions of the 2015 Incentive Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2015 Incentive Plan filed as an exhibit to this registration statement.

    Purpose

        Under the 2015 Incentive Plan, we may award select employees, directors, independent contractors and consultants whose contributions are essential to our growth and success options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, deferred shares, performance shares, other share-based awards, cash awards or any combination of the foregoing. The purpose of the 2015 Incentive Plan is to strengthen the commitment of such potential awardees to us, motivate such persons to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities and attract and retain competent and dedicated persons whose efforts will result in our long-term growth and profitability.

    Administration

        The 2015 Incentive Plan will be administered by our board of directors, or any committee the board may appoint to administer the 2015 Incentive Plan (the Administrator). The Administrator will have full power and authority to interpret and construe all provisions of the 2015 Incentive Plan, any award or any award agreement, and to make all related determinations, including the power and authority to:

    designate grantees of awards;

    determine the type or types of awards to be made to a grantee;

    determine the number of common shares subject to an award;

    establish the terms and conditions of each award;

    prescribe the form of each award agreement; and

    to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of, and supply or correct omissions in, the 2015 Incentive Plan and any award issued under thereunder, and to otherwise supervise the administration of the 2015 Incentive Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the 2015 Incentive Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the 2015 Incentive Plan.

    Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan

        Subject to adjustment in connection with changes in capitalization and other corporate or non-recurring events, the amount of common stock that is reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan is            shares. From and after such time as the 2015 Incentive Plan is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the aggregate awards that may be granted during any single fiscal year to any individual who is a likely to be a "covered employee" (as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code) shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. The maximum cash awards that any "covered employee" may receive in any annual performance period is $5,000,000. If any award is forfeited, or if any option or stock appreciation right terminates, expires or lapses without being settled or exercised, shares of our common stock subject to such award will again be available for future grant.

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    Options

        The Administrator will be authorized to grant options to purchase shares of common stock that are either "qualified," meaning they satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code for incentive stock options, or "nonqualified," meaning they do not satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. These options will be subject to terms and conditions established by the Administrator. The exercise price of shares purchasable under an option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of the grant, but will be at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock (or 110% in the case of a qualified option granted to a 10% stockholder) on the date of the grant. The maximum term of each option shall be fixed by the Administrator, subject to a maximum term of ten years (or five years in the case of a qualified option granted to a 10% stockholder) from the date such option is granted.

        Options may be exercised in whole or in part by giving written notice of exercise to us specifying the number of whole shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate exercise price of the shares so purchased in cash or its equivalent, as determined by the Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, with respect to any option or category of options, payment in whole or in part may also be made (i) by means of consideration received under any cashless exercise procedure approved by the Administrator (including the withholding of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) in the form of unrestricted shares already owned by the participant which have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares as to which such option shall be exercised, (iii) any other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by applicable law or (iv) any combination of the foregoing.

    Share Appreciation Rights

        The Administrator is authorized to award stock appreciation rights (referred to as "SARs") under the 2015 Incentive Plan. SARs will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Administrator. A SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, either in the form of cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time less applicable withholding in the case of cash-settled SARs. An option granted under the 2015 Incentive Plan may include SARs, and the Administrator may also award SARs to a participant independent of the grant of an option. SARs granted in connection with an option shall be subject to terms similar to the option corresponding to such SARs. The terms of the SARs shall be subject to terms established by the Administrator and reflected in the award agreement. The exercise price of a SAR may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying share on the date of grant, and the term of a SAR may not be longer than ten years. Participants who are granted SARs shall have no rights as stockholders with respect to the grant or exercise of such rights.

    Restricted Shares, Deferred Shares and Performance Shares

        Restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares may be issued either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the 2015 Incentive Plan. The Administrator shall determine the eligible recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares shall be made; the number of shares to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the participant for the acquisition of restricted Shares, deferred shares or performance shares; the period of time prior to which such shares become vested and free of restrictions on transfer (the "Restricted Period"), if any, applicable to restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares; the performance objectives (if any) applicable to restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares; and all other conditions of the restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares. If the restrictions, performance objectives or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a participant shall forfeit his or her restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares, in accordance with the

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terms of the grant. The provisions of the restricted shares, deferred shares or performance shares need not be the same with respect to each participant.

    Other Share-Based Awards

        Under the 2015 Incentive Plan, the Administrator is authorized to grant awards to participants in the form of other share-based awards, as deemed by the Administrator to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan and as evidenced by an Award Agreement. The Administrator shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards, consistent with the terms of the 2015 Incentive Plan, at the date of grant or thereafter, including any performance goals and performance periods. Common stock or other securities or property delivered pursuant to an award in the nature of a purchase right granted shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, shares, other awards, notes or other property, as the Administrator shall determine, subject to any required corporate action.

    Cash Awards

        The Administrator may grant awards that are denominated in, or payable to participants solely in, cash, as deemed by the Administrator to be consistent with the purposes of the 2015 Incentive Plan, and, except as otherwise provided in 2015 Incentive Plan, such cash awards shall be subject to the terms, conditions, restrictions and limitations determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from time to time. Cash may be granted with value and payment contingent upon the achievement of performance goals.

    Performance-Based Awards

        To the extent that the 2015 Incentive Plan is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, no payment with respect to restricted shares, deferred shares, performance shares, other share-based awards or cash awards which is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) shall be made to a participant prior to the certification by the Administrator that the applicable performance goals have been attained, and such a participant shall only be eligible to receive payment pursuant to such awards for a performance period only if and to the extent that the performance goals for such applicable period have been achieved. Notwithstanding any other provision of the 2015 Incentive Plan and except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, any award which is intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" shall be subject to any additional limitations imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code that are requirements for qualification as "performance-based compensation."

    Effect of a Change in Control

        In the event of a change in control, all outstanding awards will vest only to the extent provided in an employment, severance or change in control agreement between us and the Participant or as evidenced in an Award Agreement.

    Amendment and Termination

        Our board of directors may amend, alter or terminate the 2015 Incentive Plan, but no amendment, alteration or termination shall be made that would impair the rights of a Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant's consent. No award may be granted pursuant to the 2015 Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date on which our board of directors adopts the 2015 Incentive Plan.

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    Transfer of Awards

        Until the time that any awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan are fully vested or exercisable in accordance with the 2015 Incentive Plan or an Award Agreement, no purported sale, assignment, mortgage, hypothecation, transfer, charge, pledge, encumbrance, gift, transfer in trust (voting or other) or other disposition of, or creation of a security interest in or lien on, any award or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing by any holder thereof in violation of the provisions of the 2015 Incentive Plan or an Award Agreement will be valid, except with the prior written consent of the Administrator, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Administrator.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        Related party transactions are transactions in which we are a participant where the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a member of our board of directors or nominee, an executive officer or a holder of more than 5% of our voting securities (or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing) has a direct or indirect material interest. We have not implemented a formal written policy relating to the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions, though we plan to adopt a written policy upon the consummation of this offering. However, in practice, all such related party transactions are reported to, and approved by, our full board of directors. Our board of directors will consider all relevant facts and circumstances when deliberating such transactions, including whether the terms of the transaction are fair to us and whether the transaction is consistent with, and contributes to, our growth strategy.

        The following is a summary of related party transactions since our inception, other than compensation arrangements which are described under the sections of this prospectus entitled "Management—Executive Compensation" and "Management—Director Compensation." The related party transactions listed below were all approved by our board of directors.


Long-Term Incentives with STORE Holding Company, LLC

        In connection with the May 2011 formation and initial equity commitment into S|T|O|R|E, our primary stockholder, STORE Holding Company, LLC, or STORE Holding, granted equity interests to members of our senior leadership team. An additional grant of equity interests was made to members of our senior leadership team in connection with a March 2013 secondary equity commitment from STORE Holding. These equity interests, or profits interests, were granted in the form of Series B Units and were issued under the Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Holding, dated as of May 17, 2011, as amended, or the STORE Holding LLC Agreement.

        In order for the holders of the Series B Units to receive cash distributions with respect to their Series B Units, the equity investors of STORE Holding must receive a specified cash return based upon a receipt of their invested capital and a specified return on their capital. The Series B Units are subject to vesting and forfeiture provisions, with all of the Series B Units generally vesting after the fifth anniversary of the grant, although 25% of the Series B Units remain subject to forfeiture.

        The Series B Units were issued and designed to provide a long-term incentive for the recipients, who are members of our senior leadership team. The Series B Units also serve as a retention device because a portion of each Series B Unit vests over a period of time. The Series B Units have also been issued to align the interests of STORE Holding and the members of our senior leadership team who are the recipients of these Units.

        In the event of a change in control, as defined in the STORE Holding LLC Agreement, each member of our senior leadership team's vested and unvested Series B Units shall be liquidated in accordance with the provisions of the STORE Holding LLC Agreement.


Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement that will provide STORE Holding with certain "demand" registration rights and customary "piggyback" registration rights. The registration rights agreement will also provide that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities which may arise under the Securities Act.

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Indemnification Agreements

        We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and reporting officers. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law and our charter against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.

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


Statement of Policy Regarding Transactions with Related Persons

        Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will adopt a written statement of policy regarding transactions with related persons, which we refer to as our "related person policy." Our related person policy requires that a "related person" (as defined as in paragraph (a) of Item 404 of Regulation S-K) must promptly disclose to our General Counsel any "related person transaction" (defined as any transaction that is anticipated would be reportable by us under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest) and all material facts with respect thereto. The General Counsel will then promptly communicate that information to our board of directors. No related person transaction will be executed without the approval or ratification of our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors. It is our policy that directors interested in a related person transaction will recuse themselves from any vote on a related person transaction in which they have an interest.


Stockholders Agreement

        We intend to enter into a stockholders agreement with STORE Holding prior to the consummation of this offering. The stockholders agreement will contain provisions related to the composition of our board of directors and the committees of the board of directors. See "Management—Stockholders Agreement." The stockholders agreement also provides that if any provision of the stockholders agreement is inconsistent with our charter or our bylaws, then the provision of the stockholders agreement will be controlling. Also, the stockholders agreement provides that any amendment to our bylaws shall only be effective if approved by Requisite Investor Approval. Requisite Investor Approval means, so long as our controlling stockholder holds at least 50% of the number of shares of our common stock it owns as of the closing of the date of consummation of this offering, the approval of a majority of our board of directors including at least one director nominated by our controlling stockholder. Once our controlling stockholder holds less than 50% of the number of shares of our common stock it owns as of the closing of the date of consummation of this offering, Requisite Investor Approval shall be determined by us or our board of directors in accordance with applicable law, our bylaws and our charter.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table shows information within our knowledge with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock immediately prior to and after the consummation of this offering, for:

    each of our directors;

    each named executive officer;

    each reporting officer;

    each person or group of affiliated persons whom we know to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; and

    all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

        Beneficial ownership and percentage ownership are determined in accordance with the SEC's rules. In computing the number of shares a person beneficially owns and the corresponding percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock underlying options and warrants that are exercisable within 60 days of                        , 2014, are considered to be outstanding. The shares underlying these options and warrants are considered to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the percentage ownership of the person, entity or group that holds those options or warrants but is not considered to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the percentage ownership of any other person, entity or group. To our knowledge, except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. The table is based on          shares of our common stock outstanding as of                    , 2014, and          shares outstanding immediately after this offering. The table below does not take into account any shares the persons listed below may purchase in this offering. The address for those individuals for which an address is not otherwise indicated is: c/o STORE Capital Corporation, 8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255.

 
  Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
Before this Offering
  Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
After this Offering
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
  Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage  

Greater than Five Percent Beneficial Owners:

                         

STORE Holding Company, LLC(1)

    49,582,052     99.3 %   49,582,052       %

Directors and Executive Officers:

                         

Morton H. Fleischer(2)

    22,428     *     22,428     *  

Christopher H. Volk(2)

    100,898     *     100,898     *  

Manish Desai(3)

                 

Derek Smith(3)

                 

Rajath Shourie(3)

                 

Kenneth Liang(3)

                 

Mahesh Balakrishnan(3)

                 

Catherine Long(2)

    47,650     *     47,650     *  

Michael T. Bennett(2)

    44,842     *     44,842     *  

Christopher K. Burbach

    30,704     *     30,704     *  

Mary Fedewa(2)

    45,851     *     45,851     *  

Michael J. Zieg(2)

    44,842     *     44,842     *  

All executive officers and directors as a group (19 persons)

    356,903     *     356,903     *  

*
Less than 1% of the outstanding common stock

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(1)
Of the 991,651 issued and outstanding units of STORE Holding Company, LLC, 425,000 are held by OCM STR Holdings, L.P.; 312,500 are held by OCM STR Holdings II, L.P.; 137,776 are held by OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P.; 108,550 are held by OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P.; 5,000 are held by Mr. Fleischer; 2,000 are held by Mr. Volk; 400 are held by Ms. Fedewa; 250 are held by Ms. Long; 150 are held by Mr. Bennett; and 25 are held by Mr. Zieg.

The general partner of each of OCM STR Holdings, L.P. and OCM STR Holdings II, L.P. is OCM FIE, LLC. The managing member of OCM FIE, LLC is Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. The general partner of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. is Oaktree Holdings, Inc. The sole shareholder of Oaktree Holdings, Inc. is Oaktree Capital Group, LLC. The duly elected manager of Oaktree Capital Group, LLC is Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC. The members of Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC are Kevin Clayton, John Frank, Stephen Kaplan, Bruce Karsh, Larry Keele, David Kirchheimer, Howard Marks and Sheldon Stone. Each of the managing members, general partners, shareholders, unit holders and members described above disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares of common stock beneficially or of record owned by OCM STR Holdings, L.P. or OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The address for all of the entities and individuals identified above is 333 S. Grand Avenue, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

The general partner of OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. is Oaktree Real Estate Opportunities Fund V GP, L.P. The general partner of OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P. is Oaktree Real Estate Opportunities Fund VI GP, L.P. The general partner of each of Oaktree Real Estate Opportunities Fund V GP, L.P. and Oaktree Real Estate Opportunities Fund VI GP, L.P. is Oaktree Fund GP IIA, LLC. The managing member of Oaktree Fund GP IIA, LLC is Oaktree Fund GP II, L.P. The general partner of Oaktree Fund GP II, L.P. is Oaktree Capital II, L.P. The general partner of Oaktree Capital II, L.P. is Oaktree Holdings, Inc. The sole shareholder of Oaktree Holdings, Inc. is Oaktree Capital Group, LLC. The duly elected manager of Oaktree Capital Group, LLC is Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC. The members of Oaktree Capital Group Holdings GP, LLC are Kevin Clayton, John Frank, Stephen Kaplan, Bruce Karsh, Larry Keele, David Kirchheimer, Howard Marks and Sheldon Stone. Each of the general partners, managing members, shareholders, unit holders and members described above disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares of common stock beneficially or of record owned by OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. or OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P., except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The address for all of the entities and individuals identified above is 333 S. Grand Avenue, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

(2)
In addition to the amount of our common stock listed in the table, Messrs. Fleischer, Volk, Bennett and Zieg and Mmes. Long and Fedewa hold the number of units of STORE Holding Company, LLC noted above.

(3)
The units held by OCM STR Holdings, L.P., OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. and OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P. may be deemed to be beneficially owned by each of Messrs. Desai, Smith, Shourie, Liang and Balakrishnan, who are members of our board of directors, by virtue of his being an officer or equivalent of OCM FIE, LLC, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and/or Oaktree Fund GP II, L.P. Each of Messrs. Desai, Smith, Shourie, Liang and Balakrishnan disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares, except to the extent of any indirect pecuniary interest therein.

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DESCRIPTION OF STOCK

        The following summary of the terms of our stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL. See "Where You Can Find More Information."


General

        Our charter authorizes us to issue up to 375,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and up to 125,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Immediately after completion of this offering,            shares of common stock will be issued and outstanding and 125 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock will be issued and outstanding. We intend to redeem all shares of our Series A Preferred Stock shortly after the completion of this offering so that there will be no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, a stockholder generally is not liable for a corporation's debts or obligations solely as a result of the stockholder's status as a stockholder.


Common Stock

        All shares of our common stock issued in this offering will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock discussed below under the caption "—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer" and the voting rights of holders of outstanding shares of any other class or series of our stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of our stock, the holders of shares of our common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting in which directors are being elected. The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. This means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

        Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of outstanding shares of any other class or series of our stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our remaining assets legally available for distribution. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. Holders of our common stock generally have no appraisal rights. All shares of our common stock that will be outstanding at the time of the completion of the offering will have equal dividend and liquidation rights. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock or any other class or series of stock we may authorize and issue in the future.

        Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter, consolidate, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or dissolve unless the action is advised by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation's charter. As permitted by Maryland law, our charter provides that any of these actions may be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the

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matter; although, for so long as the stockholders agreement, which is described above under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement," remains in effect, certain amendments to our charter inconsistent with the rights of our primary stockholder, STORE Holding Company, LLC, or STORE Holding, under the stockholders agreement or our charter or bylaws also require STORE Holding's consent. See "Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of our Charter and Bylaws." In addition, because many of our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries, these subsidiaries may be able to merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders.


Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Stock, Reclassify Unissued Shares of Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common and Preferred Stock

        Our charter authorizes our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board of directors and without stockholder approval, to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we are authorized to issue.

        In addition, our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our stock into other classes or series of stock, including one or more classes or series of stock that have priority over our common stock with respect to dividends or upon liquidation, or have voting rights and other rights that differ from the rights of the common stock, and authorize us to issue the newly classified shares. Before authorizing the issuance of shares of any new class or series, our board of directors must set, subject to the provisions in our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series of stock. These actions may be taken without the approval of holders of our common stock unless such approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which any of our stock is listed or traded. We intend to redeem all 125 outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock shortly after the completion of this offering so that there will be no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding. We have no present plans to issue any other shares of preferred stock.

        We believe that the power of our board of directors to approve amendments to our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, to authorize us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and thereafter to authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise.


Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

        In order for us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as private foundations) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

        Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock that are intended to, among other purposes, assist us in complying with these requirements and qualifying as a REIT. Subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% (in value or by

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number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% in value of our outstanding stock. We refer to these restrictions, collectively, as the "ownership limit." We expect that, before the completion of this offering, our board of directors will grant an exemption from the ownership limit to STORE Holding.

        The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% of our outstanding stock, or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns our stock, could, nevertheless, cause the acquiror or another individual or entity to own our stock in excess of the ownership limit.

        Our board of directors may, upon receipt of certain representations and agreements and in its sole discretion, prospectively or retroactively, waive the ownership limit and may establish a different limit on ownership, or an excepted holder limit, for a particular stockholder if the stockholder's ownership in excess of the ownership limit would not result in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT. As a condition of granting a waiver of the ownership limit or creating an excepted holder limit, our board of directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or the Internal Revenue Service ruling satisfactory to our board of directors as it may deem necessary or advisable to determine or ensure our status as a REIT and may impose such other conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate.

        In connection with granting a waiver of the ownership limit or creating or modifying an excepted holder limit, or at any other time, our board of directors may increase or decrease the ownership limit unless, after giving effect to any increased or decreased ownership limit, five or fewer persons could beneficially own, in the aggregate, more than 49.9% in value of the shares of our stock then outstanding or we would otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT. A decreased ownership limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage of ownership of our stock is in excess of the decreased ownership limit until the person or entity's ownership of our stock equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of our stock will be subject to the decreased ownership limit.

        Our charter also prohibits:

    any person from beneficially or constructively owning shares of our stock that would result in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT;

    any person from transferring shares of our stock if the transfer would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons; and

    any person from beneficially owning shares of our stock to the extent such ownership would result in our failing to qualify as a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity" within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code.

        Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our stock that will or may violate the ownership limit or any of the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, and any person who is the intended transferee of shares of our stock that are transferred to a trust for the benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries described below, must give immediate written notice of such an event or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transfer, give at least 15 days' prior written notice to us and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of the transfer on our status as a REIT. The provisions of our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will not apply if our

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board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT, or that compliance is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.

        Any attempted transfer of our stock that, if effective, would result in our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons will be null and void. Any attempted transfer of our stock that, if effective, would result in a violation of the ownership limit (or other limit established by our charter or our board of directors), our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT or as a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity" within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code will cause the number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) to be transferred automatically to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the proposed transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares. The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day before the date of the attempted transfer or other event that resulted in a transfer to the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent a violation of the applicable restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, then the attempted transfer that, if effective, would have resulted in a violation of the ownership limit (or other limit established by our charter or our board of directors), our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT or as a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity," will be null and void.

        Shares of our stock held in the trust will be issued and outstanding shares. The proposed transferee will not benefit economically from ownership of any shares of our stock held in the trust and will have no rights to dividends and no rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares of our stock held in the trust. The trustee of the trust will exercise all voting rights and receive all dividends and other distributions with respect to shares held in the trust for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary of the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid before we discover that the shares have been transferred to a trust as described above must be repaid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand. Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority to rescind as void any vote cast by a proposed transferee before our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust and to recast the vote in the sole discretion of the trustee. However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind or recast the vote.

        Within 20 days of receiving notice from us of a transfer of shares to the trust, the trustee must sell the shares to a person that would be permitted to own the shares without violating the ownership limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock in our charter. After the sale of the shares, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares transferred to the trust will terminate and the trustee must distribute to the proposed transferee an amount equal to the lesser of:

    the price paid by the proposed transferee for the shares (or, if the proposed transferee did not give value in connection with the transfer or other event that resulted in the transfer to the trust ( e.g. , a gift, devise or other such transaction), the market price of the shares on the day of the event that resulted in the transfer of such shares to the trust); and

    the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares.

        The trustee must distribute any remaining funds held by the trust with respect to the shares to the charitable beneficiary. If the shares are sold by the proposed transferee before we discover that they have been transferred to the trust, the shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and the proposed transferee must pay to the trustee, upon demand, the amount, if any, that the

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proposed transferee received in excess of the amount that the proposed transferee would have received had the shares been sold by the trustee.

        Shares of our stock held in the trust will be deemed to be offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of:

    the price per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price at the time of such devise or gift); and

    the market price on the date we accept, or our designee accepts, such offer.

        We may accept the offer until the trustee has otherwise sold the shares of our stock held in the trust. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed transferee and distribute any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to the shares to the charitable beneficiary.

        Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give us written notice stating the person's name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock that the person beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner also must provide us with any additional information that we request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the person's beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limit. In addition, any person or entity that is a beneficial owner or constructive owner of shares of our stock and any person or entity (including the stockholder of record) who is holding shares of our stock for a beneficial owner or constructive owner must, on request, disclose to us in writing such information as we may request in order to determine our status as a REIT or to comply, or determine our compliance, with the requirements of any governmental or taxing authority.

        If our board of directors authorizes any of our shares to be represented by certificates, the certificates will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

        These restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of us that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.


Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW
AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

        The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to the MGCL. See "Where You Can Find More Information."


Election and Removal of Directors

        Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of our directors may be established only by our board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum number required under the MGCL, which is one, nor, unless our bylaws are amended, more than 15. For so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, our bylaws require that, in order for an individual to qualify to be nominated or to serve as a director of our company, the individual must have been nominated in accordance with the stockholders agreement, including the requirement that we must nominate a certain number of directors designated by STORE Holding from time to time described under "Management—Stockholders Agreement." Also, as long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, Requisite Investor Approval is required to amend our bylaws to eliminate these director qualifications, as described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement." Requisite Investor Approval means, so long as our controlling stockholder holds at least 50% of the number of shares of our common stock it owns as of the closing of this offering, the approval of a majority of our board of directors, including at least one director nominated by our controlling stockholder. Once our controlling stockholder holds less than 50% of the number of shares of our common stock it owns as of the closing of this offering, Requisite Investor Approval shall be determined by us or our board of directors in accordance with applicable law, our bylaws and our charter. There will be no cumulative voting in the election of directors, and a director will be elected by a plurality of all the votes cast in the election of directors.

        We have elected by a provision of our charter to be subject to provisions of Maryland law requiring that, except as otherwise provided in the terms of any class or series of our stock, vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and that any individual elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

        Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause and by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, except that, for so long as the stockholders agreement remains in effect, the removal of a STORE Holding director requires the consent of STORE Holding. However, if the number of STORE Holding directors exceeds the number of directors STORE Holding is entitled to nominate pursuant to the stockholders agreement, STORE Holding is required to take all necessary action to cause the appropriate number of STORE Holding directors to offer to resign.


Amendment to Charter and Bylaws

        Except as described herein and as provided in the MGCL, amendments to our charter must be advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of our stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter and our board of directors has the exclusive power to amend our bylaws. Certain amendments to the provisions of our charter and bylaws requiring STORE Holding's consent to certain actions (including amendments to such provisions of our charter or bylaws), or otherwise modifying STORE Holding's rights under the stockholders agreement or our charter or bylaws (such as the requirement that, to be qualified to be nominated and to serve as

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a director, an individual must be nominated in accordance with the stockholders agreement) require Requisite Investor Approval. In addition, amendments to the provisions of our bylaws prohibiting our board of directors from revoking, altering or amending its resolution exempting any business combination from the "business combination" provisions of the MGCL or exempting any acquisition of our stock from the "control share" provisions of the MGCL without the approval of our stockholders must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders.


Business Combinations

        Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, and, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:

    any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding voting stock; or

    an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period before the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's then outstanding voting stock.

        A person is not an interested stockholder under the MGCL if the corporation's board of directors approves in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. In approving the transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.

        After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and the interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the corporation's board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

    80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation; and

    two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.

        These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under the MGCL, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.

        The MGCL permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the MGCL, our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting any business combination between us and any other person from the provisions of this statute. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations involving us. As a result, any person may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interests of our stockholders, without compliance with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute. Our bylaws provide that this resolution or any other resolution of our board of directors exempting any business combination from

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the business combination provisions of the MGCL may only be revoked, altered or amended, and our board of directors may only adopt any resolution inconsistent with this resolution, with the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.


Control Share Acquisitions

        The MGCL provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition has no voting rights with respect to the control shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:

    one-tenth or more but less than one-third;

    one-third or more but less than a majority; or

    a majority or more of all voting power.

        Control shares do not include shares the acquiror is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

        A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

        If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiror does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or, if a meeting of stockholders is held at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved, as of the date of the meeting. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority of the voting power, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

        The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

        Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any acquisition by any person of shares of our stock, and this provision of our bylaws cannot be amended without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

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Subtitle 8

        Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to be subject to any or all of five provisions, including:

    a classified board;

    a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;

    a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the board of directors;

    a requirement that a vacancy on the board of directors be filled only by a vote of the remaining directors in office and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies; and

    a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.

        Our charter will provide that, effective at such time as we are able to make a Subtitle 8 election, vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and that a director elected by the board of directors to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. We have not elected to be subject to any of the other provisions of Subtitle 8, including the provisions that would permit us to classify our board of directors or increase the vote required to remove a director without stockholder approval. Moreover, our charter provides that, without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by our stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, we may not elect to be subject to any of these additional provisions of Subtitle 8. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we (1) vest in our board of directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directors and (2) require, unless called by our chairman, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of directors, the request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting to call a special meeting of stockholders. We do not currently have a classified board and, subject to the right of STORE Holding to consent to the removal of any STORE Holding director, a director may be removed only for cause and by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.


Special Meetings of Stockholders

        Pursuant to our bylaws, our chairman, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders. Subject to the provisions of our bylaws, a special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be considered by our stockholders will also be called by our secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting on such matter, accompanied by the information required by our bylaws. Our secretary will inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and delivering the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting stockholder must pay such estimated cost before our secretary may prepare and deliver the notice of the special meeting.


Corporate Opportunities

        Our charter provides that, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, each of our controlling stockholder, its affiliates, each of their representatives, and each of our directors or officers that is an affiliate or designee of our controlling stockholder or its affiliates has the right to, and has no duty (contractual or otherwise) not to, (x) directly or indirectly engage in the same or similar business

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activities or lines of business as us, including those deemed to be competing with us, or (y) directly or indirectly do business with any of our clients, customers or suppliers. In the event that our controlling stockholder or any of its affiliates, or any of their representatives or designees acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for us, our controlling stockholder, its affiliates and any of their representatives or designees shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present such corporate opportunity to us or any of our affiliates and shall not be liable to us or any of our affiliates, subsidiaries, stockholders or other equity holders for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise) by reason of the fact that our controlling stockholder or any of its affiliates, or any of their representatives or designees, directly or indirectly, pursues or acquires such opportunity for themselves, directs such opportunity to another person, or does not present such opportunity to us or any of our affiliates.


Advance Notice of Director Nomination and New Business

        Our bylaws provide that nominations of individuals for election as directors and proposals of business to be considered by stockholders at any annual meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (3) by any stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of the individuals so nominated or on such other proposed business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not earlier than the 150th day or later than the close of business on the 120th day before the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the preceding year's annual meeting.

        Only the business specified in the notice of the meeting may be brought before a special meeting of our stockholders. Nominations of individuals for election as directors at a special meeting of stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (2) if the special meeting has been called in accordance with our bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of our bylaws. Stockholders generally must provide notice to our secretary not earlier than the 120th day before such special meeting and or later than the later of the close of business on the 90th day before the special meeting or the tenth day after the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting and the nominees of our board of directors to be elected at the meeting.

        A stockholder's notice must contain certain information specified by our bylaws about the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed business or nominee for election as a director, including information about the economic interest of the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed nominee in us.


Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and our Charter and Bylaws

        The restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock discussed under the caption "Description of Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer" prevent any person from acquiring more than 9.8% (in value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock or 9.8% in value of our outstanding stock without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions, as well as STORE Holding's right to designate certain individuals whom we must nominate for election as directors, may delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us.

        Further, our board of directors has the power to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we are authorized to issue, to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our stock into other classes or

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series of stock, and to authorize us to issue the newly classified shares, as discussed under the captions "Description of Stock—Common Stock" and "—Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Stock, Reclassify Unissued Shares of Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common and Preferred Stock," and could authorize the issuance of shares of common stock or another class or series of stock, including a class or series of preferred stock, that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us. These actions may be taken without the approval of holders of our common stock unless such approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which any of our stock is listed or traded. We believe that the power of our board of directors to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise.

        Our charter and bylaws also provide that the number of directors may be established only by our board of directors, which prevents our stockholders from increasing the number of our directors and filling any vacancies created by such increase with their own nominees. The provisions of our bylaws discussed above under the captions "—Special Meetings of Stockholders" and "—Advance Notice of Director Nomination and New Business" require stockholders seeking to call a special meeting, nominate an individual for election as a director or propose other business at an annual or special meeting to comply with certain notice and information requirements. We believe that these provisions will help to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by our board of directors and promote good corporate governance by providing us with clear procedures for calling special meetings, information about a stockholder proponent's interest in us and adequate time to consider stockholder nominees and other business proposals. However, these provisions, alone or in combination, could make it more difficult for our stockholders to remove incumbent directors or fill vacancies on our board of directors with their own nominees and could delay, defer or prevent a change in control, including a proxy contest or tender offer that might involve a premium price for our common stockholders or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.


Exclusive Forum

        Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (d) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.


Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Maryland law permits us to include a provision in our charter limiting the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates our directors' and officers' liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

        The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of

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any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or certain other capacities unless it is established that:

    the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

    the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

    in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

        Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or in our right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

        In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

        Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves, and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:

    any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or

    any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

        Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served any of our predecessors in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of us or any of our predecessors.


Indemnification Agreements

        We expect to enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law as described in "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Indemnification Agreements." Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors

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or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.


Possible Conversion to an UPREIT Structure

        Our board of directors may decide in the future to convert our existing organizational structure to an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust, or UPREIT, structure. In a typical UPREIT structure, all or substantially all of the properties owned by the REIT would be held in an operating partnership, or OP, typically a limited partnership or a limited liability company. The REIT or a wholly owned subsidiary of the REIT would control the UPREIT. Interests in the operating partnership, or OP units, would be issued to real estate owners instead of cash in exchange for their real estate from time to time. This exchange generally results in a deferral of tax for the real estate owners. The OP units would be exchangeable, at the option of the holder of the OP units, into common stock of the REIT in the future.

        We would reorganize and use an UPREIT structure in the future if our board of directors believes it would facilitate our ability to acquire real estate from owners who have substantial real estate holdings but would be unwilling to engage in a transaction with us without a required tax-deferred component to the structure. If we were to reorganize our company as an UPREIT, we do not believe it would have a material adverse effect upon our existing stockholders. Additional tax considerations could apply to our stockholders if our board of directors decides to convert our existing organizational structure to an UPREIT. Under existing law, our conversion to an UPREIT structure would only require the approval of our board of directors and not a vote of our stockholders.

        In an UPREIT structure, we could issue interests in the UPREIT from time to time, on such terms and conditions and for such capital contributions as we may establish in our sole and absolute discretion, including:

    upon the conversion, redemption or exchange of any debt, interests or securities issued by our UPREIT;

    for less than fair market value; or

    in connection with any merger of any other entity into our UPREIT.

        Our UPREIT could issue interests in the UPREIT in one or more classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption (including, without limitation, terms that may be senior or otherwise entitled to preference over the units) as we may determine, in our sole and absolute discretion, without the approval of any stockholder or any other person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we could specify, as to any such class or series of any interest in our UPREIT:

    the allocations of items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to each such class or series of interest in our UPREIT;

    the right of each such class or series of interest in our UPREIT to share, on a junior, senior or pari passu basis, in distributions;

    the rights of each such class or series of interest in our UPREIT upon dissolution and liquidation of our UPREIT;

    the voting rights, if any, of each such class or series of partnership interests in our UPREIT; and

    the conversion, redemption or exchange rights applicable to each such class or series of interest in our UPREIT.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT and to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock. For purposes of this section, references to "S|T|O|R|E," "we," "our" and "us" mean only STORE Capital Corporation and not its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities, except as otherwise indicated. The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury Regulations that relate to qualification and taxation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. This summary is based upon, and qualified in its entirety by, the Code, the Treasury Regulations, rulings and other administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. We have not sought and will not seek an advance ruling from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this prospectus. The summary is also based upon the assumption that we will operate S|T|O|R|E and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities in accordance with their applicable organizational documents. This summary is for general information only and is not tax advice. It does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular investor in light of its investment or tax circumstances or to investors subject to special tax rules, such as:

    financial institutions;

    insurance companies;

    broker-dealers;

    regulated investment companies;

    partnerships or other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and trusts;

    persons who, as nominees, hold our stock on behalf of other persons;

    persons who receive S|T|O|R|E stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;

    persons holding S|T|O|R|E stock as part of a "straddle," "hedge," "conversion transaction," "synthetic security" or other integrated investment;

and, except to the extent discussed below:

    tax-exempt organizations; and

    foreign investors.

        This summary assumes that investors will hold their common stock as a capital asset, which generally means as property held for investment.

         The U.S. federal income tax treatment of holders of our common stock depends in some instances on determinations of fact and interpretations of complex provisions of U.S. federal income tax law for which no clear precedent or authority may be available. In addition, the tax consequences to any particular stockholder of holding our common stock will depend on the stockholder's particular tax circumstances. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the federal, state, local, and foreign income and other tax consequences to you in light of your particular investment or tax circumstances of acquiring, holding, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of our common stock.

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Taxation of S|T|O|R|E

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code commencing with our initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. We believe that we have been organized and operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code, and we intend to continue to be organized and to operate in this manner.

        In connection with the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we expect to receive an opinion of Kutak Rock LLP to the effect that commencing with our taxable year ended on December 31, 2011, we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that our actual and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. It must be emphasized that the opinion of Kutak Rock LLP will be based on various assumptions relating to our organization and operation and will be conditioned upon fact-based representations and covenants made by our management regarding our organization, assets, and income, and the future conduct of our business operations. While we intend to operate so that we will qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given by Kutak Rock LLP or by us that we will qualify as a REIT for any particular year. The opinion will be expressed as of the date issued. Kutak Rock LLP will have no obligation to advise us or our stockholders of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed, or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. You should be aware that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in such opinions.

        Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis through actual operating results, various qualification tests imposed under the Code regarding the composition of our assets and income, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership. No assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations for any taxable year will satisfy such requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

    Taxation of REITs in General

        As indicated above, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below under "—Requirements for Qualification—General." While we intend to operate so that we qualify as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification, or that we will be able to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See "—Failure to Qualify."

        Provided that we qualify as a REIT, generally we will be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" at the corporate and stockholder levels that generally results from investment in a corporation. In general, the income that we generate is taxed only at the stockholder level upon a distribution of dividends to our stockholders.

        Most domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates are taxed on corporate dividends at a maximum rate of 20% (the long-term capital gains rate). With limited exceptions, however, dividends from us or from other entities that are taxed as REITs are generally not eligible for this rate and will continue to be taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income. See "Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders—Distributions."

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        Net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of REITs generally do not pass through to our stockholders. See "Taxation of Stockholders."

        If we qualify as a REIT, we will nonetheless be subject to U.S. federal tax in the following circumstances:

    We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed "real estate investment trust taxable income," including undistributed net capital gains.

    We may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on our items of tax preference, including any deductions of net operating losses.

    If we have net income from prohibited transactions, which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, other than foreclosure property, such income will be subject to a 100% tax. See "—Prohibited Transactions," and "—Foreclosure Property," below.

    If we elect to treat property that we acquire in connection with a foreclosure of a mortgage loan or certain leasehold terminations as "foreclosure property," we may thereby avoid the 100% tax on gain from a resale of that property (if the sale would otherwise constitute a prohibited transaction), but the income from the sale or operation of the property may be subject to corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate (currently 35%).

    We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include its proportionate share of our undistributed net capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid.

    If we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because we satisfy other requirements, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount based on the magnitude of the failure, as adjusted to reflect the profit margin associated with our gross income.

    If we should fail to satisfy the asset tests (other than certain de minimis failures) or other requirements applicable to REITs, as described below, and yet maintain our qualification as a REIT because there is reasonable cause for the failure and other applicable requirements are met, we may be subject to an excise tax. In that case, the amount of the excise tax will be at least $50,000 per failure, and, in the case of certain asset test failures, will be determined as the amount of net income generated by the assets in question multiplied by the highest corporate tax rate (currently 35%) if that amount exceeds $50,000 per failure.

    If we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (i) the amounts that we actually distributed and (ii) the amounts we retained and upon which we paid income tax at the corporate level.

    We may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if we fail to meet record keeping requirements intended to monitor our compliance with rules relating to the composition of a REIT's stockholders, as described below in "—Requirements for Qualification—General."

    A 100% tax may be imposed on transactions between us and a "taxable REIT subsidiary," or a TRS, (as described below) that do not reflect arms-length terms.

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    If we acquire appreciated assets from a corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., a corporation taxable under subchapter C of the Code) in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the assets in our hands is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the assets in the hands of the subchapter C corporation, we may be subject to tax on such appreciation at the highest corporate income tax rate then applicable if we subsequently recognize gain on a disposition of any such assets during the ten-year period following their acquisition from the subchapter C corporation. The results described in this paragraph with respect to the recognition of gain assume that the C corporation will refrain from making an election to recognize gain with respect to the disposition of the assets under the applicable Treasury Regulations on its tax return for the year in which we acquire the asset from the C corporation. The IRS recently issued final Treasury Regulations that exclude from the application of this built-in gains tax any gain from the sale of property we acquired in an exchange under Section 1031 (a like kind exchange) or 1033 (an involuntary conversion) of the Code.

    Our subsidiaries that are C corporations, including our TRS, may be required to pay federal corporate income tax on their earnings.

        In addition, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local, and foreign income, franchise, property and other taxes on our assets and operations. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.

    Requirements for Qualification—General

        The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

            (1)   that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

            (2)   the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;

            (3)   that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for Sections 856-860 of the Code;

            (4)   that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to specific provisions of the Code;

            (5)   the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons;

            (6)   in which, during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code to include specified tax-exempt entities); and

            (7)   which meets other tests described below, including with respect to the nature of its income and assets.

        The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) need not be met during a corporation's initial tax year as a REIT. Our charter provides restrictions regarding the ownership and transfers of our shares, which are intended to assist us in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above.

        To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we generally are required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our stock pursuant to which the record holders must disclose the actual owners of the shares (i.e., the persons required to include our dividends in their gross income). We must maintain a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand as part of our records. We could be subject to monetary penalties if we fail to

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comply with these record-keeping requirements. If you fail or refuse to comply with the demands, you will be required by Treasury regulations to submit a statement with your tax return disclosing your actual ownership of our shares and other information.

        In addition, a corporation generally may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable year is the calendar year. We have adopted December 31 as our year-end, and thereby will satisfy this requirement.

        The Code provides relief from violations of certain of the REIT requirements, in cases where a violation is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, and other requirements are met, including, in certain cases, the payment of a penalty tax that is based upon the magnitude of the violation. See "—Income Tests" and "—Asset Tests" below. If we fail to satisfy any of the various REIT requirements, there can be no assurance that these relief provisions would be available to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, and, if such relief provisions are available, the amount of any resultant penalty tax could be substantial.

    Ownership of Subsidiary Entities

        Partnership Subsidiaries.     If we are a partner in an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Treasury regulations provide that we are deemed to own our proportionate share of the partnership's assets, and to earn our proportionate share of the partnership's income, for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership are deemed to retain the same character in our hands. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of income of any of our subsidiary partnerships will be treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the REIT requirements.

        Disregarded Subsidiaries.     If we own a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," that subsidiary is generally disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all of the subsidiary's assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a TRS, that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by a REIT. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not required to pay federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary does not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities, as described below under "—Asset Tests." Other entities that are wholly owned by us, including single member limited liability companies that have not elected to be taxed as corporations for federal income tax purposes, are also generally disregarded as separate entities for federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT gross income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries, along with any partnerships in which S|T|O|R|E may hold an equity interest, are sometimes referred to herein as "pass-through subsidiaries."

        We currently hold substantially all of our real estate assets through a series of pass-through entities, primarily through limited liability companies that we believe will be treated as disregarded entities for federal income tax purposes. In the future, we may hold investments through entities treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.

        In the event that a disregarded subsidiary of ours ceases to be wholly owned—for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another disregarded subsidiary of ours—the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, the subsidiary would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income requirements applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the securities of another corporation. See "—Asset Tests" and "—Income Tests."

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        Taxable Subsidiaries.     In general, we may jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a TRS. We generally may not own more than 10% of the securities of a taxable corporation, as measured by voting power or value, unless we and such corporation elect to treat such corporation as a TRS. The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a TRS or other taxable corporation generally would be subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow that we and our subsidiaries generate in the aggregate, and may reduce our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

        We are not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or other taxable subsidiary corporation or as receiving any income that the subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by a taxable subsidiary to us is an asset in our hands, and we treat the dividends paid to us from such taxable subsidiary, if any, as income. This treatment can affect our gross income and asset test calculations, as described below. Because we do not include the assets and income of TRSs or other taxable subsidiary corporations in determining our compliance with the REIT requirements, we may use such entities to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude us from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries. For example, except for certain activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, we may use TRSs or other taxable subsidiary corporations to conduct activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as management fees or to conduct activities that, if conducted by us directly, would be treated as prohibited transactions.

        We currently own an interest in one TRS and may acquire securities in additional TRSs in the future. On September 16, 2011, we formed STORE Investment Corporation, a Delaware Corporation that is wholly owned by us. We have elected to treat STORE Investment Corporation as a TRS for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

    Income Tests

        In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy two gross income requirements on an annual basis. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in "prohibited transactions," certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains, generally must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage backed securities), "rents from real property," dividends received from other REITs, and gains from the sale of real estate assets, as well as specified income from temporary investments.

        Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions and certain foreign currency gains, must be derived from some combination of such income from investments in real property (i.e., income that qualifies under the 75% income test described above), as well as other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property.

        For these purposes, the term "interest" generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.

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        Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as "rents from real property" for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:

    The amount of rent must not be based in any way on the net income or profits of any person. However, an amount we receive or accrue generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property" solely because it is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales;

    We, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of our stock, must not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the interests in the assets or net profits of the tenant, or, if the tenant is a corporation, 10% or more of the voting power or value of all classes of stock of the tenant. Rents received from a tenant that is a TRS, however, will not be excluded from the definition of "rents from real property" as a result of this condition if at least 90% of the space at the property to which the rents relate is leased to third parties, and the rents paid by the TRS are substantially comparable to rents paid by our other tenants for comparable space. Whether rents paid by a TRS are substantially comparable to rents paid by our other tenants is determined at the time the lease with the TRS is entered into, extended, and modified, if such modification increases the rents due under such lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a lease with a "controlled taxable REIT subsidiary" is modified and such modification results in an increase in the rents payable by such TRS, any such increase will not qualify as "rents from real property." For purposes of this rule, a "controlled taxable REIT subsidiary" is a TRS in which we own stock possessing more than 50% of the voting power or more than 50% of the total value of the outstanding stock of such TRS;

    Rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is not greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease. If this condition is not met, then the portion of the rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property"; and

    We generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to our tenants, subject to a 1% de minimis exception and except as provided below. We may, however, perform services that are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant" of the property. An example of these services at our properties includes the provision of general maintenance of common areas. In addition, we may employ an independent contractor from whom we derive no income to provide customary services, or a TRS, which may be wholly or partially owned by us, to provide both customary and non-customary services to our tenants without causing the rent we receive from those tenants to fail to qualify as "rents from real property." Any amounts we receive from a TRS with respect to the TRS's provision of non-customary services will, however, be nonqualifying income under the 75% gross income test and, except to the extent received through the payment of dividends, the 95% REIT gross income test.

        We generally do not intend to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above.

        From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our liabilities. The term "hedging transaction" generally means any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made. The hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, that is clearly identified as such as specified in the Code will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% or

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95% gross income test, and therefore will be exempt from this test. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

        We may directly or indirectly receive distributions from TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries. These distributions generally are treated as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions will generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any dividends that we receive from a REIT, however, will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 95% and 75% gross income tests.

        Interest income constitutes qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test to the extent that the obligation upon which such interest is paid is secured by a mortgage on real property. If we receive interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by both real property and other property, and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date that we acquired or originated the mortgage loan, the interest income will be apportioned between the real property and the other collateral, and our income from the arrangement will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test only to the extent that the interest is allocable to the real property. Even if a loan is not secured by real property, or is undersecured, the income that it generates may nonetheless qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test.

        If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if (1) our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (2) following our identification of the failure to meet the 75% or 95% gross income test for any taxable year, we file a schedule with the IRS setting forth each item of our gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test for such taxable year in accordance with Treasury regulations yet to be issued. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances as such relief is subject to IRS discretion. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above under "—Taxation of REITs in General," even where these relief provisions apply, the Code imposes a tax based upon the amount by which we fail to satisfy the particular income test.

    Asset Tests

        At the close of each calendar quarter, we must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of "real estate assets," cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, and, under some circumstances, stock or debt instruments purchased with new capital. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land, buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other corporations that qualify as REITs, and some kinds of mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test are subject to the additional asset tests described below.

        Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities (including securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries) other than those securities includable in the 75% asset test.

        Third, the value of any one issuer's securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets and we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding securities, as measured by either voting power or value. The 5% and 10% asset tests do not apply to securities of TRSs and

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qualified REIT subsidiaries and the 10% asset test does not apply to "straight debt" having specified characteristics and to certain other securities described below. Solely for purposes of the 10% asset test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership or limited liability company, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code.

        Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of TRSs that we hold may not exceed 25% of the value of our total assets.

        Notwithstanding the general rule, as noted above, for purposes of the REIT income and asset tests we are treated as owning our proportionate share of the underlying assets of a subsidiary partnership. If we hold indebtedness issued by a partnership, the indebtedness will be subject to, and may cause a violation of, the asset tests unless the indebtedness is a qualifying mortgage asset or other conditions are met. Similarly, although stock of another REIT is a qualifying asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, any non-mortgage debt that is issued by another REIT may not so qualify (such debt, however, will not be treated as "securities" for purposes of the 10% asset test, as explained below).

        Certain securities will not cause a violation of the 10% asset test described above. Such securities include instruments that constitute "straight debt," which includes, among other things, securities having certain contingency features. A security does not qualify as "straight debt" where a REIT (or a controlled TRS of the REIT) owns other securities of the same issuer which do not qualify as straight debt, unless the value of those other securities constitute, in the aggregate, 1% or less of the total value of that issuer's outstanding securities. In addition to straight debt, the Code provides that certain other securities will not violate the 10% asset test. Such securities include (1) any loan made to an individual or an estate, (2) certain rental agreements pursuant to which one or more payments are to be made in subsequent years (other than agreements between a REIT and certain persons related to the REIT under attribution rules), (3) any obligation to pay rents from real property, (4) securities issued by governmental entities that are not dependent in whole or in part on the profits of (or payments made by) a non-governmental entity, (5) any security (including debt securities) issued by another REIT, and (6) any debt instrument issued by a partnership if the partnership's income is of a nature that it would satisfy the 75% gross income test described above under "—Income Tests." In applying the 10% asset test, a debt security issued by a partnership is not taken into account to the extent, if any, of the REIT's proportionate interest in the equity and certain debt securities issued by that partnership.

        No independent appraisals have been obtained to support our conclusions as to the value of particular securities other than real estate assets. Moreover, values of some assets, including instruments issued in securitization transactions, may not be susceptible to a precise determination, and values are subject to change in the future. Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT asset requirements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interests in our subsidiaries or in the securities of other issuers will not cause a violation of the REIT asset tests.

        However, certain relief provisions are available to allow REITs to satisfy the asset requirements or to maintain REIT qualification notwithstanding certain violations of the asset and other requirements. One such provision allows a REIT which fails one or more of the asset requirements to nevertheless maintain its REIT qualification if (1) the REIT provides the IRS with a description of each asset causing the failure, (2) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (3) the REIT pays a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 per failure, and (b) the product of the net income generated by the assets that caused the failure multiplied by the highest applicable corporate tax rate (currently 35%), and (4) the REIT either disposes of the assets causing the failure within six months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies the failure, or otherwise satisfies the relevant asset tests within that time frame.

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        In the case of de minimis violations of the 10% and 5% asset tests, a REIT may maintain its qualification despite a violation of such requirements if (1) the value of the assets causing the violation does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the REIT's total assets at the end of the quarter for which the measurement is calculated, and $10,000,000, and (2) the REIT either disposes of the assets causing the failure within six months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies the failure, or the relevant tests are otherwise satisfied within that time frame.

        The asset tests described above must be satisfied at the close of each quarter of our taxable year in which we (directly or through our partnerships, limited liability companies or qualified REIT subsidiaries) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of increasing our interest in a partnership or limited liability company which owns such securities), or acquire other assets. If we should fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, such a failure would not cause us to lose our REIT qualification if we (1) satisfied the asset tests at the close of the preceding calendar quarter and (2) the discrepancy between the value of our assets and the asset requirements was not wholly or partly caused by an acquisition of non-qualifying assets, but instead arose from changes in the market value of our assets. If the condition described in (2) were not satisfied, we still could avoid disqualification by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which it arose or by making use of relief provisions described below.

    Annual Distribution Requirements

        In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to:

            (a)   the sum of

        (1)
        90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without regard to our net capital gains and the deduction for dividends paid, and

        (2)
        90% of our net income, if any, (after tax) from foreclosure property (as described below), minus

            (b)   the sum of specified items of non-cash income over 5% of our "REIT taxable income."

            For these purposes, our "REIT taxable income" is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount on purchase money debt, cancellation of indebtedness, or any like-kind exchanges that are later determined to be taxable.

            In addition, our "REIT taxable income" will be reduced by any taxes we are required to pay on any gain we recognize from the disposition of any asset we acquired from a corporation which is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is less than the fair market value of the asset, in each case determined at the time we acquired the asset, within the ten-year period following our acquisition of such asset.

        We generally must make these distributions in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for the year and if paid with or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. In order for distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirements for REITs, and to provide us with a REIT-level tax deduction, the distributions must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if the distribution is (1) pro rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class, and (2) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in our organizational documents.

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        To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax at regular corporate tax rates on the retained portion. We may elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, we could elect for our stockholders to include their proportionate shares of such undistributed long-term capital gains in income, and to receive a corresponding credit for their share of the tax that we paid. Our stockholders would then increase their adjusted basis of their stock by the difference between (a) the amounts of capital gain dividends that we designated and that they include in their taxable income, and (b) the tax that we paid on their behalf with respect to that income.

        To the extent that we have available net operating losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that we must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Such losses, however, will generally not affect the character, in the hands of our stockholders, of any distributions that are actually made as ordinary dividends or capital gains. See "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders—Distributions."

        If we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we would be subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (x) the amounts actually distributed, and (y) the amounts of income we retained and on which we paid corporate income tax.

        It is possible that, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash to meet the distribution requirements due to timing differences between our actual receipt of cash, including receipt of distributions from our subsidiaries and our inclusion of items in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Alternatively, we may declare a taxable dividend payable in cash or stock at the election of each stockholder, where the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed in such dividend may be subject to limitation. In such case, for federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock.

        In the event that such timing differences occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, it might be necessary for us to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property.

        We may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In this case, we may be able to avoid losing REIT qualification or being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. We will be required to pay interest and a penalty based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

    Prohibited Transactions

        Net income that we derive from a prohibited transaction, is subject to a 100% tax. The term "prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property, as discussed below) that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business by us or by a borrower that has issued a shared appreciation mortgage or similar debt instrument to us. We intend to conduct our operations so that no asset that we own (or are treated as owning) will be treated as, or as having been, held for sale to customers, and that a sale of any such asset will not be treated as having been in the ordinary course of our business. Whether property is held "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances. No assurance can be given that any property that we sell will not be treated as property held for sale to customers, or that we can comply with certain safe-harbor provisions of the Code that would prevent such treatment. The 100% tax does not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS or other taxable corporation, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the corporation at regular corporate rates.

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    Foreclosure Property

        Foreclosure property is real property and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that we acquire as the result of having bid in the property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after a default (or upon imminent default) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by us and secured by the property, (2) for which we acquired the related loan or lease at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated, and (3) with respect to which we made a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.

        We generally will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (currently 35%) on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that constitutes qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property. To the extent that we receive any income from foreclosure property that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, we intend to make an election to treat the related property as foreclosure property.

    Derivatives and Hedging Transactions

        As discussed in "—Income Tests" above, we and our subsidiaries may enter into hedging transactions with respect to interest rate exposure on one or more of our assets or liabilities. Except to the extent provided by Treasury regulations, any income from a hedging transaction we enter into (1) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets, which is clearly identified as specified in Treasury regulations before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, and (2) primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% income tests which is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT. We may conduct some or all of our hedging activities (including hedging activities relating to currency risk) through a TRS or other corporate entity, the income from which may be subject to federal income tax, rather than by participating in the arrangements directly or through pass-through subsidiaries. No assurance can be given, however, that our hedging activities will not give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of either or both of the REIT income tests, or that our hedging activities will not adversely affect our ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements.

    Failure to Qualify

        If we fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification other than the income or asset tests, we could avoid disqualification if our failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. Relief provisions are available for failures of the income tests and asset tests, as described above in "—Income Tests" and "—Asset Tests."

        If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions described above do not apply, we would be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on

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our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We cannot deduct distributions to stockholders in any year in which we are not a REIT, nor would we be required to make distributions in such a year. In this situation, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions to domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates will generally be taxable. In addition, subject to the limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we lost qualification. It is not possible to state whether, in all circumstances, we would be entitled to this statutory relief.


Taxation of Stockholders

    Taxation of Taxable Domestic Stockholders

        As used herein, a "domestic stockholder" means a beneficial owner of our capital stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:

    an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

    a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

    an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

    a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more U.S. persons (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Distributions.     So long as we qualify as a REIT, the distributions that we make to our taxable domestic stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits that we do not designate as capital gain dividends will generally be taken into account by stockholders as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. With limited exceptions, our dividends are not eligible for taxation at the preferential income tax rates (i.e., 20% maximum federal rate) for qualified dividends received by domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates from taxable C corporations. Such stockholders, however, are taxed at the preferential rates on dividends designated by and received from REITs to the extent that the dividends are attributable to:

    income retained by the REIT in the prior taxable year on which the REIT was subject to corporate level income tax (less the amount of tax);

    dividends received by the REIT from TRSs or other taxable C corporations; or

    income in the prior taxable year from the sales of "built-in gain" property acquired by the REIT from C corporations in carryover basis transactions (less the amount of corporate tax on such income).

        Distributions that we designate as capital gain dividends will generally be taxed to our domestic stockholders as long-term capital gains, to the extent that such distributions do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the stockholder that receives such distribution has held its stock. We may elect to retain and pay taxes on some or all of our net long-term capital gains, in which case provisions of the Code will treat a stockholder as having received, solely for tax purposes, its pro rata share of our undistributed capital gains, and the stockholders will receive a corresponding credit for taxes that we paid on such undistributed capital gains. See "Taxation of S|T|O|R|E—Annual Distribution Requirements." Corporate stockholders may

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be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are generally taxable at maximum federal rates of 20% in the case of stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates, and 35% in the case of stockholders that are corporations. Capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum federal income tax rate for taxpayers who are taxed as individuals, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions.

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will generally represent a return of capital and will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that the amount of such distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder's shares in respect of which the distributions were made. Rather, the distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of the stockholder's shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a stockholder's shares, the stockholder generally must include such distributions in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend that we declare in October, November or December of any year and that is payable to a stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that we actually pay the dividend before the end of January of the following calendar year.

        To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that we must make in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See "Taxation of S|T|O|R|E—Annual Distribution Requirements." Such losses, however, are not passed through to stockholders and do not offset income of stockholders from other sources, nor would such losses affect the character of any distributions that we make, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of stockholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.

        Dispositions of S|T|O|R|E Stock.     If a domestic stockholder sells or disposes of shares of our capital stock, it generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and its adjusted basis in the shares of capital stock for tax purposes. This gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder has held the capital stock for more than one year at the time of such sale or disposition. In general, capital gains recognized by individuals, trusts and estates upon the sale or disposition of our stock will be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% if the stock is held for more than one year, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates (of up to 39.6%) if the stock is held for one year or less. Gains recognized by stockholders that are corporations are subject to federal income tax at a maximum rate of 35%, whether or not such gains are classified as long-term capital gains. Capital losses recognized by a stockholder upon the disposition of our stock that was held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of our stock by a stockholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions that we make that are required to be treated by the stockholder as long-term capital gain.

        If an investor recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of our stock or other securities in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury regulations involving "reportable transactions" could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss-generating transaction to the IRS. These regulations, though directed towards "tax shelters," are broadly written and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. The Code imposes significant penalties for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax

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advisor concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of our stock or securities or transactions that we might undertake directly or indirectly.

        Moreover, you should be aware that we and other participants in the transactions in which we are involved (including their advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.

        Additional Medicare Tax on Unearned Income.     With respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain "high income" taxable domestic stockholders, including individuals, estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on unearned income. For individuals, the additional Medicare tax applies to the lesser of (i) "net investment income" or (ii) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or $125,000 if married and filing separately). "Net investment income" generally equals the taxpayer's gross investment income reduced by the deductions that are allocable to such income. Investment income generally includes passive income such as interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, rents, and capital gains. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in our stock.

        Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations.     Distributions that we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a domestic stockholder of our stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, stockholders will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against income or gain relating to our stock. To the extent that distributions we make do not constitute a return of capital, they will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.

    Taxation of Foreign Stockholders

        The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our stock applicable to non-U.S. holders. A "non-U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of our capital stock that is neither a "domestic stockholder," as defined above, nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Special rules may apply to certain non-U.S. holders, including controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, certain U.S. expatriates, and non-U.S. persons eligible for benefits under an applicable income tax treaty with the United States. Such non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors to determine the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences that may be relevant to them.

        Ordinary Dividends.     The portion of dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is (1) payable out of our earnings and profits, (2) not attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of a U.S. real property interest, or a USRPI, nor designated by us as a capital gain dividend and (3) not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder, will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced or eliminated by treaty.

        In general, non-U.S. holders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our stock. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. holder's investment in our stock is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to federal income tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as domestic stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends. Such income generally must be reported on a U.S. income tax return filed by or on behalf of the non-U.S. holder. The income may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax (or such lower rate as provided by an applicable tax treaty) in the case of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation.

        Non-Dividend Distributions.     Unless our stock constitutes a USRPI, distributions that we make which are not dividends out of our earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. income tax to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the non-U.S. holder's adjusted basis in our capital stock. If

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we cannot determine at the time a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends, unless the non-U.S. holder provides the certification described below under "Information Reporting Requirements and Withholding—Generally." A non-U.S. holder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it subsequently is determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our stock constitutes a USRPI, as described below, distributions that we make in excess of the sum of (a) the stockholder's proportionate share of our earnings and profits, and (b) the stockholder's basis in its stock, will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA, at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a domestic stockholder of the same type (e.g., an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding at a rate of 10% of the amount by which the distribution exceeds the stockholder's share of our earnings and profits.

        Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of U.S. Real Property Interests.     Under FIRPTA, a distribution that we make to a non-U.S. holder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs that we held directly or through pass-through subsidiaries, or USRPI capital gains, will, except as described below, be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder and will be subject to U.S. income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations, without regard to whether we designate the distribution as a capital gain dividend. See above under "—Taxation of Foreign Stockholders—Ordinary Dividends," for a discussion of the consequences of income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. In addition, we will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the maximum amount that could have been designated as USRPI capital gains dividends. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain if we held an interest in the underlying asset solely as a creditor. Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to dispositions of our assets other than USRPIs are not subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, unless (1) the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year, in which case the non-U.S. holder will incur a 30% tax on his or her capital gains.

        A capital gain dividend that would otherwise have been treated as a USRPI capital gain will not be so treated or be subject to FIRPTA, and generally will not be treated as income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, and instead will be treated in the same manner as an ordinary dividend (see "—Taxation of Foreign Stockholders—Ordinary Dividends"), if (1) the capital gain dividend is received with respect to a class of stock that is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, and (2) the recipient non-U.S. holder does not own more than 5% of that class of stock at any time during the year ending on the date on which the capital gain dividend is received. We anticipate that our common stock will be "regularly traded" on an established securities market.

        Dispositions of S|T|O|R|E Stock.     Unless our stock constitutes a USRPI, a sale of our stock by a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation. Our stock will not be treated as a USRPI if less than 50% of our assets throughout a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor.

        Even if the foregoing 50% test is not met, our stock nonetheless will not constitute a USRPI if we are a "domestically controlled qualified investment entity." A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT if less than 50% of its value is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S.

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holders at all times during a specified testing period. We believe that we are, and we will be, a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, and that a sale of our stock should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, no assurance can be given that we are or will remain a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.

        In the event that we are not a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, but our stock is "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market, a non-U.S. holder's sale of our common stock nonetheless would not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that the selling non-U.S. holder held 5% or less of our outstanding common stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the sale. We expect that our common stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market.

        If gain on the sale of our stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the stock could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.

        Gain from the sale of our stock that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a non-U.S. holder in two cases: (1) if the non-U.S. holder's investment in our stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. holder, the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (2) if the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gain. In addition, even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our stock (subject to the 5% exception applicable to "regularly traded" stock described above), a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of our common stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a USRPI and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, other shares of our common stock within 30 days after such ex-dividend date.

        Estate Tax.     If our stock is owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) of the United States at the time of such individual's death, the stock will be includable in the individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise, and may therefore be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

         The U.S. federal taxation of non-U.S. holders is a highly complex matter that may be affected by many other considerations. Accordingly, non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the income and withholding tax considerations with respect to owning S|T|O|R|E stock.

    Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders

        Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from federal income taxation. However, they may be subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI. While some investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, and provided that (1) a tax-exempt stockholder has not held our stock as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Code (i.e., where the acquisition or holding of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder), and (2) our stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, distributions that we make and income from the sale of our stock generally should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt stockholder.

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        Tax-exempt stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally require such stockholders to characterize distributions that we make as UBTI.

        In certain circumstances, a pension trust that owns more than 10% of our stock could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends as UBTI if we are a "pension-held REIT." We will not be a pension-held REIT unless (1) we are required to "look through" one or more of our pension trust stockholders in order to satisfy the REIT "closely held" test, and (2) either (i) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our stock, or (ii) one or more pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of our stock, collectively owns more than 50% of the value of our stock. Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock generally should prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of our stock and generally should prevent us from becoming a pension-held REIT.

         Tax-exempt stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax consequences of owning S|T|O|R|E stock.


State, Local and Foreign Taxes

        We and our subsidiaries and stockholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxation in various jurisdictions including those in which we or they transact business, own property or reside. We may own properties located in numerous jurisdictions, and may be required to file tax returns in some or all of those jurisdictions. Our state, local or foreign tax treatment and that of our stockholders may not conform to the federal income tax treatment discussed above. We may pay foreign property taxes, and dispositions of foreign property or operations involving, or investments in, foreign property may give rise to foreign income or other tax liability in amounts that could be substantial. Any foreign taxes that we incur do not pass through to stockholders as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the application and effect of state, local and foreign income and other tax laws on an investment in our stock.


Information Reporting Requirements and Withholding

    Generally

        We will report to our stockholders and to the IRS the amount of distributions we pay during each calendar year, and the amount of tax we withhold, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, a domestic stockholder may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% with respect to distributions unless the holder: (i) is a corporation or qualifies for certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A domestic stockholder who does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS.

        Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of dividends made by us or our paying agents, in their capacities as such, to a non-U.S. stockholder provided that the non-U.S. stockholder furnishes to us or our paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI (or other Form W-8, if applicable), or if certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient. Payments of the net proceeds from a disposition or a redemption effected outside the U.S. by a non-U.S. stockholder made by or through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, information reporting

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(but not backup withholding) generally will apply to such a payment if the broker has certain connections with the U.S. unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. stockholder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established. Payment of the net proceeds from a disposition by a non-U.S. stockholder of stock made by or through the U.S. office of a broker is generally subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the non-U.S. stockholder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the stockholder's federal income tax liability if certain required information is furnished to the IRS. Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding application of backup withholding to them and the availability of, and procedure for obtaining an exemption from, backup withholding.

    FATCA Withholding

        U.S. stockholders that hold our stock through foreign accounts or intermediaries will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% on dividends paid, and on proceeds of sale or other disposition of our stock paid on or after January 1, 2017, if certain disclosure and diligence requirements related to U.S. accounts are not satisfied, and the applicable a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity (each as defined in the Code) is not otherwise exempt from these requirements. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any stockholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status to us. On May 2, 2014, the IRS issued Notice 2014-33 providing additional guidance on the implementation of FATCA. Generally, the Notice provides that the IRS will consider calendar years 2014 and 2015 as a transition period for enforcement and administration of FATCA and that it intends to issue additional FATCA regulations to make other changes. If you hold our stock through a foreign account or intermediary, you are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the implications of FATCA to you.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Prior to this offering, there was no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

        Based on the number of shares outstanding as of                        , 2014, approximately            shares of our common stock will be outstanding after the completion of this offering (or approximately                      shares, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares). Of those shares,            shares of common stock we are selling in this offering (or            shares, if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock) will be freely transferable without restriction, unless purchased by any of our affiliates. The remaining            shares of our common stock outstanding immediately following the completion of this offering, as well as any other shares held by our affiliates, may not be resold except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration, including an exemption under Rule 144.


Lock-Up Agreements

        Our parent holding company, members of our senior leadership team and certain others have executed lock-up agreements that restrict them from engaging in certain transactions relating to our common stock. For a description of these lock-up agreements, see "Underwriting."


Rule 144

        Rule 144 provides an exemption from the registration and prospectus-delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. This exemption is available to affiliates of ours that sell our restricted or non-restricted securities and also to non-affiliates that sell our restricted securities. Restricted securities include securities acquired from the issuer of those securities, or from an affiliate of the issuer, in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering. The shares we are selling in this offering are not restricted securities. However, all the shares we have issued before this offering are restricted securities, and they will continue to be restricted securities until they are resold pursuant to Rule 144 or pursuant to an effective registration statement.

        A person who is, or at any time during the 90 days preceding the sale was, an affiliate of ours generally may sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

    1% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, which will equal            shares immediately after this offering; and

    the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding the date a required notice regarding the sale is filed with the SEC.

        In addition, sales by these persons must also satisfy requirements with respect to the manner of sale, public notice, the availability of current public information about us and, in the case of restricted securities, a minimum holding period for those securities. All other persons may rely on Rule 144 to freely sell our restricted securities, so long as they satisfy both the minimum holding period requirement and, until a one-year holding period has elapsed, the current public information requirement.

        Rule 144 does not supersede our security holders' contractual obligations under the lock-up agreements described above.

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Rule 701

        Generally, an employee, officer, director or qualified consultant of ours who purchased shares of our common stock before the effective date of the registration statement relating to this prospectus, or who holds options as of that date, pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract may rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Under Rule 701, these persons who are not our affiliates may generally sell those securities, commencing 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement, without having to comply with the current public information and minimum holding period requirements of Rule 144. These persons who are our affiliates may generally sell those securities under Rule 701, commencing 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement, without having to comply with Rule 144's minimum holding period restriction.

        Neither Rule 144 nor Rule 701 supersedes our security holders' contractual obligations under the lock-up agreements described above.


Registration Rights

        In connection with this offering, we intend to enter into a registration rights agreement that will provide STORE Holding Company, LLC, with certain "demand" registration rights and customary "piggyback" registration rights. The registration rights agreement also will provide that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities which may arise under the Securities Act.

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UNDERWRITING

        The company and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Goldman, Sachs & Co., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are the representatives of the underwriters.

Underwriters
  Number of
Shares

Goldman, Sachs & Co. 

   

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

   

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

   

Total

   
     
     

        The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.

        The underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional            shares from the company to cover sales by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than the total number set forth in the table above. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.

        The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by the company. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase up to             additional shares.


Paid by the Company

 
  No Exercise   Full Exercise  

Per Share

  $              $             

Total

  $              $             

        We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses in an amount up to $30,000.

        Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $            per share from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.

        The company and its officers, directors and holders of all of the company's common stock have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co. These agreements with our directors, officers and stockholders contain customary exceptions including, among others, the following, subject to certain restrictions:

    certain bona fide gifts;

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    transfers in connection with certain change in control transactions; and

    certain dispositions to satisfy tax withholding requirements.

        See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a discussion of certain transfer restrictions.

        Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The initial public offering price has been negotiated among the company and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be the company's historical performance, estimates of the business potential and earnings prospects of the company, an assessment of the company's management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.

        We have filed an application to list the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "STRE."

        At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5% of the shares of common stock to be offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price, to our directors, officers, employees, friends, family and business associates. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered by this prospectus.

        In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering, and a short position represents the amount of such sales that have not been covered by subsequent purchases. A "covered short position" is a short position that is not greater than the amount of additional shares for which the underwriters' option described above may be exercised. The underwriters may cover any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to cover the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option described above. "Naked" short sales are any short sales that create a short position greater than the amount of additional shares for which the option described above may be exercised. The underwriters must cover any such naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

        The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

        Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the company's stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

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        The underwriters do not expect sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares offered.

        The company estimates that its share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $            .

        The company has agreed to indemnify the several underwriters and their control persons against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

        The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to the issuer and to persons and entities with relationships with the issuer, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

        Goldman Sachs & Co. is also an initial purchaser of the notes issued under our ABS conduit—STORE Master Funding. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is the sole structuring agent and bookrunner and also an initial purchaser of the notes issued under our ABS conduit—STORE Master Funding.

        In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to assets, securities and/or instruments of the issuer (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.


European Economic Area

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and will not make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:

    (a)
    to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;

    (b)
    to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year, (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;

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    (c)
    to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

    (d)
    in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of shares to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.


United Kingdom

        Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

    (a)
    it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Issuer; and

    (b)
    it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.


Hong Kong

        The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.


Singapore

        This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

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        Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.


Japan

        The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law), and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.


Australia

        No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC"), in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (the "Corporations Act"), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

        Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the "Exempt Investors") who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

        The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

        This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on these matters.


The Dubai International Financial Centre

        This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to

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persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.


Switzerland

        We have not and will not register with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority ("FINMA") as a foreign collective investment scheme pursuant to Article 119 of the Federal Act on Collective Investment Scheme of 23 June 2006, as amended ("CISA"),and accordingly the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus have not and will not be approved, and may not be licenseable, with FINMA. Therefore, the securities have not been authorized for distribution by FINMA as a foreign collective investment scheme pursuant to Article 119 CISA and the securities offered hereby may not be offered to the public (as this term is defined in Article 3 CISA) in or from Switzerland. The securities may solely be offered to "qualified investors," as this term is defined in Article 10 CISA, and in the circumstances set out in Article 3 of the Ordinance on Collective Investment Scheme of 22 November 2006, as amended ("CISO"), such that there is no public offer. Investors, however, do not benefit from protection under CISA or CISO or supervision by FINMA. This prospectus and any other materials relating to the securities are strictly personal and confidential to each offeree and do not constitute an offer to any other person. This prospectus may only be used by those qualified investors to whom it has been handed out in connection with the offer described herein and may neither directly or indirectly be distributed or made available to any person or entity other than its recipients. It may not be used in connection with any other offer and shall in particular not be copied and/or distributed to the public in Switzerland or from Switzerland. This prospectus does not constitute an issue prospectus as that term is understood pursuant to Article 652a and/or 1156 of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations. We have not applied for a listing of the securities on the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated securities market in Switzerland, and consequently, the information presented in this prospectus does not necessarily comply with the information standards set out in the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange and corresponding prospectus schemes annexed to the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Venable LLP will pass on the validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus for us. Kutak Rock LLP will pass on certain tax matters for us. Latham & Watkins LLP, Los Angeles, California, is counsel for the underwriters in connection with this offering.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and schedules of STORE Capital Corporation at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-11 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock we are offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement and to the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any contract or any other document may not necessarily be complete, and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.

        You may read and copy the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC's Public Reference Room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of the registration statement by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website, which is located at http://www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may access the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC's Internet website. Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and we will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

        We maintain an Internet website at www.storecapital.com . We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information in, or that can be accessed through, our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STORE Capital Corporation

       

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

       

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

    F-2  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

    F-3  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

    F-4  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

    F-5  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-6  

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

       

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    F-27  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

    F-28  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011

    F-29  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011

    F-30  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013

    F-31  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011

    F-32  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-33  

Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

    F-56  

Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

    F-68  

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STORE Capital Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 
  June 30,
2014
  December 31,
2013
 
 
  (unaudited)
  (audited)
 

Assets

             

Investments:

             

Real estate investments:

             

Land and improvements

  $ 684,993   $ 562,085  

Buildings and improvements

    1,439,823     1,042,244  

Intangible lease assets

    53,677     29,917  
           

Total real estate investments

    2,178,493     1,634,246  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (66,682 )   (41,976 )
           

    2,111,811     1,592,270  

Real estate investments held for sale, net

    854     9,023  

Loans and direct financing receivables

    101,627     66,917  
           

Net investments

    2,214,292     1,668,210  

Cash and cash equivalents

    94,693     61,814  

Restricted cash and other assets

    24,201     24,556  

Deferred costs, net

    38,332     31,520  
           

Total assets

  $ 2,371,518   $ 1,786,100  
           
           

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

             

Liabilities:

             

Credit facilities

  $   $  

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities, net

    1,292,279     991,577  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    19,290     13,263  

Cash flow hedges

    309     128  

Tenant deposits

    6,317     7,218  
           

Total liabilities

    1,318,195     1,012,186  
           

Stockholders' equity:

             

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 125 shares issued and outstanding

         

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 375,000,000 shares authorized, 49,950,676 and 37,704,741 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

    500     377  

Capital in excess of par value

    1,089,933     798,481  

Distributions in excess of retained earnings

    (36,801 )   (24,816 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (309 )   (128 )
           

Total stockholders' equity

    1,053,323     773,914  
           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 2,371,518   $ 1,786,100  
           
           

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 
  Six months ended June 30,  
 
  2014   2013  

Revenues:

             

Rental revenues

  $ 80,143   $ 44,230  

Interest income on loans and direct financing receivables

    3,849     2,201  

Other income

    359     9  
           

Total revenues

    84,351     46,440  
           

Expenses:

             

Interest

    31,042     15,799  

Transaction costs

    1,558     1,510  

Property costs

    145     19  

General and administrative

    9,066     7,154  

Depreciation and amortization

    24,710     12,790  
           

Total expenses

    66,521     37,272  
           

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

    17,830     9,168  

Income tax expense

    102     51  
           

Income from continuing operations

    17,728     9,117  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    1,096     1,875  
           

Income before gain on dispostions of real estate investments

    18,824     10,992  

Gain on dispositions of real estate investments

    1,137      
           

Net income

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992  
           
           

Net income per share of common stock—basic and diluted:

             

Continuing operations

  $ 0.47   $ 0.32  

Discontinued operations

    0.03     0.07  
           

Net income

  $ 0.49   $ 0.39  
           
           

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

             

Basic

    39,963,885     27,707,773  
           
           

Diluted

    39,963,885     27,707,773  
           
           

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.81   $ 0.71  
           
           

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

(In thousands)

 
  Six months ended June 30,  
 
  2014   2013  

Net income

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992  

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

   
 
   
 
 

Change in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

    (340 )   498  

Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to operations

    159     158  
           

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

    (181 )   656  
           

Total comprehensive income

  $ 19,780   $ 11,648  
           
           

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(In thousands)

 
  Six months ended
June 30,
 
 
  2014   2013  

Operating activities

             

Net income

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992  

Adjustments to net income:

             

Depreciation and amortization

    24,710     13,236  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    2,885     1,885  

Amortization of debt (premium) and discount, net

    (73 )   (8 )

Amortization of equity-based compensation

    1,140     585  

Gain on sale of real estate

    (2,106 )   (1,035 )

Noncash revenue and other

    (1,004 )   (370 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

Restricted cash and other assets

    864     (317 )

Deferred costs

    (848 )   (462 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    384     (592 )
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    45,913     23,914  
           

Investing activities

             

Acquisition of and additions to real estate

    (522,644 )   (363,163 )

Investment in loans and direct financing receivables

    (40,713 )   (28,346 )

Collections of principal on loans and direct financing receivables

    5,975     81  

Proceeds from disposition of real estate

    16,628     15,862  

Transfers from (to) restricted deposits

    684     (1,066 )
           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (540,070 )   (376,632 )
           

Financing activities

             

Borrowings under secured credit facilities

    252,080     219,000  

Repayments under secured credit facilities

    (252,080 )   (286,662 )

Borrowings under non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    286,089     281,479  

Repayments under non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    (8,573 )   (3,481 )

Financing costs paid

    (8,944 )   (9,019 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

    290,412     133,751  

Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders

    (31,948 )   (26,727 )
           

Net cash provided by financing activities

    527,036     308,341  
           

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    32,879     (44,377 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    61,814     64,752  
           

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 94,693   $ 20,375  
           
           

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:

             

Accrued tenant improvement advances included in real estate investments

  $ 4,765   $  
           
           

Acquisition of collateral property securing a mortgage note receivable

  $   $ 7,875  
           
           

Non-recourse debt obligations assumed in conjunction with acquisiton of property

  $ 23,259   $  
           
           

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

             

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $ 27,716   $ 13,469  
           
           

Cash paid during the period for income and franchise taxes

  $ 405   $ 457  
           
           

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2014

1. Organization and Formation Activities

        STORE Capital Corporation (STORE Capital or the Company) was formed in Maryland on May 17, 2011 to acquire single-tenant operational real estate to be leased on a long-term, net basis to companies that operate across a wide variety of industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors of the United States economy. From time to time, it may also provide mortgage financing to its customers. STORE Capital conducts its business through a variety of subsidiaries.

        The Company is a subsidiary of STORE Holding Company, LLC (STORE Holding), a Delaware limited liability company. STORE Holding is primarily owned by entities managed by a global investment management firm. As of June 30, 2014, certain members of the Company's senior management owned 0.79% of STORE Holding.

        STORE Capital has made an election to qualify, and believes it is operating in a manner to continue to qualify, as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes beginning with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. As a REIT, it will generally not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that it distributes all of its taxable income to its stockholders and meets other specific requirements.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation

        The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, have been condensed or omitted from these statements and, accordingly, these statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

        These consolidated statements include the accounts of STORE Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries which are wholly-owned and controlled by the Company through its voting interest. One of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, provides all of the general and administrative services for the day-to-day operations of the consolidated group, including property acquisition and lease origination, real estate portfolio management and marketing, accounting and treasury services. The remaining subsidiaries were formed to acquire and hold real estate investments or to facilitate secured borrowing activities. Generally, the initial operations of the real estate subsidiaries are funded by an interest-bearing intercompany loan from STORE Capital Corporation, and such intercompany loan is repaid when the subsidiary issues long-term debt secured by its properties. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        Certain of the Company's wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries were formed as special purpose entities. Each special purpose entity is a separate legal entity and is the sole owner of its assets and liabilities. The assets of the special purpose entities are not available to pay or otherwise satisfy obligations to the creditors of any owner or affiliate of the special purpose entity. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, assets totaling $2.1 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, were held and liabilities

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

totaling $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, were owed by these special purpose entities and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates.


Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances to conform to the current period presentation.


Segment Reporting

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, established standards for the manner in which enterprises report information about operating segments. The Company views its operations as one reportable segment.


Accounting for Real Estate Investments

        STORE Capital records the acquisition of real estate properties at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. The Company allocates the cost of real estate properties to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated relative fair values. Real estate properties subject to an existing in-place lease at the date of acquisition are recorded as business combinations and each tangible and intangible asset and liability acquired is recorded at fair value. Management uses multiple sources to estimate fair value, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and leasing activities. The Company expenses transaction costs associated with real estate acquisitions accounted for as business combinations in the period incurred.

        In-place lease intangibles are valued based on management's estimates of lost rent and carrying costs during the time it would take to locate a tenant if the property were vacant, considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating lost rent and carrying costs, management considers market rents, real estate taxes, insurance, costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions and other related costs. The value assigned to in-place leases is amortized on a straight-line basis as a component of depreciation and amortization expense typically over the remaining term of the related leases.

        The fair value of any above-market and below-market leases is estimated based on the present value of the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and management's estimate of current market lease rates for the property, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease. Capitalized above-market lease intangibles are amortized over the remaining term of the respective leases as a decrease to rental revenue. Below-market lease intangibles are amortized as an increase in rental revenue over the remaining term of the respective leases plus the

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

fixed-rate renewal periods on those leases, if any. Should a lease terminate early, the unamortized portion of any related lease intangible is immediately recognized in operations.

        The Company's real estate portfolio is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful life of the properties, which generally ranges from 30 to 40 years for buildings and is 15 years for land improvements. Properties classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less anticipated closing costs. Any properties classified as held for sale are not depreciated.

Impairment

        STORE Capital reviews its real estate investments and related lease intangibles periodically for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management considers factors such as expected future undiscounted cash flows, estimated residual value, market trends (such as the effects of leasing demand and competition) and other factors in making this assessment. An asset is considered impaired if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted cash flows and the impairment is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimating future cash flows is highly subjective and such estimates could differ materially from actual results. No impairment charges were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Revenue Recognition

        STORE Capital leases real estate to its tenants under long-term net leases that are predominantly classified as operating leases. Direct costs associated with lease origination, offset by any lease origination fees received, are deferred and amortized over the related lease term as an adjustment to rental revenue.

        The Company's leases generally provide for rent escalations throughout the lease terms. For leases that provide for specific contractual escalations, rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accordingly, accrued rental revenue, calculated as the aggregate difference between the rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis and scheduled rents, represents unbilled rent receivables that the Company will receive only if the tenants make all rent payments required through the expiration of the lease. There was $2.9 million and $1.5 million of accrued straight-line rental revenue, net of allowance of $1.0 million and $0.5 million, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company provides an estimated reserve for uncollectible straight-line rental revenue based on management's assessment of the risks inherent in those lease contracts, giving consideration to industry default rates for long-term receivables. Leases that have contingent rent escalators indexed to future increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) may adjust over a one-year period or over multiple-year periods. Generally, these escalators increase rent at the lesser of (a) 1 to 1.25 times the increase in the CPI over a specified period or (b) a fixed percentage. Because of the volatility and uncertainty with respect to future changes in the CPI, the Company's inability to determine the extent to which any specific future change in the CPI is probable at each rent adjustment date during the entire term of these leases and the Company's view that the multiplier does not represent a significant leverage factor, increases in rental revenue from leases with this type of escalator are recognized only after the changes in the rental rates have actually occurred.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

        For leases that have contingent rentals that are based on a percentage of the tenant's gross sales, the Company recognizes contingent rental revenue when the threshold upon which the contingent lease payment is based is actually reached. Less than 1.0% of the Company's investment portfolio is subject to leases that provide for contingent rent based on a percentage of the tenant's gross sales.

        The Company suspends revenue recognition if the collectibility of amounts due pursuant to a lease is not reasonably assured or if the tenant's monthly lease payments become more than 60 days past due, whichever is earlier. The Company reviews its rent receivables for collectibility on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant's payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. In the event that the collectibility of a receivable with respect to any tenant is in doubt, a provision for uncollectible amounts will be established or a direct write-off of the specific rent receivable will be made. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no provision for uncollectible contractual rent payments due from tenants.


Loans Receivable

        STORE Capital holds its loans receivable for long-term investment. Loans receivable are carried at amortized cost, including related unamortized discounts or premiums, if any.

Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes interest income on loans receivable using the effective-interest method applied on a loan-by-loan basis. Direct costs associated with originating loans are offset against any related fees received and the balance, along with any premium or discount, is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the related loan receivable using the effective interest method. A loan receivable is placed on nonaccrual status when the loan has become 60 days past due, or earlier if management determines that full recovery of the contractually specified payments of principal and interest is doubtful. While on nonaccrual status, interest income is recognized only when received. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no loans on nonaccrual status.

Impairment and Provision for Loan Losses

        The Company periodically evaluates the collectibility of its loans receivable, including accrued interest, by analyzing the underlying property-level economics and trends, collateral value and quality and other relevant factors in determining the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. A loan is determined to be impaired when, in management's judgment based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Specific allowances for loan losses are provided for impaired loans on an individual loan basis in the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less disposition costs. There was no allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)


Direct Financing Receivables

        Certain of the Company's real estate investment transactions are accounted for as direct financing leases. The Company records the direct financing receivables at their net investment, determined as the aggregate minimum lease payments and the estimated residual value of the leased property less unearned income. The unearned income is recognized over the life of the related contracts so as to produce a constant rate of return on the net investment in the asset.


Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investment securities with maturities at acquisition of three months or less. The Company invests cash primarily in money-market funds of a major financial institution, consisting predominantly of U.S. Government obligations.


Restricted Cash and Escrow Deposits

        The Company had $10.4 million and $12.5 million of restricted cash and deposits in escrow at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.


Deferred Costs

        Deferred costs consist principally of financing costs related to the issuance of the Company's debt and lease origination costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the related debt instrument using the effective interest method. Lease origination costs are amortized as a decrease in rental revenue over the term of the respective lease.


Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company may enter into derivatives contracts as part of its overall financing strategy to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates associated with current and/or future debt issuances. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company records its derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.


Share-based Compensation

        Certain directors, officers and key employees of the Company have been granted long-term incentive awards, including profits interests units issued by STORE Holding, which provide them with equity interests as an incentive to remain in the Company's service and align executives' interests with those of the Company's equity holders. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted 147,601 shares of restricted common stock, 55,783 shares of restricted stock vested and 2,120

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

shares of restricted stock were forfeited. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had 291,015 restricted common shares outstanding.

        The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock at the date of grant and recognizes that amount in general and administrative expense ratably over the vesting period at the greater of the amount amortized on a straight-line basis or the amount vested. The Company valued the restricted stock based on the per-share offering price of the common stock issued in its private offerings.


Income Taxes

        As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax; however, it is still subject to state and local income taxes and to federal income and excise tax on its undistributed income. STORE Investment Corporation is the Company's wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary (TRS) created to engage in non-qualifying REIT activities. The TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes.

        Management of the Company determines whether any tax positions taken or expected to be taken meet the "more-likely-than-not" threshold of being sustained by the applicable federal, state or local tax authority. Tax returns filed for 2011 through 2013 are subject to examination by these jurisdictions. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, management concluded that there is no tax liability relating to uncertain income tax positions. The Company's policy is to recognize interest related to any underpayment of income taxes as interest expense and to recognize any penalties as operating expenses. There was no accrual for interest or penalties at June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.


Net Income Per Common Share

        Net income per common share has been computed pursuant to the guidance in the FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. The guidance requires the classification of the Company's unvested restricted stock, which contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, as participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing net income per common share. The following table is a

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income per common share (dollars in thousands):

 
  Six months ended June 30,  
 
  2014   2013  

Numerator:

             

Net income

  $ 19,961   $ 10,992  

Less: preferred stock dividends

    (8 )   (8 )
           

Net income attributable to common stockholders

    19,953     10,984  

Less: earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares

    (236 )   (143 )
           

Net income used in basic income per share

    19,717     10,841  

Add: earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares(a)

         
           

Net income used in diluted income per share

  $ 19,717   $ 10,841  
           
           

Denominator:

             

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    40,232,658     27,892,363  

Less: Weighted average number of shares of unvested restricted stock

    (268,773 )   (184,590 )
           

Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic income per share

    39,963,885     27,707,773  
           

Effects of dilutive securities:

             

Add: Treasury stock method impact of unvested restricted shares(a)

         
           

Weighted average shares outstanding used in diluted income per share

    39,963,885     27,707,773  
           
           

(a)
For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, excludes $236,000 and $143,000, respectively, of earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares and 39,050 shares and 20,706 shares, respectively, as the effect would be antidilutive.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company adopts the new pronouncements as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, these new accounting pronouncements include technical corrections to existing guidance or introduce new guidance related to specialized industries or entities and therefore will have minimal, if any, impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

        In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (ASU 2014-08). This new guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in operations and have a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results would be presented as discontinued operations. The new standard is effective, on a prospective basis, for all disposals or classifications as held for sale of components of an entity that occur within interim and annual periods beginning after

F-12


Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company has chosen to early adopt ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2014 and has applied the provisions prospectively. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, the Company no longer presents the operating results of sold properties, which do not represent a strategic shift in operations, as part of discontinued operations on the statement of income. In implementing this guidance, the results of operations from properties sold or considered to be held for sale prior to adoption would still be reported as part of discontinued operations.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606 . This new guidance establishes a principles-based approach for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. Lease contracts covered by Topic 840, Leases , are excluded from the scope of this new guidance. This new standard is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its financial statements.

3. Investments

        At June 30, 2014, STORE Capital had investments in 767 property locations representing 760 owned properties, four ground lease interests and three properties which secure certain mortgage loans. The gross acquisition cost of real estate investments totaled $2.18 billion at June 30, 2014. In addition, the Company held loans and direct financing receivables with an aggregate carrying amount at June 30, 2014 of $101.6 million. As of June 30, 2014, a substantial portion of these investments are assets of consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries and are pledged as collateral under the non-recourse obligations of these special purpose entities (Note 4).

        During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company had the following gross real estate and loan activity (dollars in thousands):

 
  Number of
Investment
Locations
  Dollar
Amount of
Investments(a)
 

Gross investments, December 31, 2013

    622   $ 1,710,552  

Acquisition of and additions to real estate

    141     550,668  

Investment in loans and direct financing receivables

    10     40,713  

Sales of real estate

    (6 )   (14,945 )

Principal collections on loans and direct financing receivables

          (5,975 )

Other

          (28 )
             

Gross investments, June 30, 2014(b)

          2,280,985  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(b)

          (66,693 )
           

Net investments, June 30, 2014

    767   $ 2,214,292  
           
           

(a)
The dollar amount of investments includes the investment in land, buildings, improvements and lease intangibles related to real estate investments as well as the carrying amount of the loans and direct financing receivables.

(b)
Includes the dollar amount of investments ($865,000) and the accumulated depreciation ($11,000) related to real estate investments held for sale at June 30, 2014.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

3. Investments (Continued)

        The following table shows information regarding the diversification of the Company's total investment portfolio among the different industries in which its tenants and borrowers operate as of June 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 
  Number of
Investment
Locations
  Dollar
Amount of
Investments(a)
  Percentage of
Total Dollar
Amount of
Investments
 

Restaurants

    416   $ 705,790     31 %

Industrial

    48     258,003     11  

Health clubs

    37     211,262     9  

Early childhood education centers

    69     161,068     7  

Movie theaters

    19     127,345     6  

Furniture stores

    17     96,562     4  

Sporting goods stores

    10     72,208     3  

Junior colleges

    8     64,484     3  

All other service industries

    97     395,262     17  

All other retail industries

    46     189,001     9  
               

    767   $ 2,280,985     100 %
               
               

(a)
The dollar amount of investments includes the gross investment in land, buildings, improvements and lease intangibles related to real estate investments as well as the carrying amount of the loans and direct financing receivables.


Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration

        STORE Capital's real estate investments are leased or financed to 190 customers geographically dispersed throughout 43 states. Only one state, Texas (14%), accounted for 10% or more of the total dollar amount of STORE Capital's investment portfolio at June 30, 2014. None of the Company's 190 customers represented more than 10% of the Company's real estate investment portfolio at June 30, 2014, with the largest customer representing less than 4% of the total investment portfolio. On an annualized basis, the largest customer also represented less than 3% of the Company's total investment portfolio revenues as of June 30, 2014. The Company's customers operate their businesses across 170 concepts and none of these concepts represented more than 4% of the Company's total investment portfolio revenues as of June 30, 2014.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

3. Investments (Continued)


Intangible Lease Assets

        The following details intangible lease assets and related accumulated amortization (in thousands):

 
  June 30,
2014
  December 31,
2013
 

In-place lease assets

  $ 42,324   $ 26,641 (a)

Above-market lease assets

    5,526      

Ground lease interest assets

    5,827     3,814  
           

Total intangible lease assets

    53,677     30,455 (a)

Accumulated amortization

    (3,269 )   (1,459 )(a)
           

Net intangible lease assets

  $ 50,408   $ 28,996  
           
           

(a)
Includes the dollar amount of in-place lease intangibles ($538,000) and the accumulated amortization ($61,000) related to real estate investments held for sale at December 31, 2013.

        The amount amortized as a decrease to rental revenue for capitalized above-market leases intangibles was $197,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Aggregate lease intangible amortization expense was $1.7 million and $363,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        Based on the balance of the intangible assets at June 30, 2014, the amount to be amortized as a decrease to rental revenue is expected to be $0.8 million in each of the next five years and the aggregate annual amortization expense is expected to be approximately $3.9 million in each of the next five years. The weighted average remaining amortization period is approximately 11 years for the in-place lease intangibles, approximately seven years for the above-market lease intangibles and approximately 80 years for the amortizing ground lease interests.


Real Estate Investments

        The Company's investment properties are leased to tenants under long-term operating leases that typically include one or more renewal options. The weighted average remaining noncancelable lease term at June 30, 2014 was approximately 15 years. Substantially all of the leases are triple-net, which provide that the lessees are responsible for the payment of all property operating expenses, including property taxes, maintenance and insurance; therefore, STORE Capital is generally not responsible for repairs or other capital expenditures related to the properties. At June 30, 2014, all of the properties were subject to a lease.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

3. Investments (Continued)

        Scheduled future minimum rentals to be received under the remaining noncancelable term of the operating leases at June 30, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2014

  $ 92,324  

2015

    185,233  

2016

    185,546  

2017

    185,491  

2018

    185,895  

2019

    186,193  

Thereafter

    1,806,323  
       

Total future minimum rentals

  $ 2,827,005  
       
       

        Since lease renewal periods are exercisable at the option of the lessee, the preceding table presents future minimum lease payments due during the initial lease term only. In addition, the future minimum lease payments do not include any contingent rentals such as lease escalations based on future changes in CPI.


Loans and Direct Financing Receivables

        At June 30, 2014, the Company held nine loans receivable with an aggregate carrying amount of $65.4 million and had $36.2 million of investments in transactions accounted for as direct financing leases. Eight of the loans are mortgage loans secured by land and/or buildings and improvements on the mortgaged property. The other loan is secured by a tenant's equipment.

        Two of the mortgage loans are short-term loans and require monthly interest-only payments with balloon payments at maturity. The remaining mortgage loans receivable generally require the borrowers to make monthly principal and interest payments based on a 40-year amortization period with balloon payments, if any, at maturity. The other secured loan requires the borrower to make monthly interest-only payments for an established period and then monthly principal and interest payments with balloon payment at maturity.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

3. Investments (Continued)

        The Company's loans and direct financing receivables are summarized below (dollars in thousands):

Type
  Stated
Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  June 30,
2014
  December 31,
2013
 

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.25 %   Jan. 2015   $ 1,939   $ 1,939  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.50 %   Jan. 2015     4,300      

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.35 %   Jan. 2028     3,782     3,789  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.75 %   Jul. 2032     24,081     24,119  

Mortgage loan receivable

    9.00 %   Mar. 2053     14,609     14,629  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.75 %   Jun. 2053     6,367     6,376  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.50 %   Jun. 2053     6,398     6,262  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.25 %   Aug. 2053     3,343     3,349  
                       

Total mortgage loans receivable

                64,819     60,463  

Equipment loan receivable

    12.00 %             1,000  

Equipment loan receivable

    10.00 %   Jan. 2015     108     161  

Other secured loan receivable

    11.00 %             4,834  
                       

Total principal amount outstanding—loans receivable

                64,927     66,458  

Unamortized loan origination costs

                505     459  

Direct financing receivables

                36,195      
                       

Total loans and direct financing receivables

              $ 101,627   $ 66,917  
                       
                       

        The long-term mortgage loans receivable generally allow for prepayments in whole, but not in part, without penalty or with penalties ranging from 1% to 5%, depending on the timing of the prepayment. All other loans receivable allow for prepayments in whole or in part without penalty. Absent prepayments, scheduled maturities are expected to be as follows (in thousands):

 
  Scheduled
Principal
  Balloon
Payments
  Total
Payments
 

Remainder of 2014

  $ 109   $   $ 109  

2015

    201     6,333     6,534  

2016

    220         220  

2017

    239         239  

2018

    261         261  

2019

    285         285  

Thereafter

    33,180     24,099     57,279  
               

Total principal repayments

  $ 34,495   $ 30,432   $ 64,927  
               
               

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

3. Investments (Continued)

        The components of the investments accounted for as direct financing receivables as of June 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

Minimum lease payments receivable

  $ 94,493  

Estimated residual value of leased assets

    3,893  

Unearned income

    (62,191 )
       

Net investment

  $ 36,195  
       
       

4. Debt

Credit Facilities

        As of June 30, 2014, the Company has revolving credit facilities with two banks. These facilities are used to partially fund real estate acquisitions pending the issuance of long-term, fixed-rate debt.

        One credit facility, which was renewed in October 2013, is structured as a master loan repurchase agreement, consisting of two parts. The primary part is a two-year $150 million credit line, which is expandable to $250 million under certain circumstances. Borrowings under this portion of the facility are secured by certain real estate properties owned by the Company and are at an advance rate of 50% of the appraised value of the related real estate. The second part of this credit facility is a one-year $50 million credit line which can be used to temporarily fund real estate acquisitions at an advance rate of up to 100%. The $50 million credit line is secured by the related real estate as well as the Company's equity interests in certain of its special purpose entity subsidiaries and the Company's holdings of the Class B notes issued under its STORE Master Funding bond program (see below). At June 30, 2014, the Company had no amounts outstanding under either part of this facility but did have assets with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $63 million pledged as collateral under the $150 million portion of the facility. Based on this pledged collateral, the Company had an available borrowing capacity of approximately $32 million. The Company had no amounts outstanding under the $50 million credit line and no real estate assets pledged as collateral under this portion of the facility at June 30, 2014.

        Borrowings under the facility, which are non-recourse obligations, require monthly payments of interest indexed to the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.45% for the $150 million credit line and LIBOR plus 2.95% for the $50 million credit line. At June 30, 2014, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.15%. The Company must also pay a non-use fee on undrawn amounts under each portion of the facility.

        The Company is subject to various financial and nonfinancial covenants under this credit facility, including a minimum equity requirement of $25 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after October 24, 2013; a minimum liquidity requirement of $10 million and a maximum pro forma leverage ratio of .75 to 1. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to concentration limits and portfolio covenants related to the pool of investment properties pledged as collateral under the facility, including a minimum weighted average aggregate fixed charge coverage ratio (FCCR) for portfolio assets of 1.5 to 1 with no individual FCCRs of less than 1 to 1. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

4. Debt (Continued)

        In December 2012, the Company entered into a three-year secured credit facility with another bank with a current maximum availability of $100 million and an accordion feature to increase the facility amount up to $150 million, subject to lender consents and other conditions. Borrowings under this facility require monthly payments of interest based on either a Base Rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 2.00% or one-month LIBOR plus 3.00% at the election of the Company on the borrowing date. The Company must also pay a non-use fee on undrawn amounts. The facility is a full recourse obligation of the Company and is structured as a revolving credit facility whereby the Company pledges certain assets, which are referred to as the borrowing base, to the bank to secure borrowings under the facility. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had no amounts outstanding under this credit facility and a borrowing base of approximately $73 million, providing borrowing capacity of approximately $36 million on this line. The Company is subject to various financial and nonfinancial covenants under the three-year credit facility, including a maximum leverage ratio of 65%; minimum EBITDA to fixed charges of 1.5 to 1; and a minimum consolidated net worth of $275 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after September 2012. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to portfolio covenants related to the pool of investment properties pledged as collateral under the facility, including a minimum weighted average aggregate FCCR for portfolio assets of 1.6 to 1 with no individual FCCRs of less than 1.25 to 1. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

        The financing costs related to the establishment of the Company's credit facilities are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facilities. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unamortized financing costs totaled $1.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

        On September 19, 2014, the Company entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of lenders, which replaces the Company's two existing secured credit facilities that aggregate $300 million. This new facility, which includes an accordion feature that allows the size of the facility to be increased up to $500 million, is for an initial term of three years and includes a one-year extension option subject to certain conditions and the payment of a 20 basis point extension fee. Interest on the facility is determined using a leverage-based scale ranging from one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.50%, and also includes a fee of 0.25% assessed on the average unused portion of the facility. Availability under the facility is limited to 50% of the value of the Company's unencumbered assets at any point in time. Covenants under this new facility include: maximum leverage of 65%, minimum fixed charge coverage of 1.5x, minimum net worth of $600 million plus 75% of net equity proceeds, and a maximum dividend payout ratio limited to 95% of Funds from Operations, all as defined in the agreement. The facility is recourse to the Company and includes a guaranty from STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC, one of the Company's direct wholly-owned subsidiaries.


Non-Recourse Debt Obligations of Consolidated Special Purpose Entities

        During 2012, the Company implemented a debt issuance program pursuant to which certain of its consolidated special purpose entities issue multiple series of non-recourse net-lease mortgage notes from time to time that are collateralized by the assets owned by these entities and their related leases (collateral). One of the principal features of the program is that, as additional series of notes are issued, new collateral is contributed to the collateral pool thereby increasing the size and diversity of the collateral pool for the benefit of all noteholders, including those who invested in prior series.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

4. Debt (Continued)

Another feature of the program is the ability to substitute collateral from time to time subject to meeting certain prescribed conditions and criteria. The notes are generally segregated into Class A amortizing notes and Class B non-amortizing notes. The Company has retained each of the Class B notes which aggregate $78.0 million at June 30, 2014.

        The Class A notes require monthly principal and interest payments with a balloon payment due at maturity and these notes may be prepaid at any time, subject to a yield maintenance prepayment premium. As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate collateral pool securing the net-lease mortgage notes is comprised primarily of single tenant commercial real estate properties with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $1.5 billion.

        A number of additional consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries of the Company have financed their owned real estate properties with traditional first mortgage debt. The notes require monthly principal and interest payments with balloon payments at maturity. In general, these mortgage notes payable can be prepaid in whole or in part upon payment of a yield maintenance premium. The mortgage notes payable are collateralized by real estate properties owned by these consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $326.8 million at June 30, 2014.

        The mortgage notes payable, which are obligations of consolidated special purpose entities as described in Note 2, contain various covenants customarily found in mortgage notes, including a limitation on the issuing entity's ability to incur additional indebtedness on the underlying real estate. Although this mortgage debt generally is non-recourse, there are customary limited exceptions to recourse for matters such as fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence or willful misconduct, misapplication of payments, bankruptcy and environmental liabilities. Certain of the mortgage notes payable also require the posting of cash reserves with the lender or trustee if specified coverage ratios are not maintained by the Company or one of its tenants.

        Financing costs related to the issuance of the non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entities are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related notes. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, unamortized financing costs related to all non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entities totaled $33.4 million and $26.9 million, respectively.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

4. Debt (Continued)

        The non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries are summarized below (dollars in thousands):

 
   
   
  Outstanding Balance  
 
  Maturity
Date
  Coupon
Interest
Rate
  June 30,
2014
  December 31,
2013
 

Non-recourse net-lease mortgage notes:

                       

Series 2012-1, Class A

    Aug. 2019   5.77%   $ 209,078   $ 210,612  

Series 2013-1, Class A-1

    Mar. 2020   4.16%     147,089     148,274  

Series 2013-2, Class A-1

    Jul. 2020   4.37%     105,556     106,352  

Series 2013-3, Class A-1

    Nov. 2020   4.24%     76,344     76,907  

Series 2014-1, Class A-1

    Apr. 2021   4.21%     119,950      

Series 2013-1, Class A-2

    Mar. 2023   4.65%     100,021     100,827  

Series 2013-2, Class A-2

    Jul. 2023   5.33%     95,690     96,412  

Series 2013-3, Class A-2

    Nov. 2023   5.21%     99,148     99,880  

Series 2014-1, Class A-2

    Apr. 2024   5.00%     139,942      

Non-recourse mortgage notes payable:

                       

$21,443 note issued July 2005(a)

    Aug. 2015   5.26%(a)     19,157      

$4,000 note issued August 2006(b)

    Sept. 2016   6.33%(b)     3,378     3,428  

$3,800 note issued September 2006(c)

    Oct. 2016   6.47%(c)     3,540      

$7,088 note issued April 2007(d)

    May 2017   6.00%(d)     6,726     6,776  

$8,000 note issued January 2012; assumed in December 2013

    Jan. 2018   4.778%     7,640     7,775  

$20,530 note issued December 2011 and amended February 2012

    Jan. 2019   5.275%(e)     19,539     19,758  

$6,500 note issued December 2012

    Dec. 2019   4.806%     6,279     6,351  

$2,823 note issued December 2012

    Jan. 2020   3.151%(f)     2,716     2,749  

$2,956 note issued June 2013

    Jun. 2020   3.151%(f)     2,874     2,907  

$16,100 note issued February 2014

    Mar. 2021   4.83%     16,021      

$13,000 note issued May 2012

    May 2022   5.195%     12,463     12,599  

$14,950 note issued July 2012

    Aug. 2022   4.95%     14,051     14,547  

$26,000 note issued August 2012

    Sept. 2022   5.05%     25,080     25,353  

$6,400 note issued November 2012

    Dec. 2022   4.707%     6,197     6,267  

$11,895 note issued March 2013

    Apr. 2023   4.7315%     11,606     11,733  

$17,500 note issued August 2013

    Sept. 2023   5.46%     17,257     17,420  

$10,075 note issued March 2014

    Apr. 2024   5.10%     10,053      

$7,750 note issued February 2013

    Mar. 2038   4.81%(g)     7,551     7,633  

$6,944 notes issued March 2013

    Apr. 2038   4.50%(h)     6,764     6,842  
                     

              1,291,710     991,402  

Unamortized net premium

              569     175  
                     

Total non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

            $ 1,292,279   $ 991,577  
                     
                     

(a)
Note was assumed in June 2014 at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 3.69%.

(b)
Note was assumed in July 2012 at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 5.15%.

(c)
Note was assumed in April 2014 at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 3.88%.

(d)
Note was assumed in December 2013 at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 4.45%.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

4. Debt (Continued)

(e)
Note is a variable-rate note which resets monthly at 1-month LIBOR + 3.50%. The Company has entered into two interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert the floating rate on a $12.8 million portion and a $6.7 million portion of this mortgage note payable to fixed rates of 5.299% and 5.230%, respectively (Note 5).

(f)
Note is a variable-rate note which resets monthly at 1-month LIBOR + 3.00%; rate shown is effective rate at June 30, 2014.

(g)
Interest rate is effective for first 10 years and will reset to greater of (1) initial rate plus 400 basis points or (2) Treasury rate plus 400 basis points.

(h)
Interest rate is effective for first 10 years and will reset to the lender's then prevailing interest rate.

        As of June 30, 2014, the scheduled maturities, including balloon payments, on the non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 
  Scheduled
Principal
  Balloon
Payments
  Total  

Remainder of 2014

  $ 9,321   $   $ 9,321  

2015

    19,170     18,710     37,880  

2016

    19,757     6,549     26,306  

2017

    20,521     6,417     26,938  

2018

    21,159     6,665     27,824  

2019

    19,857     213,539     233,396  

Thereafter

    50,845     879,200     930,045  
               

  $ 160,630   $ 1,131,080   $ 1,291,710  
               
               

5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        As of June 30, 2014, the Company had entered into two interest rate swap agreements with initial notional amounts of $13.5 million and $7.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges associated with the Company's secured, variable-rate mortgage note payable due 2019 (Note 4). The fair value of the interest rate swaps at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was a liability of $309,000 and $128,000, respectively, and is included in liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

        The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the hedged debt transaction. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, $340,000 of unrealized losses and, during the six months ended June 30, 2013, $498,000 of unrealized gains were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, $159,000 and $158,000, respectively, was reclassified to operations as an increase to interest expense. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that $305,000 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized during the six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)

        The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparty containing a provision that, if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

        As of June 30, 2014, the termination value of the Company's derivatives was a liability position of $354,000 which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk.

6. Stockholders' Equity

        During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company issued approximately 12.1 million common shares related to the contribution of the remaining $290.4 million equity commitment from its parent, STORE Holding. STORE Holding held 49,582,052 common shares at June 30, 2014 and 37,481,598 common shares at December 31, 2013. The Company declared dividends payable to common stockholders totaling $31.9 million and $20.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        The Company issued 125 shares of 12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) at a price of $1,000 per share on January 6, 2012. Preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, when and as authorized by the Board of Directors, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 12.5% per annum per share, payable semi-annually in arrears. The Company is current in its obligations to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at any time, for cash, at a redemption price of $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, the preferred stockholders are entitled to be paid a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the Company's common stock.

7. Income from Discontinued Operations

        Periodically, the Company may sell real estate properties it owns. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company has early adopted ASU 2014-08 (Note 2) and will apply the provisions prospectively. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations of the Company and that have (or will have) a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results are to be presented as discontinued operations. The Company is required to continue to classify any property disposal or property classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013 as discontinued operations prospectively; therefore, the gains and losses from these property dispositions and all operations from these properties were reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of income. This presentation has no impact on net income or cash flow. The Company did not classify any additional property disposals as discontinued operations subsequent to December 31, 2013.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

7. Income from Discontinued Operations (Continued)

        All amounts reclassified to discontinued operations during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, relate to assets that had been classified as held for sale prior to the Company's adoption of ASU 2014-08. Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations are summarized below (in thousands):

 
  Six months ended
June 30,
 
 
  2014   2013  

Revenues

  $ 128   $ 1,709  

Expenses:

   
 
   
 
 

General and administrative

    1     12  

Depreciation and amortization

        445  
           

Total expenses

    1     457  
           

Income from discontinued real estate investments

    127     1,252  

Gain on the dispositions of real estate investments

    969     1,035  

Income tax expense

        (412 )
           

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $ 1,096   $ 1,875  
           
           

8. Commitments and Contingencies

        In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various types of commitments to purchase real estate properties. These commitments are generally subject to the Company's customary due diligence process and, accordingly, a number of specific conditions must be met before the Company is obligated to purchase the properties. At the time the Company purchases a property, the Company may also agree to fund future improvements to the property. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had approximately $50.2 million in commitments to fund improvements to real estate properties previously acquired which will generally result in increases to the rental revenue due under the related contracts.

        The Company has employment agreements with each of its executive officers. At the end of the initial terms in May 2014, the employment agreements automatically extended for one additional year and will automatically extend for successive annual terms unless terminated by either party. The agreements provide for minimum annual base salaries, maximum annual cash bonuses and annual equity incentive bonuses under the Company's long-term incentive plan. In the event an executive officer is terminated without cause or terminates employment for good reason, the Company is liable for a lump-sum severance payment in an amount equal to the executive's base salary plus target cash bonus and other termination benefits.

9. Fair Value Measurements

        Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The hierarchy described below prioritizes inputs to the valuation techniques used in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

9. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

use of unobservable inputs by requiring the most observable inputs to be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

    Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

    Level 2—Significant inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These types of inputs would include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets and market-corroborated inputs.

    Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the assets or liabilities. These types of inputs include the Company's own assumptions.

        The assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value in the Company's consolidated financial statements are summarized below.

        The following table sets forth the Company's financial liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 
   
  Fair Value Hierarchy Level  
 
  Fair Value  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

June 30, 2014

                         

Derivatives:

                         

Interest rate swaps

  $ 309   $   $ 309   $  

December 31, 2013

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivatives:

                         

Interest rate swaps

  $ 128   $   $ 128   $  

        Derivatives are measured under a market approach, using prices obtained from a nationally recognized pricing service and pricing models with market observable inputs such as interest rates and equity index levels. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. At both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the derivative instruments was an unrealized loss and was recorded as a liability and in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

        In addition to the disclosures for assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, companies are required to disclose the estimated fair values of all financial instruments, even if they are not carried at their fair value. The fair values of financial instruments are estimates based upon market conditions and perceived risks at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These estimates require management's judgment and may not be indicative of the future fair values of the assets and liabilities.

        Financial assets and liabilities for which the carrying values approximate their fair values include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and escrow deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and tenant deposits. Generally these assets and liabilities are short-term in duration and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes that the carrying value of its secured credit facilities approximate fair value based upon their nature, terms and variable interest rate. Additionally, the Company believes the carrying values of its fixed-rate loan receivables approximate

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

June 30, 2014

9. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

fair values based on market quotes for comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analysis using estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, market rates and credit spreads.

        The estimated fair values of the non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities have been derived based on market observable inputs such as interest rates and discounted cash flow analyses using estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, market rates and credit spreads. These measurements are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At June 30, 2014, the Company's non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities had a carrying value of $1,292.3 million and an estimated fair value of $1,363.4 million. At December 31, 2013, the Company's non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities had a carrying value of $991.6 million and an estimated fair value of $1,009.8 million.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
STORE Capital Corporation

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of STORE Capital Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index to consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of STORE Capital Corporation at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
May 9, 2014

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 
  December 31,  
 
  2013   2012  

Assets

             

Investments:

             

Real estate investments:

             

Land and improvements

  $ 562,085   $ 319,919  

Buildings and improvements

    1,042,244     542,500  

Intangible lease assets

    29,917     7,835  
           

Total real estate investments

    1,634,246     870,254  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (41,976 )   (12,005 )
           

    1,592,270     858,249  

Real estate investments held for sale, net

    9,023      

Loans receivable

    66,917     41,450  
           

Net investments

    1,668,210     899,699  

Cash and cash equivalents

    61,814     64,752  

Restricted cash and other assets

    24,556     3,790  

Deferred costs, net

    31,520     11,592  
           

Total assets

  $ 1,786,100   $ 979,833  
           
           

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

             

Liabilities:

             

Credit facilities

  $   $ 160,662  

Non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities, net

    991,577     306,581  

Dividends payable

        6,578  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    13,263     6,424  

Cash flow hedges

    128     861  

Tenant deposits

    7,218     1,813  
           

Total liabilities

    1,012,186     482,919  
           

Stockholders' equity:

             

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 125,000,000 shares authorized, 125 shares issued and outstanding

         

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 375,000,000 shares authorized, 37,704,741 and 25,298,055 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

    377     253  

Capital in excess of par value

    798,481     503,632  

Distributions in excess of retained earnings

    (24,816 )   (6,110 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (128 )   (861 )
           

Total stockholders' equity

    773,914     496,914  
           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 1,786,100   $ 979,833  
           
           

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 
  Year ended December 31,   From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31, 2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Revenues:

                   

Rental revenues

  $ 103,398   $ 38,752   $ 3,675  

Interest income on loans receivable

    5,044     1,843     184  

Other income

    462     15     1  
               

Total revenues

    108,904     40,610     3,860  
               

Expenses:

                   

Interest

    39,180     11,472     1,120  

Transaction costs

    2,643     387     446  

Property costs

    127     7      

General and administrative

    14,132     10,362     4,024  

Depreciation and amortization

    30,349     11,015     964  
               

Total expenses

    86,431     33,243     6,554  
               

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    22,473     7,367     (2,694 )

Income tax expense

    155     70     5  
               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    22,318     7,297     (2,699 )

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

   
3,995
   
879
   
677
 
               

Net income (loss)

  $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )
               
               

Net income (loss) per share of common stock—basic:

                   

Continuing operations

  $ 0.74   $ 0.45   $ (0.39 )

Discontinued operations

    0.13     0.05     0.10  
               

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.87   $ 0.50   $ (0.29 )
               
               

Net income (loss) per share of common stock—diluted:

                   

Continuing operations

  $ 0.74   $ 0.45   $ (0.39 )

Discontinued operations

    0.13     0.05     0.10  
               

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.87   $ 0.50   $ (0.29 )
               
               

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                   

Basic

    29,876,448     16,370,091     6,965,168  
               
               

Diluted

    29,876,448     16,375,610     6,965,168  
               
               

   

See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In Thousands)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
   
 
 
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31, 2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Net income (loss)

  $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Change in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

    414     (911 )   (263 )

Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to operations

    319     306     7  
               

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

    733     (605 )   (256 )
               

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 27,046   $ 7,571   $ (2,278 )
               
               

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

From Inception (May 17, 2011) Through December 31, 2011 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2013

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 
  Series A
Cumulative
Preferred Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Common Stock    
  Distributions
in Excess of
Retained
Earnings
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
 
 
  Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
  Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Par Value   Shares   Par Value  

Initial capitalization, net

      $     2,250   $   $ 1,490   $   $   $ 1,490  

Additional paid in capital

                    221,750             221,750  

Net loss

                        (2,022 )       (2,022 )

Other comprehensive loss

                            (256 )   (256 )

Stock dividend (4,976.56 for 1)

            11,197,250     112     (112 )            
                                   

Balance at December 31, 2011

            11,199,500     112     223,128     (2,022 )   (256 )   220,962  

Net income

                        8,176         8,176  

Other comprehensive loss

                            (605 )   (605 )

Issuance of common stock

            14,011,265     140     280,085             280,225  

Issuance of preferred stock, net of costs of $45

    125                 80             80  

Share-based compensation

            87,290     1     339             340  

Common dividends declared

                        (12,248 )       (12,248 )

Preferred dividends declared

                        (16 )       (16 )
                                   

Balance at December 31, 2012

    125         25,298,055     253     503,632     (6,110 )   (861 )   496,914  

Net income

                        26,313         26,313  

Other comprehensive income

                            733     733  

Issuance of common stock

            12,270,833     123     293,627             293,750  

Share-based compensation

            135,853     1     1,222             1,223  

Common dividends declared

                        (45,003 )       (45,003 )

Preferred dividends declared

                        (16 )       (16 )
                                   

Balance at December 31, 2013

    125   $     37,704,741   $ 377   $ 798,481   $ (24,816 ) $ (128 ) $ 773,914  
                                   
                                   

   

See accompanying notes.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
   
 
 
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31, 2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Operating activities

                   

Net income (loss)

  $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )

Adjustments to net income (loss):

                   

Depreciation and amortization

    30,924     11,163     1,011  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    4,195     2,113     519  

Amortization of debt (premium) and discount, net

    (9 )   (13 )    

Amortization of share-based compensation

    1,228     356      

(Gain) loss on sale of real estate

    (3,147 )   (180 )   41  

Noncash revenue and other

    (1,162 )   (156 )   5  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                   

Restricted cash and other assets

    (14,333 )   (2,497 )   (1,142 )

Deferred costs

    (1,313 )   (863 )   (518 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    12,238     4,316     3,862  
               

Net cash provided by operating activities

    54,934     22,415     1,756  
               

Investing activities

                   

Acquisition of real estate

    (788,462 )   (640,869 )   (273,025 )

Investment in loans receivable

    (33,647 )   (36,577 )   (5,006 )

Collections of principal on loans receivable

    238     73     50  

Proceeds from disposition of real estate

    40,661     5,308     42,219  

Transfers to restricted deposits

    (5,305 )   (89 )    
               

Net cash used in investing activities

    (786,515 )   (672,154 )   (235,762 )
               

Financing activities

                   

Borrowings under credit facilities

    359,500     329,123     71,971  

Repayments under credit facilities

    (520,162 )   (198,432 )   (42,000 )

Borrowings under non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    679,848     291,087     13,500  

Repayments under non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

    (9,755 )   (1,704 )    

Financing costs paid

    (22,942 )   (11,407 )   (1,502 )

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

    293,751     280,226     223,990  

Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock

        125      

Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders

    (51,597 )   (5,685 )    

Costs of raising capital

        (45 )   (750 )
               

Net cash provided by financing activities

    728,643     683,288     265,209  
               

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (2,938 )   33,549     31,203  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    64,752     31,203      
               

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 61,814   $ 64,752   $ 31,203  
               
               

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:

                   

Acquisition of collateral property securing a mortgage note receivable

  $ 7,875   $   $  
               
               

Non-recourse debt obligations assumed in conjunction with acquisition of property

  $ 14,911   $ 3,711   $  
               
               

Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:

                   

Deferred financing costs included in accrued expenses

  $   $   $ 1,875  
               
               

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                   

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $ 33,972   $ 8,757   $ 357  
               
               

Cash paid during the period for income and franchise taxes

  $ 1,601   $ 185   $  
               
               

   

See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013

1. Organization and Formation Activities

        STORE Capital Corporation (STORE Capital or the Company) was formed in Maryland on May 17, 2011 to acquire single-tenant operational real estate to be leased on a long-term, net basis to companies that operate across a wide variety of industries within the service, retail and industrial sectors of the United States economy. From time to time, it may also provide mortgage financing to its customers. STORE Capital conducts its business through a variety of subsidiaries. The operations of STORE Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries for the period from inception through December 31, 2011 included organizational and start-up activities.

        The Company is a subsidiary of STORE Holding Company, LLC (STORE Holding), a Delaware limited liability company. STORE Holding is primarily owned by entities managed by a global investment management firm. As of December 31, 2013, certain members of the Company's senior management owned 1.04% of STORE Holding.

        STORE Capital has made an election to qualify, and believes it is operating in a manner to continue to qualify, as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes beginning with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2011. As a REIT, it will generally not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that it distributes all of its taxable income to its stockholders and meets other specific requirements.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These consolidated statements include the accounts of STORE Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries which are wholly-owned and controlled by the Company through its voting interest. One of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, provides all of the general and administrative services for the day-to-day operations of the consolidated group, including property acquisition and lease origination, real estate portfolio management and marketing, accounting and treasury services. The remaining subsidiaries were formed to acquire and hold real estate investments or to facilitate non-recourse secured borrowing activities. Generally, the initial operations of the real estate subsidiaries are funded by an interest-bearing intercompany loan from STORE Capital Corporation, and such intercompany loan is repaid when the subsidiary issues long-term debt secured by its properties. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        Certain of the Company's wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries were formed as special purpose entities. Each special purpose entity is a separate legal entity and is the sole owner of its assets and liabilities. The assets of the special purpose entities are not available to pay or otherwise satisfy obligations to the creditors of any owner or affiliate of the special purpose entity. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, assets totaling $1.7 billion and $839.4 million, respectively, were held and liabilities totaling $1.0 billion and $458.4 million, respectively, were owed by these special purpose entities and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)


Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from those estimates.


Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances to conform to the current period presentation.


Segment Reporting

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 280, Segment Reporting, established standards for the manner in which enterprises report information about operating segments. The Company views its operations as one reportable segment.


Accounting for Real Estate Investments

        STORE Capital records the acquisition of real estate properties at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. The Company allocates the cost of real estate properties to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated relative fair values. Real estate properties subject to an existing in-place lease at the date of acquisition are recorded as business combinations and each tangible and intangible asset and liability acquired is recorded at fair value. Management uses multiple sources to estimate fair value, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and leasing activities. The Company expenses transaction costs associated with real estate acquisitions accounted for as business combinations in the period incurred. Properties classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or their fair value, less anticipated closing costs.

        In-place lease intangibles are valued based on management's estimates of lost rent and carrying costs during the time it would take to locate a tenant if the property were vacant, considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating lost rent and carrying costs, management considers market rents, real estate taxes, insurance, costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions and other related costs. The value assigned to in-place leases is amortized on a straight-line basis as a component of depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining initial term of the related lease.

        The fair value of any above-market and below-market leases is estimated based on the present value of the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and management's estimate of current market lease rates for the property, measured over a period equal to the remaining initial term of the lease. Capitalized above-market lease intangibles are amortized over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases as a decrease to rental revenue. Below-market lease intangibles are amortized as an increase in rental revenue over the remaining initial terms of the

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

respective leases plus the fixed-rate renewal periods on those leases, if any. Should a lease terminate early, the unamortized portion of any related lease intangible is immediately recognized in operations.

        The Company's real estate portfolio is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful life of the properties, which generally ranges from 30 to 40 years for buildings and is 15 years for land improvements. Any properties classified as held for sale are not depreciated.

Impairment

        STORE Capital reviews its real estate investments and related lease intangibles periodically for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management considers factors such as expected future undiscounted cash flows, estimated residual value, market trends (such as the effects of leasing demand and competition) and other factors in making this assessment. An asset is considered impaired if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted cash flows and the impairment is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimating future cash flows is highly subjective and such estimates could differ materially from actual results. No impairment charges were recorded during the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Revenue Recognition

        STORE Capital leases real estate to its tenants under long-term net leases that are classified as operating leases. Direct costs associated with lease origination, offset by any lease origination fees received, are deferred and amortized over the related lease term as an adjustment to rental revenue.

        The Company's leases generally provide for rent escalations throughout the lease terms. For leases that provide for specific contractual escalations, rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accordingly, accrued rental revenue, calculated as the aggregate difference between the rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis and scheduled rents, represents unbilled rent receivables that the Company will receive only if the tenants make all rent payments required through the expiration of the lease. There was $1.5 million and $0.2 million of accrued straight-line rental revenue net of allowance of $0.5 million and $0.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company provides a reserve based on management's estimates of uncollectible straight-line rental revenue based on an assessment of the risks inherent in the portfolio, giving consideration to industry default rates for long-term receivables. Leases that have contingent rent escalators indexed to future increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) may adjust over a one-year period or over multiple-year periods. Generally, these escalators increase rent at the lesser of (a) 1 to 1.25 times the increase in the CPI over a specified period or (b) a fixed percentage. Because of the volatility and uncertainty with respect to future changes in the CPI, the Company's inability to determine the extent to which any specific future change in the CPI is probable at each rent adjustment date during the entire term of these leases and the Company's view that the multiplier does not represent a significant leverage factor, increases in rental revenue from leases with this type of escalator are recognized only after the changes in the rental rates have actually occurred.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

        For leases that have contingent rentals that are based on a percentage of the tenant's gross sales, the Company recognizes contingent rental revenue when the threshold upon which the contingent lease payment is based is actually reached. Less than 1.0% of the Company's investment portfolio is subject to leases that provide for contingent rent based on a percentage of the tenant's gross sales.

        The Company suspends revenue recognition if the collectibility of amounts due pursuant to a lease is not reasonably assured or if the tenant's monthly lease payments become more than 60 days past due, whichever is earlier. The Company reviews its rent receivables for collectibility on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant's payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. In the event that the collectibility of a receivable with respect to any tenant is in doubt, a provision for uncollectible amounts will be established or a direct write-off of the specific rent receivable will be made. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no provision for uncollectible contractual rent payments due from tenants.


Loans Receivable

        STORE Capital holds its loans receivable for long-term investment. Loans receivable are carried at amortized cost, including related unamortized discounts or premiums, if any.

Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes interest income on loans receivable using the effective-interest method applied on a loan-by-loan basis. Direct costs associated with originating loans are offset against any related fees received and the balance, along with any premium or discount, is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the term of the related loan receivable using the effective interest method. A loan receivable is placed on nonaccrual status when the loan has become 60 days past due, or earlier if management determines that full recovery of the contractually specified payments of principal and interest is doubtful. While on nonaccrual status, interest income is recognized only when received. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no loans on nonaccrual status.

Impairment and Provision for Loan Losses

        The Company periodically evaluates the collectibility of its loans receivable, including accrued interest, by analyzing the underlying property-level economics and trends, collateral value and quality and other relevant factors in determining the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. A loan is determined to be impaired when, in management's judgment based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Specific allowances for loan losses are provided for impaired loans on an individual loan basis in the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral less disposition costs. There was no allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)


Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investment securities with maturities at acquisition of three months or less. The Company invests cash primarily in money-market funds of a major financial institution, consisting predominantly of U.S. Government obligations.


Restricted Cash and Escrow Deposits

        The Company had $12.5 million and $679,000 of restricted cash and deposits in escrow at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


Deferred Costs

        Deferred costs consist principally of financing costs related to the issuance of the Company's debt and lease origination costs. Deferred financing costs are amortized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the related debt instrument using the effective interest method. Lease origination costs are amortized as a decrease in rental revenue over the term of the respective lease.


Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company may enter into derivatives contracts as part of its overall financing strategy to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates associated with current and/or future debt issuances. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company records its derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.


Share-based Compensation

        Share-based compensation to employees of the Company is granted pursuant to the STORE Capital Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan which allows for awards of restricted stock and other awards and performance-based grants to officers, directors and key employees of the Company.

        The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock at the date of grant and recognizes that amount in general and administrative expense ratably over the vesting period at the greater of the amount amortized on a straight-line basis or the amount vested. The Company valued the restricted stock based on the per-share offering price of the common stock issued in its private offerings.


Income Taxes

        As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax; however, it is still subject to state and local income taxes and to federal income and excise tax on its undistributed income. STORE Investment Corporation is the Company's wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

(TRS) created to engage in non-qualifying REIT activities. The TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes.


Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

        Net income (loss) per common share has been computed pursuant to the guidance in the FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. The guidance requires the classification of the Company's unvested restricted stock, which contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, as participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing net income (loss) per common share. The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share (dollars in thousands):

 
  Year Ended December 31,   From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31, 2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Numerator:

                   

Net income (loss)

  $ 26,313   $ 8,176   $ (2,022 )

Less: preferred stock dividends

    (16 )   (16 )    
               

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

    26,297     8,160     (2,022 )

Less: earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares

    (294 )   (46 )    
               

Net income (loss) used in basic income (loss) per share

    26,003     8,114     (2,022 )

Add: earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares(a)

        46      
               

Net income (loss) used in diluted income (loss) per share

  $ 26,003   $ 8,160   $ (2,022 )
               
               

Denominator:

                   

Weighted average common shares outstanding

    30,069,470     16,414,690     6,965,168  

Less: Weighted average number of shares of unvested restricted stock

    (193,022 )   (44,599 )    
               

Weighted average shares outstanding used in basic income (loss) per share

    29,876,448     16,370,091     6,965,168  
               

Effects of dilutive securities:

                   

Add: Treasury stock method impact of unvested restricted shares(a)

        5,519      
               

Weighted average shares outstanding used in diluted income (loss) per share

    29,876,448     16,375,610     6,965,168  
               
               

(a)
For the year ended December 31, 2013, excludes $294,000 of earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares and 33,197 shares as the effect would have been antidilutive.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity . This new guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in operations and have a major effect on the organization's operations and financial results would be presented as discontinued operations. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, the Company would no longer present the operating results of sold properties, which do not represent a strategic shift in operations, as part of discontinued operations on the statement of operations. In implementing this guidance, the results of operations from properties sold or considered to be held for sale prior to adoption would still be reported as part of discontinued operations.

3. Investments

        At December 31, 2013, STORE Capital had investments in 622 property locations representing 617 owned properties, three ground lease interests and two properties which secure a mortgage loan. The gross acquisition cost of real estate investments totaled $1.64 billion at December 31, 2013. In addition, the Company held 10 loans receivable with an aggregate carrying amount at December 31, 2013 of $66.9 million. As of December 31, 2013, a substantial portion of these investments are assets of consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries and are pledged as collateral under the non-recourse obligations of these special purpose entities (Note 4).

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

3. Investments (Continued)

        During 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Company had the following gross real estate and loan activity (dollars in thousands):

 
  Number of
Investment
Locations
  Dollar
Amount of
Investments(a)
 

Acquisition of real estate

    132   $ 273,025  

Investment in loan receivable

          5,006  

Sales of real estate (Note 9)

    (20 )   (42,203 )

Principal collections on loan receivable

          (50 )
           

Gross investments, December 31, 2011

    112     235,778  

Acquisition of real estate

    265     644,580  

Investment in loans receivable

    1     36,577  

Sales of real estate (Note 9)

    (7 )   (5,148 )

Principal collections on loans receivable

          (73 )

Other

          (10 )
           

Gross investments, December 31, 2012

    371     911,704  

Acquisition of real estate(b)

    267     811,248  

Investment in loans receivable

    2     33,647  

Sales of real estate (Note 9)

    (17 )   (37,867 )

Principal collections on loans receivable(b)

    (1 )   (8,113 )

Other

          (67 )
             

Gross investments, December 31, 2013(c)

          1,710,552  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(c)

          (42,342 )
           

Net investments, December 31, 2013

    622   $ 1,668,210  
           
           

(a)
The dollar amount of investments includes the investment in land, buildings, improvements and lease intangibles related to real estate investments as well as the carrying amount of the loans receivable.

(b)
One loan receivable was repaid in full through a $7.9 million non-cash transaction in which the Company acquired the underlying mortgaged property and leased it back to the borrower.

(c)
Includes the dollar amount of investments ($9.4 million) and the accumulated depreciation and amortization ($0.4 million) related to real estate investments held for sale at December 31, 2013.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

3. Investments (Continued)

        The following table shows information regarding the diversification of the Company's total investment portfolio among the different industries in which its tenants and borrowers operate as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

 
  Number of
Investment
Locations
  Dollar
Amount of
Investments(a)
  Percentage of
Total Dollar
Amount of
Investments
 

Restaurants

    372   $ 631,461     37 %

Industrial

    32     126,251     7  

Early childhood education centers

    49     125,870     7  

Movie theaters

    18     116,662     7  

Furniture stores

    17     101,410     6  

Health clubs

    17     100,029     6  

Colleges and professional schools

    7     83,931     5  

Sporting goods stores

    9     64,817     4  

Recreational vehicle dealers

    8     42,318     3  

Home furnishings stores

    7     40,855     2  

Pet care and boarding

    20     37,638     2  

Family entertainment

    4     32,036     2  

Grocery stores

    10     26,441     2  

Electronics and appliance stores

    4     23,630     1  

Commercial equipment leasing

    3     18,783     1  

Scientific research

    1     18,300     1  

Elementary and secondary schools

    2     17,371     1  

All other service industries

    26     51,539     3  

All other retail industries

    16     51,210     3  
               

    622   $ 1,710,552     100 %
               
               

(a)
The dollar amount of investments includes the gross investment in land, buildings, improvements and lease intangibles related to real estate investments as well as the carrying amount of the loans receivable.


Significant Credit and Revenue Concentration

        STORE Capital's real estate investments are leased or financed to 148 customers geographically dispersed throughout 42 states. Including the Company's loans receivable described above, only one state, Texas (16%), accounted for 10% or more of the total dollar amount of STORE Capital's investment portfolio at December 31, 2013. None of the Company's 148 customers represented more than 10% of the Company's real estate investment portfolio at December 31, 2013, with the largest customer representing less than 4% of the total investment portfolio. On an annualized basis, the largest customer also represented less than 4% of the Company's total investment portfolio revenues as of December 31, 2013. The Company's customers operate their businesses across 128 concepts and

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

3. Investments (Continued)

none represented more than 6% of the Company's real estate investment portfolio as of December 31, 2013.


Intangible Lease Assets

        The following details intangible lease assets and related accumulated amortization at December 31 (in thousands):

 
  2013   2012  

In-place lease assets(a)

  $ 26,641   $ 5,645  

Ground lease interest assets

    3,814     2,190  
           

Total intangible lease assets(a)

    30,455     7,835  

Accumulated amortization(a)

    (1,459 )   (194 )
           

Net intangible lease assets

  $ 28,996   $ 7,641  
           
           

(a)
Includes the dollar amount of in-place lease intangibles ($538,000) and the accumulated amortization ($61,000) related to real estate investments held for sale at December 31, 2013.

        During the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, aggregate lease intangible amortization expense was $1.3 million, $175,000 and $19,000, respectively. Based on the balance of the intangible assets at December 31, 2013, the aggregate annual amortization expense is expected to be approximately $2.1 million in each of the next five years. The weighted average remaining amortization period is approximately 13 years for the in-place lease intangibles and approximately 82 years for the amortizing ground lease interests.


Real Estate Investments

        The Company's investment properties are leased to tenants under long-term operating leases that typically include one or more renewal options. The weighted average remaining noncancelable lease term at December 31, 2013 was approximately 16.0 years. Substantially all of the leases are triple-net, which provide that the lessees are responsible for the payment of all property operating expenses, including property taxes, maintenance and insurance; therefore, STORE Capital is generally not responsible for repairs or other capital expenditures related to the properties.

        At December 31, 2013, all of the properties were subject to a lease and the tenants were current in their lease payments.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

3. Investments (Continued)

        Scheduled future minimum rentals to be received under the remaining noncancelable term of the operating leases at December 31, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):

2014

  $ 139,196  

2015

    139,444  

2016

    139,543  

2017

    139,817  

2018

    140,344  

Thereafter

    1,524,905  
       

Total future minimum rentals

  $ 2,223,249  
       
       

        Since lease renewal periods are exercisable at the option of the lessee, the preceding table presents future minimum lease payments due during the initial lease term only. In addition, the future minimum lease payments do not include any contingent rentals such as lease escalations based on future changes in CPI.


Loans Receivable

        At December 31, 2013, the Company held 10 loans with an aggregate carrying amount of $66.9 million. Seven of the loans are mortgage loans secured by land and/or buildings and improvements on the mortgaged property. The other three loans are secured by a tenant's equipment/inventory.

        The mortgage loans receivable generally require the borrowers to make monthly principal and interest payments based on a 40-year amortization period or monthly interest-only payments with balloon payments, if any, at maturity. The other secured loans generally require the borrowers to make monthly interest-only payments for an established period and then either monthly principal and interest

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

3. Investments (Continued)

payments through maturity or balloon payments at maturity. The Company's loans receivable are summarized below (dollars in thousands):

 
   
   
  Amount Outstanding
December 31,
 
 
  Stated
Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
 
Type
  2013   2012  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.25 % Jan. 2015   $ 1,939   $  

Mortgage loan receivable(a)

    8.75 % Oct. 2022         7,875  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.35 % Jan. 2028     3,789     3,800  

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.75 % Jul. 2032     24,119     24,197  

Mortgage loan receivable

    9.00 % Mar. 2053     14,629      

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.75 % Jun. 2053     6,376      

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.50 % Jun. 2053     6,262      

Mortgage loan receivable

    8.25 % Aug. 2053     3,349      
                     

Total mortgage loans receivable

              60,463     35,872  

Other secured loan receivable

    11.00 % Sept. 2021     4,834     4,900  

Equipment loan receivable

    12.00 % Dec. 2014     1,000      

Equipment loan receivable

    10.00 % Jan. 2015     161     200  
                     

Total principal amount outstanding

              66,458     40,972  

Unamortized loan origination costs

              459     478  
                     

Total carrying amount

            $ 66,917   $ 41,450  
                     
                     

(a)
Loan receivable was repaid in full through a non-cash transaction in which the Company acquired the underlying mortgaged property and leased it back to the borrower.

        The mortgage loans receivable generally allow for prepayments in whole, but not in part, without penalty or with penalties ranging from 1% to 5%, depending on the timing of the prepayment. All other loans receivable allow for prepayments in whole or in part without penalty. Absent prepayments, scheduled maturities are expected to be as follows (in thousands):

 
  Scheduled
Principal
  Balloon
Payments
  Total
Payments
 

2014

  $ 784   $ 850   $ 1,634  

2015

    675     2,075     2,750  

2016

    748         748  

2017

    831         831  

2018

    923         923  

Thereafter

    35,473     24,099     59,572  
               

Total principal repayments

  $ 39,434   $ 27,024   $ 66,458  
               
               

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

4. Debt

Credit Facilities

        As of December 31, 2013, the Company has revolving credit facilities with two banks. These facilities are used to partially fund real estate acquisitions pending the issuance of long-term, fixed-rate debt.

        One credit facility, which was renewed in October 2013, is structured as a master loan repurchase agreement, consisting of two parts. The primary part is a two-year $150 million credit line, which is expandable to $250 million under certain circumstances. Borrowings under this portion of the facility are secured by certain real estate properties owned by the Company and are at an advance rate of 50% of the appraised value of the related real estate. The second part of this credit facility is a one-year $50 million credit line which can be used to temporarily fund real estate acquisitions at an advance rate of up to 100%. The $50 million credit line is secured by the related real estate as well as the Company's equity interests in certain of its special purpose entity subsidiaries and the Company's holdings of the Class B notes issued under its STORE Master Funding bond program (see below). At December 31, 2013, the Company had no amounts outstanding under either part of this facility but did have real estate assets with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $109.4 million pledged as collateral under the $150 million portion of the facility. Based on this pledged collateral, the Company had an available borrowing capacity of approximately $54.7 million.

        Borrowings under the facility, which are non-recourse obligations, require monthly payments of interest indexed to the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.45% for the $150 million credit line and LIBOR plus 2.95% for the $50 million credit line. At December 31, 2013, the one-month LIBOR rate was 0.17%. The Company must also pay a non-use fee on undrawn amounts under each portion of the facility.

        The Company is subject to various financial and nonfinancial covenants under this credit facility, including a minimum equity requirement of $25 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after October 24, 2013; a minimum liquidity requirement of $10 million and a maximum pro forma leverage ratio of .75 to 1. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to concentration limits and portfolio covenants related to the pool of investment properties pledged as collateral under the facility, including a minimum weighted average aggregate fixed charge coverage ratio (FCCR) for portfolio assets of 1.5 to 1 with no individual FCCRs of less than 1 to 1. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

        In December 2012, the Company entered into a three-year secured credit facility with another bank. In July 2013, this facility was syndicated to include additional banks as lenders, increasing the maximum availability of the facility to $90 million. The facility includes an accordion feature to increase the facility amount up to $150 million, subject to lender consents and other conditions. Borrowings under this facility require monthly payments of interest based on either a Base Rate, as defined in the agreement, plus 2.00% or one-month LIBOR plus 3.00% at the election of the Company on the borrowing date. The Company must also pay a non-use fee on undrawn amounts under the facility. The facility is a full recourse obligation of the Company and is structured as a revolving credit facility whereby the Company pledges certain assets, which are referred to as the borrowing base, to the bank to secure borrowings under the facility. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no amounts outstanding under the credit facility and a borrowing base of approximately $14 million. Based on the

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

4. Debt (Continued)

borrowing base at December 31, 2013, the Company had an available borrowing capacity of approximately $7 million on this line.

        The Company is subject to various financial and nonfinancial covenants under the three-year credit facility, including a maximum leverage ratio of 65%; minimum EBITDA to fixed charges of 1.5 to 1; and a minimum consolidated net worth of $275 million plus 75% of any additional equity raised after September 2012. Borrowings on this facility are also subject to portfolio covenants related to the pool of investment properties pledged as collateral under the facility, including a minimum weighted average aggregate FCCR for portfolio assets of 1.6 to 1 with no individual FCCRs of less than 1.25 to 1. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

        In December 2011, the Company entered into a $10 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a bank. This credit facility, which matured in December 2013, provided for interest-only payments fixed at 3% during 2013.

        The financing costs related to the establishment of the Company's credit facilities are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the credit facilities. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, unamortized financing costs totaled $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively.


Non-Recourse Debt Obligations of Consolidated Special Purpose Entities

        During 2012, the Company implemented a debt issuance program pursuant to which certain of its consolidated special purpose entities issue multiple series of non-recourse net-lease mortgage notes from time to time that are collateralized by the assets owned by these entities and their related leases (collateral). One of the principal features of the program is that, as additional series of notes are issued, new collateral is contributed to the collateral pool thereby increasing the size and diversity of the collateral pool for the benefit of all noteholders, including those who invested in prior series. Another feature of the program is the ability to substitute collateral from time to time subject to meeting certain prescribed conditions and criteria. The notes are generally segregated into Class A amortizing notes and Class B non-amortizing notes. The Company has retained each of the Class B notes which aggregate $60.5 million at December 31, 2013.

        The Class A notes require monthly principal and interest payments with a balloon payment due at maturity and these notes may be prepaid at any time, subject to a yield maintenance prepayment premium. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate collateral pool securing the net-lease mortgage notes is comprised primarily of single tenant commercial real estate properties with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $1.2 billion.

        On May 6, 2014, the consolidated special purpose entities issued an additional series of net-lease mortgage notes consisting of $260.0 million of Class A notes and $17.5 million of Class B notes. The Class A notes are segregated into two tranches: $120.0 million of 7-year notes with an interest rate of 4.21% and $140.0 million of 10-year notes with an interest rate of 5.00%. The Class B notes were retained by the Company.

        A number of additional consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries of the Company have financed their owned real estate properties with traditional first mortgage debt. The notes require monthly principal and interest payments with balloon payments at maturity. In general, these mortgage

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

4. Debt (Continued)

notes payable can be prepaid in whole or in part upon payment of a yield maintenance premium. The mortgage notes payable are collateralized by real estate properties owned by these consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries with an aggregate investment amount of approximately $245.0 million at December 31, 2013.

        The mortgage notes payable, which are obligations of consolidated special purpose entities as described in Note 2, contain various covenants customarily found in mortgage notes, including a limitation on the issuing entity's ability to incur additional indebtedness on the underlying real estate. Although this mortgage debt is non-recourse, there are customary limited exceptions to recourse for matters such as fraud, misrepresentation, gross negligence or willful misconduct, misapplication of payments, bankruptcy and environmental liabilities.

        Financing costs related to the issuance of the non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entities are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related notes. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, unamortized financing costs related to all non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entities totaled $26.9 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

4. Debt (Continued)

        The non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries are summarized below (dollars in thousands):

 
   
   
  Outstanding Balance
December 31,
 
 
  Maturity
Date
  Coupon
Interest
Rate
 
 
  2013   2012  

Non-recourse net-lease mortgage notes:

                       

Series 2012-1, Class A

    Aug. 2019   5.77%   $ 210,612   $ 213,554  

Series 2013-1, Class A-1

    Mar. 2020   4.16%     148,274      

Series 2013-1, Class A-2

    Mar. 2023   4.65%     100,827      

Series 2013-2, Class A-1

    July 2020   4.37%     106,352      

Series 2013-2, Class A-2

    July 2023   5.33%     96,412      

Series 2013-3, Class A-1

    Nov. 2020   4.24%     76,907      

Series 2013-3, Class A-2

    Nov. 2023   5.21%     99,880      

Non-recourse mortgage notes payable:

                       

$4,000 note issued August 2006; assumed in July 2012

    Sept. 2016   6.33%(a)     3,428     3,524  

$6,776 note issued April 2007; assumed in December 2013

    May 2017   6.00%(b)     6,776      

$7,775 note issued January 2012; assumed in December 2013

    Jan. 2018   4.778%     7,775      

$20,530 note issued December 2011 and amended February 2012

    Jan. 2019   5.275%(c)     19,758     20,176  

$6,500 note issued December 2012

    Dec. 2019   4.806%     6,351     6,500  

$2,823 note issued December 2012

    Jan. 2020   3.1683%(d)     2,749     2,823  

$2,956 notes issued June 2013

    Jun. 2020   3.1683%(d)     2,907      

$13,000 note issued May 2012

    May 2022   5.195%     12,599     12,857  

$14,950 note issued July 2012

    Aug. 2022   4.95%     14,547     14,853  

$26,000 note issued August 2012

    Sept. 2022   5.05%     25,353     25,873  

$6,400 note issued November 2012

    Dec. 2022   4.707%     6,267     6,400  

$11,895 note issued March 2013

    Apr. 2023   4.7315%     11,733      

$17,500 note issued August 2013

    Sept. 2023   5.46%     17,420      

$7,750 note issued February 2013

    Mar. 2038   4.81%(e)     7,633      

$6,944 notes issued March 2013

    Apr. 2038   4.50%(f)     6,842      
                     

              991,402     306,560  

Unamortized net premium (discount)

              175     21  
                     

Total non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities

            $ 991,577   $ 306,581  
                     
                     

(a)
Note was assumed at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 5.15%.

(b)
Note was assumed at a premium; estimated effective yield at assumption of 4.45%.

(c)
Note is a variable-rate note which resets monthly at 1-month LIBOR + 3.50%. The Company has entered into two interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert the floating rate on a $13.1 million portion and a $6.8 million portion of this mortgage note payable to fixed rates of 5.299% and 5.230%, respectively (Note 5).

(d)
Note is a variable-rate note which resets monthly at 1-month LIBOR + 3.00%; rate shown is effective rate at December 31, 2013.

(e)
Interest rate is effective for first 10 years and will reset to greater of (1) initial rate plus 400 basis points or (2) Treasury rate plus 400 basis points.

(f)
Interest rate is effective for first 10 years and will reset to the lender's then prevailing interest rate.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

4. Debt (Continued)

        As of December 31, 2013, the scheduled maturities, including balloon payments, on the non-recourse debt obligations of the consolidated special purpose entity subsidiaries during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

 
  Scheduled
Principal
  Balloon
Payments
  Total  

2014

  $ 16,218   $   $ 16,218  

2015

    17,062         17,062  

2016

    17,886     3,141     21,027  

2017

    18,665     6,417     25,082  

2018

    19,274     6,665     25,939  

Thereafter

    63,635     822,439     886,074  
               

  $ 152,740   $ 838,662   $ 991,402  
               
               

5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        As of December 31, 2013, the Company had entered into two interest rate swap agreements with initial notional amounts of $13.5 million and $7.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges associated with the Company's secured, variable-rate mortgage note payable due 2019 (Note 4). The fair value of the interest rate swaps at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was a liability of $128,000 and $861,000, respectively, and is included in liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

        The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the hedged debt transaction. During 2013, $414,000 of unrealized gains and during 2012 and 2011, $911,000 and $263,000, respectively, of unrealized losses were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, $319,000, $306,000 and $7,000, respectively, were reclassified to operations as an increase to interest expense. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that $301,000 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized during the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

        The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparty containing a provision that, if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

        As of December 31, 2013, the termination value of the Company's derivatives was a liability position of $168,000 which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

6. Income Taxes

        The Company's total current income tax expense from continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Federal income tax

  $   $ (2 ) $ 4  

State income tax

    145     72     1  

Foreign income tax

    10          
               

Total current income tax expense (benefit)

  $ 155   $ 70   $ 5  
               
               

        During 2013, $853,000 of federal income tax and $132,000 of state income tax were attributable to discontinued operations (Note 9) of the Company's taxable REIT subsidiary. There was no current income tax expense attributable to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company's deferred income tax expense and its ending balance in deferred tax assets and liabilities were immaterial at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

        The Company files federal, state and local income tax returns. All returns filed since the Company's inception in 2011 remain subject to examination. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes of $1.5 million at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. These losses are available to reduce future taxable income or distribution requirements until they expire in 2031.

        Management of the Company determines whether any tax positions taken or expected to be taken meet the "more-likely-than-not" threshold of being sustained by the applicable federal, state or local tax authority. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, management concluded that there is no tax liability relating to uncertain income tax positions. The Company's policy is to recognize interest related to any underpayment of income taxes as interest expense and to recognize any penalties as operating expenses. There was no accrual for interest or penalties at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

        For federal income tax purposes, distributions can consist of ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, return of capital, or a combination thereof. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, preferred dividends of $0.016 million paid in each year were characterized for tax as ordinary income.

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

6. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The Company's common stock distributions declared were characterized for tax as follows (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2013   2012  

Ordinary income

  $ 33,602   $ 10,333  

Capital gain

        18  

Return of capital

    12,958      
           

Total

  $ 46,560   $ 10,351  
           
           

        For tax purposes, $1.851 million of the 2012 distributions declared were treated as distributions in 2013 and $0.046 million was treated as compensation to holders of unvested restricted stock. In addition, $0.294 million of the 2013 distributions declared were treated as compensation to holders of unvested restricted stock.

7. Stockholders' Equity

        As of December 31, 2012, the Company had received all of the initial $503.0 million committed equity capital from its largest common stockholder, STORE Holding. In March 2013, STORE Holding agreed to commit an additional $580.4 million in equity capital to the Company. During 2013, the Company received $293.8 million of capital representing 12.3 million shares. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, STORE Holding held 37,481,598 and 25,210,765, respectively, of the Company's common shares outstanding. The Company declared dividends payable to common stockholders totaling $45.0 million and $12.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In December 2011, the Company declared a stock dividend of 4,976.56 shares for each share of common stock outstanding at the time; no cash dividends were declared in 2011.

        The Company issued 125 shares of 12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) at a price of $1,000 per share on January 6, 2012. Preferred stockholders are entitled to receive, when and as authorized by the Board of Directors, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 12.5% per annum per share, payable semi-annually in arrears. The Company is current in its obligations to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock. The Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at any time, for cash, at a redemption price of $1,000 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, the preferred stockholders are entitled to be paid a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share before any distribution of assets is made to holders of the Company's common stock.

8. Long-Term Incentive Plan

        In June 2012, the Company's Board of Directors established the STORE Capital Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan) which permits the issuance of up to 620,000 shares of common stock. The 2012 Plan allows for awards of restricted stock and other awards and performance-based grants to officers, directors and key employees of the Company.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

8. Long-Term Incentive Plan (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the restricted common stock activity under the 2012 Plan:

 
  2013   2012  
 
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average Share
Price(1)
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average Share
Price(1)
 

Outstanding non-vested shares, beginning of year

    87,290   $ 20.00       $  

Shares granted

    137,007   $ 24.00     87,290   $ 20.00  

Shares vested

    (21,826 ) $ 20.00       $  

Shares forfeited

    (1,154 ) $ 23.61       $  
                   

Outstanding non-vested shares, end of year

    201,317   $ 22.70     87,290   $ 20.00  
                   
                   

(1)
Grant date fair value

        The restricted shares granted vest in 25% increments in February of each year.

        The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock at the date of grant and recognizes that amount in expense over the vesting period as the greater of the amount amortized on a straight-line basis or the amount vested. The Company valued the restricted stock based on the per-share offering price of its common stock issued in its private offerings. Compensation expense for share-based payments totaled $1.2 million and $356,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses.

        At December 31, 2013, STORE Capital had $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements which will be recognized through February 2017, and 396,857 shares remaining available for grant under the 2012 Plan.

9. Income from Discontinued Operations

        Periodically, the Company may sell real estate properties it owns. Gains and losses from such dispositions of properties and all operations from these properties are required to be reclassified as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result of this reporting requirement, each time a property is sold or classified as an asset held for sale, the operations of such property, including any previously reported as part of continuing operations, are

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Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

9. Income from Discontinued Operations (Continued)

reclassified into discontinued operations. This presentation has no impact on net income or cash flow. Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations are summarized below (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  From Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through
December 31,
2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Revenues

  $ 2,425   $ 853   $ 772  

Expenses:

                   

General and administrative

    17     7     7  

Depreciation and amortization

    575     147     47  
               

Total expenses

    592     154     54  
               

Income from discontinued real estate investments

    1,833     699     718  

Gain (loss) on the sale of real estate investments

    3,147     180     (41 )

Income tax expense

    (985 )        
               

Income from discontinued operations

  $ 3,995   $ 879   $ 677  
               
               

10. Commitments and Contingencies

        In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various types of commitments to purchase real estate properties. These commitments are generally subject to the Company's customary due diligence process and, accordingly, a number of specific conditions must be met before the Company is obligated to purchase the properties. At the time the Company purchases a property, the Company may also agree to fund future improvements to the property. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $40.4 million in commitments to fund improvements to real estate properties previously acquired.

        The Company entered into a lease agreement with an unrelated third party for its corporate office space that will expire in June 2018. The monthly rent expense is approximately $18,000; during the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, total rent expense was $220,000, $220,000 and $37,000, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company's minimum rental commitment under all noncancelable operating leases was approximately $227,000 in 2014, $249,000 in 2015, $258,000 in 2016, $268,000 in 2017 and $135,000 in 2018.

        The Company has employment agreements with each of its executive officers. At the end of the three-year term in May 2014, the employment agreements will automatically extend for successive annual terms thereafter unless terminated by either party. The agreements provide for minimum annual base salaries and maximum annual cash bonuses in the amount of 100% of the base salaries. The agreements also provide for annual equity incentive bonuses under the Company's long-term incentive plan (Note 8) based on achieving certain performance targets. In the event an executive officer is terminated without cause or terminates employment for good reason, each employment agreement provides that the Company is liable for a lump-sum severance payment in an amount equal to the executive's base salary plus target cash bonus and other termination benefits.

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STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

10. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

        In October 2011, the Company adopted a defined contribution retirement savings plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the 401(k) Plan). The 401(k) Plan is available to employees who have completed at least six consecutive months of service or, if earlier, one year of service with the Company. STORE Capital provides a matching contribution in cash, up to a maximum of 4% of compensation, which vests immediately. The matching contributions made by the Company totaled approximately $160,000, $109,000 and $30,000 during the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

11. Fair Value Measurements

        Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The hierarchy described below prioritizes inputs to the valuation techniques used in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring the most observable inputs to be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

    Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

    Level 2—Significant inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These types of inputs would include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets and market-corroborated inputs.

    Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the assets or liabilities. These types of inputs include the Company's own assumptions.

        The assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value in the Company's consolidated financial statements are summarized below.

        The following table sets forth the Company's financial liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 
   
  Fair Value Hierarchy Level  
 
  Fair Value  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

December 31, 2013

                         

Derivatives:

                         

Interest rate swaps

  $ 128   $   $ 128   $  

December 31, 2012

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Derivatives:

                         

Interest rate swaps

  $ 861   $   $ 861   $  

        Derivatives are measured under a market approach, using prices obtained from a nationally recognized pricing service and pricing models with market observable inputs such as interest rates and equity index levels. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. At both December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of the derivative instruments was an unrealized loss and was recorded as a liability and in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

F-54


Table of Contents


STORE Capital Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

December 31, 2013

11. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        In addition to the disclosures for assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, companies are required to disclose the estimated fair values of all financial instruments, even if they are not carried at their fair value. The fair values of financial instruments are estimates based upon market conditions and perceived risks at December 31, 2013 and 2012. These estimates require management's judgment and may not be indicative of the future fair values of the assets and liabilities.

        Financial assets and liabilities for which the carrying values approximate their fair values include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and escrow deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and tenant deposits. Generally these assets and liabilities are short-term in duration and are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes that the carrying value of its secured credit facilities approximate fair value based upon their nature, terms and variable interest rate. Additionally, the Company believes the carrying values of its fixed-rate loan receivables approximate fair values based on market quotes for comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analysis using estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, market rates and credit spreads.

        The estimated fair values of the non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities have been derived based on market observable inputs such as interest rates and discounted cash flow analyses using estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, market rates and credit spreads. These measurements are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At December 31, 2013, the Company's non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities had a carrying value of $991.6 million and an estimated fair value of $1,009.8 million. At December 31, 2012, the Company's non-recourse debt obligations of consolidated special purpose entities had a carrying value of $306.6 million and an estimated fair value of $320.4 million.

F-55


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Restaurants

  Benson   MN                  (f) $ 187   $ 627   $   $   $ 187   $ 627   $ 814   $ (70 )   1987     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Glencoe   MN                  (f)   369     772             369     772     1,141     (87 )   1986     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Little Falls   MN                  (f)   456     803             456     803     1,259     (106 )   1983     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Minneapolis   MN                  (f)   243     590     34     169     277     759     1,036     (67 )   1996     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Sauk Rapids   MN                  (f)   224     887             224     887     1,111     (84 )   1996     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Staples   MN                  (f)   213     729             213     729     942     (77 )   1987     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Wadena   MN                  (f)   171     732             171     732     903     (69 )   1980     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Valley City   ND                  (f)   217     676             217     676     893     (82 )   1984     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Wahpeton   ND                  (f)   314     589             314     589     903     (66 )   1987     07/29/2011  

Restaurants

  Mobridge   SD                  (f)   336     517             336     517     853     (83 )   1993     07/29/2011  

Furniture stores

  Austin   TX                  (f)   2,212     3,600             2,212     3,600     5,812     (249 )   2006     09/02/2011  

Furniture stores

  Live Oak   TX                  (f)   1,885     3,927             1,885     3,927     5,812     (262 )   2005     09/02/2011  

Furniture stores

  New Braunfels   TX                  (f)   1,692     6,926             1,692     6,926     8,618     (613 )   1995     09/02/2011  

Furniture stores

  San Antonio   TX                  (f)   2,361     3,952             2,361     3,952     6,313     (275 )   2006     09/02/2011  

Restaurants

  Florence   AL                  (f)   398     540             398     540     938     (51 )   1994     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Vestavia   AL                  (f)   310     354             310     354     664     (33 )   1972     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   310     325             310     325     635     (32 )   1982     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Bainbridge   GA                  (f)   147     381             147     381     528     (37 )   1989     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Winder   GA                  (f)   348     366             348     366     714     (44 )   1986     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Evansville   IN                  (f)   226     380             226     380     606     (42 )   1988     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Louisville   KY                  (f)   310     383             310     383     693     (43 )   1973     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Florissant   MO                  (f)   460     400             460     400     860     (42 )   1981     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Jackson   MS                  (f)   253     460             253     460     713     (45 )   1993     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Jackson   MS                  (f)   225     342             225     342     567     (32 )   1983     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Cincinnati   OH                  (f)   148     467             148     467     615     (45 )   1987     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Owasso   OK                  (f)   275     301             275     301     576     (29 )   1986     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Tulsa   OK                  (f)   209     328             209     328     537     (40 )   1977     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Antioch   TN                  (f)   391     264             391     264     655     (29 )   1978     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Clarksville   TN                  (f)   239     425             239     425     664     (42 )   1993     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN                  (f)   371     323             371     323     694     (34 )   1987     09/08/2011  

Restaurants

  Princeton   WV                  (f)   246     408             246     408     654     (38 )   1977     09/08/2011  

Industrial

  Delaware   OH                  (f)   308     478             308     478     786     (44 )   1969     09/27/2011  

Industrial

  Hillsboro   OR                  (f)   879     167             879     167     1,046     (23 )   1965     09/27/2011  

Industrial

  Stayton   OR                  (f)   2,254     2,526             2,254     2,526     4,780     (221 )   1985     09/27/2011  

Family entertainment

  Webster   TX                  (f)   2,135     6,355             2,135     6,355     8,490     (443 )   2007     09/30/2011  

Early childhood education centers

  Laveen   AZ                  (f)   1,427     3,012         245     1,427     3,257     4,684     (203 )   2008     10/07/2011  

Early childhood education centers

  Maricopa   AZ                  (f)   2,212     4,080             2,212     4,080     6,292     (275 )   2008     10/07/2011  

Other retail industries

  McAllen   TX                  (f)   1,490     2,220             1,490     2,220     3,710     (240 )   1955     10/07/2011  

Other retail industries

  Pharr   TX                  (f)   699     1,362             699     1,362     2,061     (136 )   1989     10/07/2011  

Restaurants

  Canton   GA                  (f)   1,101     973             1,101     973     2,074     (94 )   1998     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Fayetteville   GA                  (f)   1,155     1,210             1,155     1,210     2,365     (118 )   2004     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Ft. Oglethorpe   GA                  (f)   957     986             957     986     1,943     (87 )   2003     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Stockbridge   GA                  (f)   1,135     1,276             1,135     1,276     2,411     (120 )   2000     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Camby   IN                  (f)   636     1,297             636     1,297     1,933     (119 )   2008     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Greenwood   IN                  (f)   518     1,196             518     1,196     1,714     (104 )   2005     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Georgetown   KY                  (f)   727     1,076             727     1,076     1,803     (98 )   2002     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Owensboro   KY                  (f)   585     1,427             585     1,427     2,012     (143 )   1996     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Charlotte   NC                  (f)   737     1,087             737     1,087     1,824     (121 )   2000     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Greensboro   NC                  (f)   625     1,039             625     1,039     1,664     (109 )   2004     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Dayton   OH                  (f)   1,369     1,357             1,369     1,357     2,726     (132 )   1998     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Springdale   OH                  (f)   1,285     897             1,285     897     2,182     (76 )   1996     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Cookeville   TN                  (f)   1,528     1,511     691         2,219     1,511     3,730     (150 )   1994     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN                  (f)   1,161     1,221             1,161     1,221     2,382     (128 )   2003     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Harrisonburg   VA                  (f)   468     1,067             468     1,067     1,535     (103 )   2003     10/17/2011  
   

Restaurants

  Panama City   FL           230     1,451             230     1,451     1,681     (117 )   2001     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Augusta   GA           853     1,148             853     1,148     2,001     (103 )   1997     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Cumming   GA           1,375     946             1,375     946     2,321     (96 )   1998     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Lawrenceville   GA           985     879             985     879     1,864     (84 )   1996     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Snellville   GA           1,954     927             1,954     927     2,881     (92 )   1998     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Frankfort   KY           955     916             955     916     1,871     (91 )   1998     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Lexington   KY   $ 19,758     533     1,148             533     1,148     1,681     (100 )   1988     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Louisville   KY           1,217     1,028             1,217     1,028     2,245     (95 )   1993     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Mansfield   OH           725     1,156             725     1,156     1,881     (118 )   2003     10/17/2011  

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Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Restaurants

  Charleston   SC           889     1,245             889     1,245     2,134     (129 )   2001     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Cleveland   TN           1,169     1,346             1,169     1,346     2,515     (142 )   1996     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Goodlettsville   TN           933     1,191             933     1,191     2,124     (109 )   1988     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Lebanon   TN           1,037     1,134             1,037     1,134     2,171     (113 )   1997     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Morristown   TN           803     1,578             803     1,578     2,381     (163 )   2000     10/17/2011  

Restaurants

  Lynchburg   VA           903     1,078             903     1,078     1,981     (134 )   2001     10/17/2011  
   

Restaurants

  Bradenton   FL                  (f)   785     276             785     276     1,061     (71 )   1984     10/19/2011  

Restaurants

  Sarasota   FL                  (f)   848     410             848     410     1,258     (94 )   1981     10/19/2011  

Other service industries

  Prescott Valley   AZ                  (f)   241     259             241     259     500     (23 )   2003     11/01/2011  

Other service industries

  Snowflake   AZ                  (f)   276     134             276     134     410     (13 )   1998     11/01/2011  

Restaurants

  Davenport   IA                  (f)   1,613     2,210             1,613     2,210     3,823     (221 )   2003     11/07/2011  

Restaurants

  Eagan   MN                  (f)   1,481     2,958             1,481     2,958     4,439     (202 )   1998     11/07/2011  

Health clubs

  Edinburg   TX                  (f)   865     4,109         116     865     4,225     5,090     (330 )   1994     11/18/2011  

Health clubs

  McAllen   TX                  (f)   1,423     1,540         88     1,423     1,628     3,051     (116 )   2004     11/18/2011  

Health clubs

  Mission   TX                  (f)   692     2,408         49     692     2,457     3,149     (165 )   2000     11/18/2011  

Movie theaters

  Owasso   OK                  (f)   986     3,926             986     3,926     4,912     (338 )   1992     12/16/2011  

Industrial

  Troy   MI                  (f)   510     2,388             510     2,388     2,898     (266 )   1962     12/22/2011  

Pet care and boarding

  Erlanger   KY                  (f)   604     1,809             604     1,809     2,413     (150 )   2000     12/22/2011  

Pet care and boarding

  Louisville   KY                  (f)   492     2,022             492     2,022     2,514     (156 )   2003     12/22/2011  

Pet care and boarding

  Cincinnati   OH                  (f)   547     1,967             547     1,967     2,514     (160 )   2005     12/22/2011  

Restaurants

  Snyder   TX                  (f)   177     740             177     740     917     (63 )   1974     12/22/2011  

Industrial

  Elk Grove Village   IL                  (f)   854     1,460             854     1,460     2,314     (117 )   1964     12/29/2011  

Industrial

  Wheeling   IL                  (f)   1,463     3,064             1,463     3,064     4,527     (252 )   1966     12/29/2011  

Movie theaters

  Vancouver   WA                  (f)   1,644     5,792             1,644     5,792     7,436     (386 )   2005     12/29/2011  

Early childhood education centers

  Blue Ash   OH                  (f)   739     2,463             739     2,463     3,202     (151 )   1979     12/30/2011  

Early childhood education centers

  Franklin   TN                  (f)   1,782     2,422             1,782     2,422     4,204     (212 )   2010     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Leadington   MO                  (f)   494     499             494     499     993     (50 )   1978     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  St. Louis   MO                  (f)   395     393             395     393     788     (32 )   1977     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Marietta   OH                  (f)   435     676             435     676     1,111     (66 )   1986     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Salem   OH                  (f)   205     676             205     676     881     (58 )   1969     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Warren   OH                  (f)   328     612             328     612     940     (58 )   1988     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  McKees Rocks   PA                  (f)   556     692             556     692     1,248     (62 )   1984     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Pittsburgh   PA                  (f)   364     440             364     440     804     (38 )   1989     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Clinton   TN                  (f)   454     653             454     653     1,107     (64 )   1984     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Greeneville   TN                  (f)   566     490             566     490     1,056     (55 )   1985     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN                  (f)   405     702             405     702     1,107     (71 )   1986     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN                  (f)   775     734             775     734     1,509     (68 )   1979     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Maryville   TN                  (f)   542     414     45     309     587     723     1,310     (45 )   1983     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Newport   TN                  (f)   484     623             484     623     1,107     (69 )   1987     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Wichita Falls   TX                  (f)   198     491             198     491     689     (46 )   1984     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Wichita Falls   TX                  (f)   253     535             253     535     788     (51 )   1986     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  New Martinsville   WV                  (f)   269     475             269     475     744     (43 )   1978     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Parkersburg   WV                  (f)   245     461             245     461     706     (41 )   1987     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Parkersburg   WV                  (f)   769     301             769     301     1,070     (33 )   1986     12/30/2011  

Restaurants

  Wheeling   WV                  (f)   357     714             357     714     1,071     (69 )   1986     12/30/2011  

Family entertainment

  Frisco   TX                  (f)   3,705     5,109             3,705     5,109     8,814     (334 )   2008     01/27/2012  

Family entertainment

  Lubbock   TX                  (f)   2,056     6,658             2,056     6,658     8,714     (428 )   2007     01/27/2012  

Colleges and professional schools

  Fresno   CA                  (f)   2,063     1,984             2,063     1,984     4,047     (177 )   1966     02/29/2012  

Colleges and professional schools

  Rancho Cordova   CA                  (f)   3,108     3,587             3,108     3,587     6,695     (263 )   1984     02/29/2012  

Colleges and professional schools

  Roseville   CA                  (f)   3,352     5,941             3,352     5,941     9,293     (413 )   1999     02/29/2012  
   

Colleges and professional schools

  Milpitas   CA     12,599     5,749     8,840             5,749     8,840     14,589     (508 )   1987     02/29/2012  

Colleges and professional schools

  Stockton   CA           1,789     3,557             1,789     3,557     5,346     (277 )   1990     02/29/2012  
   

Movie theaters

  Bethlehem   GA                  (f)   1,888     5,168             1,888     5,168     7,056     (280 )   2011     03/15/2012  

Restaurants

  Cherryville   NC                  (f)   461     650             461     650     1,111     (44 )   2005     03/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Hudson   NC                  (f)   215     996             215     996     1,211     (52 )   1984     03/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Maiden   NC                  (f)   557     533             557     533     1,090     (37 )   1987     03/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Marion   NC                  (f)   322     637             322     637     959     (43 )   1999     03/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Richfield   NC                  (f)   361     720             361     720     1,081     (49 )   2007     03/28/2012  

Restaurants

  West Jefferson   NC                  (f)   357     854             357     854     1,211     (56 )   1996     03/28/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Arlington   TX                  (f)   183     574             183     574     757     (56 )   1984     03/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Cedar Hill   TX                  (f)   285     569             285     569     854     (56 )   1984     03/30/2012  

F-57


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Early childhood education centers

  Grand Prairie   TX                  (f)   292     581             292     581     873     (58 )   1985     03/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Haltom City   TX                  (f)   362     415             362     415     777     (41 )   1985     03/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Watauga   TX                  (f)   174     622             174     622     796     (62 )   1986     03/30/2012  

Restaurants

  Naperville   IL                  (f)   1,869     3,154             1,869     3,154     5,023     (157 )   2011     03/30/2012  

Restaurants

  Wheeling   IL                  (f)   824     2,441             824     2,441     3,265     (107 )   2008     03/30/2012  

Furniture stores

  Tacoma   WA                  (f)   2,213     3,319         817     2,213     4,136     6,349     (193 )   1994     04/20/2012  

Pet care and boarding

  Dayton   OH                  (f)   574     1,937             574     1,937     2,511     (126 )   2008     04/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Tucson   AZ                  (f)   2,637     4,157             2,637     4,157     6,794     (300 )   2008     05/08/2012  

Furniture stores

  Tucson   AZ                  (f)   1,371     4,170             1,371     4,170     5,541     (245 )   2003     05/10/2012  

Restaurants

  Troy   MI                  (f)   1,503     2,506             1,503     2,506     4,009     (104 )   2012     05/15/2012  

Restaurants

  Graham   TX                  (f)   212     581             212     581     793     (53 )   1998     05/15/2012  

Movie theaters

  Ardmore   OK                  (f)   1,302     3,095             1,302     3,095     4,397     (170 )   2008     05/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Carrollton   GA                  (f)   467     627             467     627     1,094     (39 )   1980     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Cedartown   GA                  (f)   319     502             319     502     821     (32 )   1981     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  College Park   GA                  (f)   918     227             918     227     1,145     (14 )   1973     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Dalton   GA                  (f)   337     483             337     483     820     (31 )   1980     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Decatur   GA                  (f)   378     484             378     484     862     (45 )   1981     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Lithonia   GA                  (f)   469     706             469     706     1,175     (63 )   1979     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Macon   GA                  (f)   379     715             379     715     1,094     (63 )   1975     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  McDonough   GA                  (f)   304     719             304     719     1,023     (45 )   2001     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Riverdale   GA                  (f)   241     873             241     873     1,114     (77 )   1976     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Savannah   GA                  (f)   422     946             422     946     1,368     (59 )   1973     05/18/2012  

Restaurants

  Ooltewah   TN                  (f)   458     687             458     687     1,145     (43 )   1999     05/18/2012  

Health clubs

  Kansas City   MO                  (f)   1,259     895     28     1,510     1,287     2,405     3,692     (111 )   2007     05/24/2012  

Restaurants

  Franklin   NC                  (f)   573     1,087             573     1,087     1,660     (76 )   2008     05/24/2012  

Restaurants

  Morganton   NC                  (f)   1,125     708             1,125     708     1,833     (46 )   2002     05/24/2012  

Restaurants

  Rockingham   NC                  (f)   1,111     870             1,111     870     1,981     (58 )   2005     05/24/2012  

Restaurants

  Aiken   SC                  (f)   1,009     974             1,009     974     1,983     (67 )   2006     05/24/2012  

Restaurants

  Rock Hill   SC                  (f)   1,121     778             1,121     778     1,899     (51 )   2004     05/24/2012  

Health clubs

  Richland   WA                  (f)   1,758     7,296             1,758     7,296     9,054     (358 )   2012     06/12/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Pearland   TX                  (f)   1,345     6,258     608     2,542     1,953     8,800     10,753     (299 )   2011     06/20/2012  

Restaurants

  Aiken   SC                  (f)   547     1,587             547     1,587     2,134     (80 )   2009     06/21/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  South Elgin   IL                  (f)   574     2,508             574     2,508     3,082     (111 )   2009     06/27/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Sicklerville   NJ                  (f)   403     2,527             403     2,527     2,930     (109 )   2008     06/27/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Collegeville   PA                  (f)   546     2,182             546     2,182     2,728     (96 )   2008     06/27/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Woodbridge   VA                  (f)   777     2,204     219         996     2,204     3,200     (129 )   2002     06/27/2012  

Health clubs

  Fairfield   CA                  (f)   1,564     1,949     542     1,758     2,106     3,707     5,813     (93 )   1978     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Altamonte Springs   FL                  (f)   438                 438         438         1978     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Apopka   FL                  (f)   550                 550         550         1988     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Fort Pierce   FL                  (f)   153                 153         153         1979     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   550                 550         550         1986     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   234                 234         234         1985     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   326                 326         326         1981     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   275                 275         275         1980     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Jacksonville   FL                  (f)   285                 285         285         1982     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Kissimmee   FL                  (f)   601                 601         601         1981     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Lake City   FL                  (f)   224                 224         224         1978     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Merritt Island   FL                  (f)   316                 316         316         1983     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Orange Park   FL                  (f)   326                 326         326         1985     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Orlando   FL                  (f)   285                 285         285         1981     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Palatka   FL                  (f)   1,110                 1,110         1,110         1997     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Plant City   FL                  (f)   621                 621         621         1988     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Sanford   FL                  (f)   407                 407         407         1986     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Tallahassee   FL                  (f)   306                 306         306         1978     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Fairview Heights   IL                  (f)   326                 326         326         1986     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Monroe   LA                  (f)   266                 266         266         1998     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  West Monroe   LA                  (f)   511                 511         511         2000     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Brookhaven   MS                  (f)   337                 337         337         1979     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Byram   MS                  (f)   306                 306         306         1993     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Canton   MS                  (f)   133                 133         133         1991     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Clarksdale   MS                  (f)   276                 276         276         1979     06/27/2012  

F-58


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Restaurants

  Cleveland   MS       (f)                                   1991     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Clinton   MS       (f)   337                 337         337         1994     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  McComb   MS       (f)   337                 337         337         1985     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Starkville   MS       (f)   184                 184         184         1991     06/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Tupelo   MS       (f)   317                 317         317         1990     06/27/2012  
   

Grocery stores

  Alabaster   AL           487     2,872             487     2,872     3,359     (160 )   1985     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Atmore   AL           292     1,568             292     1,568     1,860     (86 )   1990     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Brewton   AL           234     1,625             234     1,625     1,859     (90 )   1990     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Enterprise   AL           744     2,045             744     2,045     2,789     (124 )   1987     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Luverne   AL     14,547     234     1,425             234     1,425     1,659     (79 )   1992     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Muscle Shoals   AL           561     2,089             561     2,089     2,650     (118 )   1982     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Troy   AL           511     2,209             511     2,209     2,720     (130 )   1984     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Albany   GA           628     2,571             628     2,571     3,199     (142 )   1992     06/29/2012  

Grocery stores

  Milledgeville   GA           652     2,317             652     2,317     2,969     (131 )   1994     06/29/2012  
   

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   5,451     3,275     438     1,347     5,889     4,622     10,511     (589 )   1997     06/29/2012  

Health clubs

  Visalia   CA     3,428     1,382     4,928             1,382     4,928     6,310     (289 )   1975     07/06/2012  

Restaurants

  Alpharetta   GA       (f)   866     3,520             866     3,520     4,386     (182 )   2001     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Newnan   GA       (f)   1,114     1,847             1,114     1,847     2,961     (109 )   2005     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Peachtree City   GA       (f)   1,280     1,750             1,280     1,750     3,030     (115 )   1999     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Suwanee   GA       (f)   1,325     1,954             1,325     1,954     3,279     (112 )   2006     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Suwanee   GA       (f)   1,168     1,624             1,168     1,624     2,792     (99 )   2005     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  Huntersville   NC       (f)   1,654     1,147             1,654     1,147     2,801     (59 )   2000     07/17/2012  

Restaurants

  South St. Paul   MN       (f)   357     498     60     240     417     738     1,155     (58 )   1987     07/19/2012  

Elementary and secondary schools

  Scottsdale   AZ       (f)   3,729     6,288             3,729     6,288     10,017     (329 )   1991     07/25/2012  

Home furnishings stores

  Dayton   OH       (f)   369     1,318             369     1,318     1,687     (74 )   1996     07/26/2012  

Home furnishings stores

  Fairborn   OH       (f)   418     872             418     872     1,290     (48 )   2006     07/26/2012  

Home furnishings stores

  Heath   OH       (f)   818     1,171             818     1,171     1,989     (59 )   2004     07/26/2012  

Pet care and boarding

  Columbus   OH       (f)   853     1,655             853     1,655     2,508     (102 )   2012     07/27/2012  
   

Movie theaters

  Corpus Christi   TX           5,954     9,373             5,954     9,373     15,327     (679 )   1995     08/21/2012  

Movie theaters

  Forney   TX           2,740     2,904             2,740     2,904     5,644     (167 )   2006     08/21/2012  

Movie theaters

  Fort Worth   TX     25,353     3,105     7,677             3,105     7,677     10,782     (425 )   2010     08/21/2012  

Movie theaters

  Irving   TX           1,976     1,172             1,976     1,172     3,148     (85 )   1995     08/21/2012  

Movie theaters

  Rio Grande City   TX           1,933     3,196             1,933     3,196     5,129     (181 )   2008     08/21/2012  
   

Restaurants

  Hancock   MD       (f)   490     347             490     347     837     (25 )   1987     08/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Chambersburg   PA       (f)   539     666             539     666     1,205     (40 )   1989     08/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Greencastle   PA       (f)   767     638             767     638     1,405     (40 )   1986     08/29/2012  
   

Early childhood education centers

  Gilbert   AZ           453     1,639             453     1,639     2,092     (64 )   1996     08/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Gilbert   AZ     6,351     393     1,699             393     1,699     2,092     (63 )   2002     08/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Phoenix   AZ           877     2,311             877     2,311     3,188     (101 )   2003     08/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Phoenix   AZ           595     2,094             595     2,094     2,689     (84 )   2006     08/30/2012  
   

Early childhood education centers

  Plainfield   IL       (f)   390     699             390     699     1,089     (34 )   2008     09/07/2012  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Garner   NC       (f)   2,163     342             2,163     342     2,505     (84 )   1997     09/13/2012  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Hope Mills   NC       (f)   1,462     1,437             1,462     1,437     2,899     (105 )   1993     09/13/2012  

Movie theaters

  Savoy   IL       (f)   2,764     3,552     212     5,788     2,976     9,340     12,316     (188 )   1990     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Lumberton   NC       (f)   676     451             676     451     1,127     (25 )   1999     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Morehead City   NC       (f)   559     507             559     507     1,066     (28 )   1995     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Morrisville   NC       (f)   891     235             891     235     1,126     (16 )   1999     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Roanoke Rapids   NC       (f)   464     471             464     471     935     (26 )   1998     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Rocky Mount   NC       (f)   593     403             593     403     996     (24 )   1994     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Smithfield   NC       (f)   702     384             702     384     1,086     (24 )   1998     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Wilson   NC       (f)   631     304             631     304     935     (18 )   2001     09/25/2012  

Restaurants

  Charleston   WV       (f)   496     399             496     399     895     (22 )   2004     09/25/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Columbus   OH       (f)   937     1,135             937     1,135     2,072     (58 )   1992     09/28/2012  
   

Furniture stores

  Fairfield   CA     6,267     2,618     2,633             2,618     2,633     5,251     (120 )   2006     10/01/2012  

Furniture stores

  Rohnert Park   CA           2,115     3,362             2,115     3,362     5,477     (151 )   2006     10/01/2012  
   

F-59


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Early childhood education centers

  Oak Creek   WI       (f)   781     1,657             781     1,657     2,438     (70 )   2009     10/02/2012  

Restaurants

  Coral Springs   FL       (f)   827     1,182             827     1,182     2,009     (55 )   1995     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Florida City   FL       (f)   1,039     1,111             1,039     1,111     2,150     (55 )   2004     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Miami   FL       (f)   1,421     789             1,421     789     2,210     (38 )   1996     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Sunrise   FL       (f)   1,075     1,065             1,075     1,065     2,140     (57 )   1994     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Wheeling   IL       (f)   1,116     1,091     31     469     1,147     1,560     2,707     (68 )   2007     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Auburn   IN       (f)   750     1,420             750     1,420     2,170     (78 )   2000     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Fort Wayne   IN       (f)   946     1,335             946     1,335     2,281     (66 )   1993     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Fort Wayne   IN       (f)   964     1,337             964     1,337     2,301     (66 )   1993     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Fort Wayne   IN       (f)   1,239     1,614             1,239     1,614     2,853     (76 )   2002     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Goshen   IN       (f)   639     1,451             639     1,451     2,090     (78 )   1999     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Granger   IN       (f)   778     1,222             778     1,222     2,000     (64 )   1995     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Portage   IN       (f)   555     1,374             555     1,374     1,929     (72 )   1999     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Schererville   IN       (f)   543     1,356             543     1,356     1,899     (68 )   1992     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  South Bend   IN       (f)   675     1,394             675     1,394     2,069     (72 )   1999     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Valparaiso   IN       (f)   507     1,502             507     1,502     2,009     (76 )   1995     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Fremont   OH       (f)   728     1,443             728     1,443     2,171     (72 )   2000     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Lima   OH       (f)   765     1,576             765     1,576     2,341     (77 )   1996     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Lima   OH       (f)   755     1,536             755     1,536     2,291     (75 )   2005     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Maumee   OH       (f)   657     1,684             657     1,684     2,341     (82 )   1995     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Northwood   OH       (f)   615     1,716             615     1,716     2,331     (84 )   2004     10/05/2012  

Restaurants

  Toledo   OH       (f)   754     1,587             754     1,587     2,341     (81 )   1995     10/05/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Bradenton   FL       (f)   545     2,149             545     2,149     2,694     (102 )   1982     10/19/2012  

Restaurants

  Chicago   IL       (f)   504     3,959             504     3,959     4,463     (128 )   1886     10/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Chicago   IL       (f)   900     2,410             900     2,410     3,310     (105 )   1923     10/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Chicago   IL       (f)   810     5,559             810     5,559     6,369     (177 )   2008     10/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Baton Rouge   LA       (f)   700     162             700     162     862     (11 )   2005     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Baton Rouge   LA       (f)   742     212             742     212     954     (16 )   2005     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Breaux Bridge   LA       (f)   678     643             678     643     1,321     (50 )   1996     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Denham   LA       (f)   831     444             831     444     1,275     (32 )   2001     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Donaldsonville   LA       (f)   327     562             327     562     889     (39 )   1981     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Gonzales   LA       (f)   547     599             547     599     1,146     (38 )   1981     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Gonzales   LA       (f)   617     419             617     419     1,036     (29 )   1996     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Kentwood   LA       (f)   243     600             243     600     843     (31 )   2006     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Larose   LA       (f)   418     756             418     756     1,174     (55 )   1986     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Port Vincent   LA       (f)   692     207             692     207     899     (13 )   2006     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Prairieville   LA       (f)   724     165             724     165     889     (17 )   1995     11/09/2012  

Restaurants

  Walker   LA       (f)   508     776             508     776     1,284     (57 )   2001     11/09/2012  

Colleges and professional schools

  Denver   CO     7,633     5,201     8,925             5,201     8,925     14,126     (322 )   1962     11/21/2012  

Scientific research

  Columbia   MO     11,733     807     13,794             807     13,794     14,601     (357 )   2008     11/29/2012  

Restaurants

  Orland Park   IL       (f)   1,267     4,320             1,267     4,320     5,587     (127 )   2005     11/30/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Cincinnati   OH       (f)   1,074     1,610             1,074     1,610     2,684     (71 )   2001     12/10/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Powell   OH       (f)   1,102     1,602             1,102     1,602     2,704     (71 )   1998     12/10/2012  

Early childhood education centers

  Manassas   VA       (f)   938     2,580             938     2,580     3,518     (104 )   2005     12/10/2012  

Restaurants

  Dalton   GA       (f)   418     1,133             418     1,133     1,551     (47 )   1984     12/11/2012  

Restaurants

  Chattanooga   TN       (f)   426     984             426     984     1,410     (41 )   1984     12/11/2012  

Restaurants

  East Ridge   TN       (f)   481     807             481     807     1,288     (35 )   1982     12/11/2012  

Restaurants

  Abilene   TX       (f)   593     2,023             593     2,023     2,616     (89 )   1961     12/11/2012  

Furniture stores

  Lancaster   PA       (f)   1,034                 1,034         1,034         1999     12/13/2012  

Furniture stores

  Wilkes Barre   PA       (f)   827                 827         827         1997     12/13/2012  

Health clubs

  Mesa   AZ       (f)   1,112     3,684             1,112     3,684     4,796     (109 )   2003     12/20/2012  

Health clubs

  Scottsdale   AZ       (f)   2,029     4,716             2,029     4,716     6,745     (149 )   2003     12/20/2012  

Restaurants

  Champaign   IL       (f)   931     854             931     854     1,785     (33 )   2004     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Decatur   IL       (f)   559     615             559     615     1,174     (26 )   2005     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Dekalb   IL       (f)   615     747             615     747     1,362     (35 )   2000     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Effingham   IL       (f)   514     717             514     717     1,231     (30 )   2003     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Morton   IL       (f)   554     856             554     856     1,410     (42 )   1999     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Rockford   IL       (f)   925     250             925     250     1,175     (12 )   1999     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Skokie   IL       (f)   737     1,189             737     1,189     1,926     (48 )   2000     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Clarksville   IN       (f)   814     1,369             814     1,369     2,183     (60 )   1978     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Merrillville   IN       (f)   981     1,795             981     1,795     2,776     (82 )   1979     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Emporia   KS       (f)   730     1,541             730     1,541     2,271     (80 )   1998     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Topeka   KS       (f)   783     2,054             783     2,054     2,837     (106 )   1992     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Florence   KY       (f)   1,161     1,290             1,161     1,290     2,451     (78 )   2004     12/27/2012  

F-60


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Restaurants

  Louisville   KY       (f)   1,127     1,577             1,127     1,577     2,704     (76 )   1973     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Louisville   KY       (f)   1,122     1,415             1,122     1,415     2,537     (70 )   1974     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Maryville   MO       (f)   682     1,727             682     1,727     2,409     (75 )   2005     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Columbus   NE       (f)   628     1,401             628     1,401     2,029     (50 )   2002     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Grand Island   NE       (f)   749     1,922             749     1,922     2,671     (68 )   1999     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Kearney   NE       (f)   718     2,236             718     2,236     2,954     (79 )   2002     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Lincoln   NE       (f)   672     1,539             672     1,539     2,211     (61 )   1993     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Lincoln   NE       (f)   726     1,775             726     1,775     2,501     (63 )   1999     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Dayton   OH       (f)   960     1,088             960     1,088     2,048     (70 )   2003     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Ada   OK     1,678     1,252     1,438             1,252     1,438     2,690     (56 )   2006     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Altus   OK     1,171     732     1,147             732     1,147     1,879     (45 )   2005     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Ardmore   OK       (f)   946     1,539             946     1,539     2,485     (66 )   1998     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Lawton   OK     1,360     923     1,258             923     1,258     2,181     (61 )   1996     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Goodlettsville   TN       (f)   969     1,616             969     1,616     2,585     (87 )   1973     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Memphis   TN       (f)   1,244     1,580             1,244     1,580     2,824     (82 )   2002     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Nashville   TN       (f)   979     1,319             979     1,319     2,298     (70 )   1978     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Nashville   TN       (f)   626     2,270             626     2,270     2,896     (82 )   1910     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Amarillo   TX     1,365     927     1,330             927     1,330     2,257     (64 )   1995     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Lubbock   TX     1,268     1,289     808             1,289     808     2,097     (39 )   1994     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Evansville   WY       (f)   932     1,569             932     1,569     2,501     (67 )   1999     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Gillette   WY       (f)   1,322     1,990             1,322     1,990     3,312     (84 )   2001     12/27/2012  

Restaurants

  Laramie   WY       (f)   923     1,081             923     1,081     2,004     (45 )   1996     12/27/2012  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Liberty Lake   WA     2,749     2,458     2,687             2,458     2,687     5,145     (147 )   2006     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Omaha   NE       (f)   920     1,324             920     1,324     2,244     (56 )   2005     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Edmond   OK       (f)   371     294             371     294     665     (16 )   1990     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   507     556             507     556     1,063     (34 )   1999     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   186     390             186     390     576     (19 )   1984     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   500     603             500     603     1,103     (33 )   1968     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   398     427             398     427     825     (23 )   1995     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   291     384             291     384     675     (22 )   1997     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   271     404             271     404     675     (26 )   2000     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Yukon   OK       (f)   408     426             408     426     834     (27 )   2002     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Bartlett   TN       (f)   1,182     1,297             1,182     1,297     2,479     (60 )   1998     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Huntingdon   TN       (f)   132     956             132     956     1,088     (23 )   1989     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Paris   TN       (f)   383     686             383     686     1,069     (23 )   1981     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Richlands   VA       (f)   275     1,023             275     1,023     1,298     (31 )   1990     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Wise   VA       (f)   371     1,207             371     1,207     1,578     (31 )   1983     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Welch   WV       (f)   542     997             542     997     1,539     (30 )   1984     12/28/2012  

Restaurants

  Jonesboro   GA       (f)   477     664             477     664     1,141     (31 )   2000     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Lawrenceville   GA       (f)   675     446             675     446     1,121     (21 )   2000     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Altoona   IA       (f)   368     468             368     468     836     (18 )   1995     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Ankeny   IA       (f)   423     474             423     474     897     (22 )   1986     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Boone   IA       (f)   308     538             308     538     846     (19 )   1974     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Des Moines   IA       (f)   419     901             419     901     1,320     (32 )   2003     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Des Moines   IA       (f)   382     555             382     555     937     (25 )   2008     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Des Moines   IA       (f)   250     536             250     536     786     (23 )   1991     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  West Des Moines   IA       (f)   366     652             366     652     1,018     (24 )   2010     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  West Des Moines   IA       (f)   490     628             490     628     1,118     (24 )   1995     12/31/2012  

Restaurants

  Fishers   IN       (f)   750     1,622         1,000     750     2,622     3,372     (65 )   2004     01/03/2013  

Restaurants

  Fishers   IN       (f)   730     1,181             730     1,181     1,911     (39 )   2009     01/03/2013  

Restaurants

  Greenwood   IN       (f)   1,418     1,194             1,418     1,194     2,612     (77 )   2007     01/03/2013  

Restaurants

  Lafayette   IN       (f)   679     1,953             679     1,953     2,632     (64 )   2006     01/03/2013  

Restaurants

  Columbus   GA       (f)   1,127     1,251             1,127     1,251     2,378     (62 )   1997     01/10/2013  

Restaurants

  Greenwood   IN       (f)   945     1,324             945     1,324     2,269     (63 )   2001     01/10/2013  

Restaurants

  Indianapolis   IN       (f)   889     1,489             889     1,489     2,378     (71 )   1999     01/10/2013  

Restaurants

  Plainfield   IN       (f)   853     1,120             853     1,120     1,973     (51 )   1999     01/10/2013  

Restaurants

  Cleveland   TN       (f)   1,143     1,366             1,143     1,366     2,509     (73 )   1999     01/10/2013  

Health clubs

  North Las Vegas   NV       (f)   1,609     6,621             1,609     6,621     8,230     (164 )   2009     01/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Peoria   AZ       (f)   510     1,630             510     1,630     2,140     (54 )   2003     01/22/2013  

Movie theaters

  Mount Airy   NC       (f)   1,053     3,141             1,053     3,141     4,194     (119 )   2000     01/24/2013  

Movie theaters

  Sanford   NC       (f)   1,146     4,245             1,146     4,245     5,391     (128 )   2004     01/24/2013  

Movie theaters

  Shallotte   NC       (f)   1,239     3,353             1,239     3,353     4,592     (97 )   2003     01/24/2013  

Restaurants

  Chattanooga   TN       (f)   1,277     1,197             1,277     1,197     2,474     (49 )   2002     01/24/2013  

F-61


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Electronics and appliance stores

  Las Cruces   NM       (f)   1,350     4,043             1,350     4,043     5,393     (106 )   1981     01/31/2013  

Electronics and appliance stores

  Houston   TX       (f)   1,538     4,829             1,538     4,829     6,367     (129 )   2007     01/31/2013  

Electronics and appliance stores

  McAllen   TX       (f)   1,321     2,917             1,321     2,917     4,238     (78 )   2006     01/31/2013  

Electronics and appliance stores

  Mesquite   TX       (f)   1,795     5,838             1,795     5,838     7,633     (143 )   1973     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Fort Wayne   IN       (f)   843     1,017             843     1,017     1,860     (36 )   1998     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Lafayette   IN       (f)   782     1,812             782     1,812     2,594     (73 )   1999     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Wichita   KS       (f)   882     1,594             882     1,594     2,476     (48 )   2006     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Nebraska City   NE       (f)   259     717             259     717     976     (30 )   1989     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  San Angelo   TX       (f)   913     2,057             913     2,057     2,970     (61 )   2000     01/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Marietta   GA       (f)   728     98         58     728     156     884     (4 )   1984     02/05/2013  

Restaurants

  Norcross   GA       (f)   499     190         15     499     205     704     (8 )   1999     02/05/2013  

Restaurants

  Norcross   GA       (f)   687     351         47     687     398     1,085     (15 )   1996     02/05/2013  

Restaurants

  Stockbridge   GA       (f)   704     1,274             704     1,274     1,978     (49 )   1996     02/05/2013  

Movie theaters

  Lewisville   TX       (f)   1,330     3,294             1,330     3,294     4,624     (127 )   1994     02/08/2013  

Restaurants

  Lehi   UT       (f)   682     1,441             682     1,441     2,123     (58 )   2008     02/14/2013  

Restaurants

  Charlotte   NC       (f)   997     109             997     109     1,106     (7 )   2005     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Charlotte   NC       (f)   978     128             978     128     1,106     (8 )   2007     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Gastonia   NC       (f)   703     244             703     244     947     (14 )   2004     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Indian Trail   NC       (f)   830     78             830     78     908     (5 )   2003     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Lincolnton   NC       (f)   572     60             572     60     632     (3 )   2005     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Mooresville   NC       (f)   874     34             874     34     908     (2 )   2002     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Morganton   NC       (f)   703     28             703     28     731     (2 )   2003     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Newton   NC       (f)   594     403             594     403     997     (25 )   2002     02/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Shelby   NC       (f)   395     59             395     59     454     (4 )   2004     02/27/2013  

Home furnishings stores

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   2,898     5,889             2,898     5,889     8,787     (206 )   1995     03/15/2013  

Home furnishings stores

  Tulsa   OK       (f)   3,406     5,373             3,406     5,373     8,779     (202 )   1996     03/15/2013  

Furniture stores

  Goodyear   AZ       (f)   2,112     4,111             2,112     4,111     6,223     (106 )   2005     03/26/2013  

Furniture stores

  Prescott   AZ       (f)   1,937     3,216             1,937     3,216     5,153     (80 )   2007     03/26/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Fayetteville   AR       (f)   968     2,227             968     2,227     3,195     (57 )   2005     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Harrison   AR       (f)   224     1,322             224     1,322     1,546     (38 )   1998     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Harrison   AR       (f)   920     2,378             920     2,378     3,298     (95 )   1950     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Harrison   AR       (f)   211     1,438             211     1,438     1,649     (40 )   1988     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Chelmsford   MA       (f)   542     571             542     571     1,113     (45 )   1963     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Arden Hills   MN       (f)   1,176     1,359             1,176     1,359     2,535     (58 )   1964     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  St. Charles   MO       (f)   988     825             988     825     1,813     (24 )   1995     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Dover   NH       (f)   1,125     1,688             1,125     1,688     2,813     (69 )   1970     03/28/2013  

Die cast manufacturing

  Loyalhanna   PA       (f)   237     1,928             237     1,928     2,165     (49 )   1989     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Arvada   CO       (f)   860     1,303             860     1,303     2,163     (38 )   2001     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Ashland   KY       (f)   1,224     1,986             1,224     1,986     3,210     (65 )   1996     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Ironwood   MI       (f)   171     415             171     415     586     (12 )   1999     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Ishpeming   MI       (f)   384     597             384     597     981     (18 )   1999     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Lillington   NC       (f)   188     377             188     377     565     (11 )   1970     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Clayton   OH       (f)   704     769             704     769     1,473     (23 )   2004     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Jefferson City   TN       (f)   450     440             450     440     890     (13 )   1988     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Manchester   TN       (f)   478     420             478     420     898     (12 )   1980     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Cleburne   TX       (f)   195     726             195     726     921     (21 )   1977     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Houston   TX       (f)   912     913             912     913     1,825     (27 )   1988     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Cross Lanes   WV       (f)   1,490     2,067             1,490     2,067     3,557     (74 )   1999     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Huntington   WV       (f)   1,042     2,287             1,042     2,287     3,329     (75 )   1997     03/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Parkersburg   WV       (f)   1,288     2,428             1,288     2,428     3,716     (79 )   2004     03/28/2013  

Colleges and professional schools

  San Marcos   CA     17,420     4,528     22,213             4,528     22,213     26,741     (377 )   2008     03/29/2013  

Industrial

  South Hadley   MA       (f)   480     3,832             480     3,832     4,312     (102 )   1955     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Wheat Ridge   CO       (f)   590     211             590     211     801     (9 )   1953     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Avon   CT       (f)   747     215             747     215     962     (20 )   1964     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Bethany   CT       (f)   257     435             257     435     692     (36 )   1970     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Prairie View   IL       (f)   780     2,415             780     2,415     3,195     (115 )   1975     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Carmel   IN       (f)   299     783             299     783     1,082     (33 )   1984     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Boxford   MA       (f)   1,185     829             1,185     829     2,014     (66 )   1955     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Wakefield   MA       (f)   401     901             401     901     1,302     (34 )   1965     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Clinton Township   MI       (f)   511     451             511     451     962     (23 )   1977     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Cinnaminson   NJ       (f)   378     323             378     323     701     (14 )   1949     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Windsor   NJ       (f)   691     170             691     170     861     (8 )   1985     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Cincinnati   OH       (f)   605     276             605     276     881     (14 )   1972     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Chadds Ford   PA       (f)   837     666             837     666     1,503     (27 )   1979     03/29/2013  

F-62


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Pet care and boarding

  Houston   TX       (f)   237     1,015             237     1,015     1,252     (40 )   1975     03/29/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Spring   TX       (f)   1,828     3,561             1,828     3,561     5,389     (121 )   1973     03/29/2013  

Restaurants

  Snellville   GA       (f)   427     1,005         27     427     1,032     1,459     (31 )   1985     03/29/2013  

Restaurants

  Stone Mountain   GA       (f)   894     1,148         44     894     1,192     2,086     (36 )   1984     03/29/2013  

Other retail industries

  La Salle   IL       (f)   1,620     8,166             1,620     8,166     9,786     (217 )   1997     04/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Amarillo   TX       (f)   840     1,954             840     1,954     2,794     (51 )   2002     05/06/2013  

Restaurants

  Lubbock   TX       (f)   766     1,657             766     1,657     2,423     (46 )   2004     05/06/2013  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Byron   GA     2,907     1,726     3,656     232         1,958     3,656     5,614     (93 )   2007     05/16/2013  

Restaurants

  Clovis   NM       (f)   253     787             253     787     1,040     (21 )   2013     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Ruidoso   NM       (f)   518     346         400     518     746     1,264     (12 )   1961     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Tucumcari   NM       (f)   130     508     12     188     142     696     838     (18 )   1985     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Beeville   TX       (f)   189     449             189     449     638     (15 )   1986     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Corpus Christi   TX       (f)   473     470             473     470     943     (18 )   2005     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Fort Stockton   TX       (f)   344     657         12     344     669     1,013     (23 )   1978     05/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Lamesa   TX       (f)   220     447     13     562     233     1,009     1,242     (19 )   1978     05/28/2013  

Other service industries

  Washington   PA       (f)   6,508     1,380             6,508     1,380     7,888     (153 )   1975     05/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Cincinnati   OH       (f)   1,334     1,669             1,334     1,669     3,003     (39 )   2007     06/04/2013  

Health clubs

  Auburn   AL       (f)   947                 947         947         2007     06/14/2013  

Health clubs

  Columbus   GA       (f)   1,357                 1,357         1,357         2006     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Cherokee Village   AR       (f)   498     790             498     790     1,288     (22 )   2011     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Marion   IL       (f)   614     668             614     668     1,282     (20 )   2010     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Michigan City   IN       (f)   832                 832         832         2001     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Portage   IN       (f)   1,634                 1,634         1,634         1998     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Albany   KY       (f)   396     1,051             396     1,051     1,447     (29 )   2010     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Cave City   KY       (f)   365     754             365     754     1,119     (22 )   2010     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Hartford   KY       (f)   337     1,066             337     1,066     1,403     (28 )   2012     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Gautier   MS       (f)   764     1,037             764     1,037     1,801     (28 )   2011     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Leakesville   MS       (f)   361     915             361     915     1,276     (26 )   2012     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Pascagoula   MS       (f)   646     995             646     995     1,641     (26 )   2011     06/14/2013  

Other retail industries

  Purvis   MS       (f)   417     901             417     901     1,318     (25 )   2012     06/14/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Columbus   OH       (f)   452     1,687             452     1,687     2,139     (28 )   2006     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Columbus   OH       (f)   253     943             253     943     1,196     (16 )   2006     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Delaware   OH       (f)   1,130     1,029             1,130     1,029     2,159     (19 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Delaware   OH       (f)   647     590             647     590     1,237     (11 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Dublin   OH       (f)   843     1,011             843     1,011     1,854     (24 )   2003     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Hilliard   OH       (f)   278     852             278     852     1,130     (15 )   2003     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Hilliard   OH       (f)   485     1,485             485     1,485     1,970     (26 )   2003     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Marysville   OH       (f)   237     949             237     949     1,186     (16 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Marysville   OH       (f)   424     1,696             424     1,696     2,120     (28 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Powell   OH       (f)   735     2,303             735     2,303     3,038     (41 )   2004     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Powell   OH       (f)   286     895             286     895     1,181     (16 )   2004     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Westerville   OH       (f)   315     918             315     918     1,233     (16 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Westerville   OH       (f)   550     1,601             550     1,601     2,151     (29 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Restaurants

  LaVale   MD       (f)   1,313     1,629             1,313     1,629     2,942     (34 )   2005     06/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Midlothian   VA       (f)   729     2,037             729     2,037     2,766     (39 )   1992     06/27/2013  

Restaurants

  Martinsburg   WV       (f)   1,115     1,267             1,115     1,267     2,382     (26 )   1995     06/27/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Maineville   OH       (f)   685     1,575             685     1,575     2,260     (34 )   2008     06/28/2013  

Other service industries

  North Charleston   SC       (f)   410     2,356             410     2,356     2,766     (33 )   2009     06/28/2013  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Holiday   FL       (g)   2,444     2,723     192     541     2,636     3,264     5,900     (34 )   1974     06/28/2013  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Jacksonville   FL       (g)   1,384     2,825         530     1,384     3,355     4,739     (48 )   2010     06/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Charlotte   NC       (f)   1,545     2,176             1,545     2,176     3,721     (49 )   2009     06/28/2013  

F-63


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Restaurants

  Greenville   NC       (f)   1,399     2,152             1,399     2,152     3,551     (47 )   2010     06/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Glen Allen   VA       (f)   2,184                 2,184         2,184         1995     06/28/2013  

Restaurants

  North Chesterfield   VA       (f)   1,951                 1,951         1,951         1993     06/28/2013  

Restaurants

  Harker Heights   TX           860     149     150     1,667     1,010     1,816     2,826               07/09/2013  

Restaurants

  Broken Arrow   OK       (f)   366     597             366     597     963     (11 )   2007     07/12/2013  

Restaurants

  Moore   OK       (f)   179     744             179     744     923     (12 )   2000     07/12/2013  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   161     554             161     554     715     (12 )   1978     07/12/2013  

Restaurants

  Oklahoma City   OK       (f)   400     473             400     473     873     (11 )   1998     07/12/2013  

Restaurants

  Leawood   KS       (f)   278     334     130     270     408     604     1,012     (5 )   1966     07/16/2013  

Restaurants

  Chattanooga   TN       (f)   1,041     1,101             1,041     1,101     2,142     (20 )   1994     07/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Franklin   TN       (f)   1,641     1,358             1,641     1,358     2,999     (24 )   1992     07/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Hermitage   TN       (f)   1,292     1,228             1,292     1,228     2,520     (23 )   1998     07/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN       (f)   1,072     1,169             1,072     1,169     2,241     (21 )   1986     07/17/2013  

Restaurants

  Smyrna   TN           1,110     941             1,110     941     2,051     (19 )   2006     07/17/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Conover   NC       (f)   250     644             250     644     894     (11 )   1985     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Conover   NC       (f)   257     780             257     780     1,037     (14 )   1986     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Dobson   NC       (f)   73     413             73     413     486     (7 )   1996     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Millers Creek   NC       (f)   219     321             219     321     540     (8 )   1997     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Wilson   NC       (f)   601     568             601     568     1,169     (10 )   1987     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Charlottesville   VA       (f)   708     328             708     328     1,036     (8 )   1990     07/26/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Charlottesville   VA       (f)   959     123             959     123     1,082     (3 )   1992     07/26/2013  

Restaurants

  Montgomery   AL       (f)   1,615     1,444             1,615     1,444     3,059     (30 )   2006     07/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Champaign   IL       (f)   777     1,640             777     1,640     2,417     (31 )   1984     07/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Peoria   IL       (f)   1,122     1,304             1,122     1,304     2,426     (25 )   2005     07/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Rockford   IL       (f)   1,012     1,643             1,012     1,643     2,655     (26 )   1992     07/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Gulfport   MS       (f)   2,288     1,674             2,288     1,674     3,962     (32 )   2008     07/31/2013  

Home furnishings stores

  Centerville   OH       (f)   341     948             341     948     1,289     (16 )   1994     08/08/2013  

Restaurants

  Tempe   AZ       (f)   1,696     545             1,696     545     2,241     (27 )   1988     08/13/2013  

Movie theaters

  Lubbock   TX       (g)   1,115     331         1,905     1,115     2,236     3,351               08/16/2013  

Industrial

  Milesburg   PA       (f)   2,563     4,327             2,563     4,327     6,890     (105 )   1970     08/23/2013  

Commercial equipment leasing

  Davie   FL       (f)   2,198     1,973             2,198     1,973     4,171     (21 )   1996     08/28/2013  

Commercial equipment leasing

  Fort Myers   FL       (f)   1,384     4,797             1,384     4,797     6,181     (45 )   2007     08/28/2013  

Commercial equipment leasing

  Tampa   FL       (f)   2,063     4,869         1,500     2,063     6,369     8,432     (55 )   2000     08/28/2013  

Furniture stores

  Huntsville   AL       (f)   1,812     4,314             1,812     4,314     6,126     (47 )   1987     08/29/2013  

Furniture stores

  Tuscaloosa   AL       (f)   1,273     3,856             1,273     3,856     5,129     (35 )   2007     08/29/2013  

Grocery Stores

  Houghton   MI       (f)   1,009     1,955             1,009     1,955     2,964     (33 )   1993     08/29/2013  

Home furnishings stores

  Fort Worth   TX       (f)   3,783     9,559             3,783     9,559     13,342     (97 )   1998     08/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Charleston   SC       (f)   1,005     1,802             1,005     1,802     2,807     (18 )   1968     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Tulsa   OK       (f)   3,210     3,773         350     3,210     4,123     7,333     (73 )   1991     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Athens   TN       (f)   318                 318         318         2005     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Cleveland   TN       (f)   346                 346         346         2001     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Dayton   TN       (f)   271                 271         271         1997     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Kimball   TN       (f)   271                 271         271         1987     08/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Madisonville   TN       (f)   243                 243         243         2005     08/30/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Flint   MI       (f)   919     6,382             919     6,382     7,301     (87 )   1992     09/16/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Kentwood   MI       (f)   1,935     1,473             1,935     1,473     3,408     (18 )   1995     09/16/2013  

Restaurants

  Moncks Corner   SC       (f)   145     768             145     768     913     (5 )   1989     09/17/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Peoria   IL       (f)   850     2,768             850     2,768     3,618     (20 )   2001     09/18/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Jackson   TN       (f)   3,437     4,634             3,437     4,634     8,071     (39 )   2007     09/18/2013  

Health clubs

  Weslaco   TX           1,565     224         846     1,565     1,070     2,635               09/27/2013  

F-64


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Other service industries

  Bradenton   FL       (f)   365     524             365     524     889     (5 )   1964     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Dade City   FL       (f)   533     752             533     752     1,285     (8 )   1995     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Lake City   FL       (f)   192     465             192     465     657     (4 )   1973     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Plant City   FL       (f)   412     985             412     985     1,397     (10 )   1979     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Tampa   FL       (f)   752     4,014             752     4,014     4,766     (38 )   1967     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Tampa   FL       (f)   138     457             138     457     595     (4 )   1967     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Tampa   FL       (f)   347     380             347     380     727     (5 )   1999     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Adel   GA       (f)   102     544             102     544     646     (5 )   1978     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Moultrie   GA       (f)   142     1,072             142     1,072     1,214     (10 )   1960     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Ballwin   MO           233     1,297             233     1,297     1,530     (8 )   2011     09/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Ballwin   MO           610     3,390             610     3,390     4,000     (22 )   2004     09/30/2013  

Family entertainment

  Bethlehem   PA       (f)   2,484     3,534             2,484     3,534     6,018     (37 )   1998     10/04/2013  

Industrial

  Brownsville   TX       (f)   547     1,825             547     1,825     2,372     (19 )   1997     10/08/2013  

Other service industries

  Auburn   WA       (f)   236     835             236     835     1,071     (7 )   1953     10/11/2013  

Other service industries

  Centralia   WA       (f)   298     711             298     711     1,009     (8 )   1975     10/11/2013  

Other service industries

  Moses Lake   WA       (f)   451     569             451     569     1,020     (7 )   1993     10/11/2013  

Other service industries

  Wenatchee   WA       (f)   535     259             535     259     794     (3 )   2005     10/11/2013  

Restaurants

  Chicago   IL       (g)   353     3,103             353     3,103     3,456     (18 )   1894     10/18/2013  

Industrial

  Cranberry Township   PA       (g)   1,220     3,513             1,220     3,513     4,733     (33 )   1998     10/25/2013  

Other service industries

  Jacksonville   FL       (g)   1,062     6,666             1,062     6,666     7,728     (31 )   1984     10/31/2013  

Health clubs

  San Antonio   TX           3,403     2,796             3,403     2,796     6,199     (15 )   2013     11/04/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Melrose Park   IL       (g)   1,285     3,249             1,285     3,249     4,534     (21 )   1966     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Northlake   IL       (g)   593     2,234             593     2,234     2,827     (14 )   1964     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Northlake   IL       (g)   770     1,055             770     1,055     1,825     (9 )   1958     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Rockford   IL       (g)   513     1,211             513     1,211     1,724     (8 )   1977     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  South Bend   IN       (g)   359     1,464             359     1,464     1,823     (11 )   1983     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Benton Harbor   MI       (g)   659     1,475             659     1,475     2,134     (12 )   1957     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Coldwater   MI       (g)   757     2,484             757     2,484     3,241     (20 )   1995     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  Kitchener   ON           1,440     3,421             1,440     3,421     4,861     (21 )   1975     11/08/2013  

Heat treating facilities

  St. Marys   PA       (g)   447     2,098             447     2,098     2,545     (14 )   1987     11/08/2013  

Other retail industries

  Williams   IA       (g)   2,134     4,246             2,134     4,246     6,380     (36 )   2013     11/08/2013  

Furniture stores

  Southaven   MS       (g)   1,969     4,553             1,969     4,553     6,522     (21 )   2007     11/12/2013  

Furniture stores

  Chattanooga   TN       (g)   2,897     3,891             2,897     3,891     6,788     (24 )   1996     11/12/2013  

Furniture stores

  Jackson   TN       (g)   1,956     3,757             1,956     3,757     5,713     (21 )   2004     11/12/2013  

Industrial

  Green Bay   WI       (g)   871     6,889             871     6,889     7,760     (44 )   1997     11/12/2013  

Industrial

  Green Bay   WI       (g)   795     4,877             795     4,877     5,672     (45 )   1968     11/12/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Fargo   ND       (g)   2,024     7,151             2,024     7,151     9,175     (40 )   2004     11/14/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  College Station   TX           4,044     8,057             4,044     8,057     12,101     (40 )   2007     11/14/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Lubbock   TX           3,264     6,622             3,264     6,622     9,886     (29 )   2007     11/14/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Gadsden   AL           1,849     299         162     1,849     461     2,310               11/15/2013  

Pet care and boarding

  Charlotte   NC       (g)   681     2,905             681     2,905     3,586     (7 )   2002     11/22/2013  

Restaurants

  Alcoa   TN       (g)   572     1,295             572     1,295     1,867     (5 )   1997     11/22/2013  

Restaurants

  Knoxville   TN       (g)   861     2,073             861     2,073     2,934     (8 )   1995     11/22/2013  

Health clubs

  Humble   TX           1,209     2,816             1,209     2,816     4,025     (7 )   2012     11/27/2013  

Movie theaters

  Spring Hill   TN           1,976     180             1,976     180     2,156               12/12/2013  

Movie theaters

  Austin   TX     7,775     3,839     6,201             3,839     6,201     10,040     (14 )   2012     12/12/2013  

Restaurants

  Waco   TX           888     123             888     123     1,011               12/12/2013  

Other retail industries

  Conway   SC       (g)   1,727     3,668             1,727     3,668     5,395     (17 )   2002     12/13/2013  

Other service industries

  Chandler   AZ       (g)   577     1,405             577     1,405     1,982         2007     12/16/2013  

F-65


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Costs Capitalized Subsequent
to Acquistion
  Gross amount at December 31,
2013(b)(c)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company    
   
   
 
Descriptions(a)    
   
   
   
 
   
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
  Land &
Improvements
  Building &
Improvements
   
  Accumulated
Depreciation(d)(e)
  Year
Constructed
  Date
Acquired
 
Tenant Industry
  City   St   Encumbrances   Total  

Other service industries

  Gilbert   AZ       (g)   578     1,335             578     1,335     1,913         2004     12/16/2013  

Restaurants

  Burlington   IA       (g)   585     1,571             585     1,571     2,156         2010     12/18/2013  

Restaurants

  Galesburg   IL       (g)   870     1,287             870     1,287     2,157         2007     12/18/2013  

Restaurants

  Macomb   IL       (g)   858     1,299             858     1,299     2,157         2009     12/18/2013  

Sporting goods stores

  Cicero   NY     6,776     1,933     7,013             1,933     7,013     8,946         2004     12/19/2013  

Health clubs

  Denver   CO           654     4,393             654     4,393     5,047         1997     12/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Knoxville   TN           223     1,508             223     1,508     1,731         1981     12/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Knoxville   TN           214     1,444             214     1,444     1,658         1973     12/30/2013  

Other service industries

  Knoxville   TN           72     485             72     485     557         1989     12/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Evansville   IN           381     840             381     840     1,221         2005     12/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Houston   TX           666     780             666     780     1,446         2006     12/30/2013  

Restaurants

  Lubbock   TX           430     920             430     920     1,350         2002     12/30/2013  

Early childhood education centers

  Houston   TX           706     2,798             706     2,798     3,504         2003     12/31/2013  

Elementary and secondary schools

  Arlington   TX           744     5,783             744     5,783     6,527         1945     12/31/2013  

Industrial

  South Holland   IL           1,373     14,648             1,373     14,648     16,021         1991     12/31/2013  

Industrial

  State College   PA           4,398     11,502             4,398     11,502     15,900         1960     12/31/2013  

Movie theaters

  Keller   TX           1,532     1,720             1,532     1,720     3,252               12/31/2013  

Recreational vehicle dealers

  Lake Park   GA           2,108     2,897             2,108     2,897     5,005         2013     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Bristol   CT           473     501             473     501     974         1987     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  East Hartford   CT           345     401             345     401     746         1917     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Hamden   CT           346     349             346     349     695         1985     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Hartford   CT           270     396             270     396     666         2009     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Manchester   CT           114     602             114     602     716         1953     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  New Britain   CT           393     1,038             393     1,038     1,431         1988     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  New Haven   CT           231     614             231     614     845         1982     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Southington   CT           678     376             678     376     1,054         2001     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Vernon   CT           255     629             255     629     884         1983     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  West Hartford   CT           316     917             316     917     1,233         1998     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Gainesville   FL           220     376             220     376     596         1980     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Gainesville   FL           463     432             463     432     895         2001     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Middleburg   FL           502     432             502     432     934         2001     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Perry   FL           184     472             184     472     656         1979     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Starke   FL           365     232             365     232     597         1991     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Olathe   KS           787     2,119             787     2,119     2,906         2005     12/31/2013  

Restaurants

  Springfield   MO           1,684     5,405             1,684     5,405     7,089         1977     12/31/2013  
                                                           

          $ 152,138   $ 558,448   $ 1,016,673   $ 3,637   $ 25,571   $ 562,085   $ 1,042,244   $ 1,604,329   $ (40,578 )            
                                                           
                                                           

(a)
As of December 31, 2013, we had investments in 620 single-tenant real estate property locations including 617 owned properties and 3 ground lease interests; three of these properties are considered to be held for sale at December 31, 2013 and are excluded from the table above. Initial costs exclude intangible lease assets totaling $29.9 million (which excludes $0.5 million related to properties considered to be held for sale).

(b)
The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $1.619 billion (excluding the aggregate costs of properties considered to be held for sale at December 31, 2013).

F-66


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

(c)
The following is a reconciliation of total real estate carrying value for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from inception (May 17,2011) through December 31, 2011:

 
 


Year Ended
December 31,
   
 
 
  From
Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through December 31,
2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 862,419   $ 228,987   $  

Additions

                   

Acquisitions

    762,664     635,187     271,190  

Improvements

    25,848     3,393      

Deductions

                   

Cost of real estate sold

    (37,751 )   (5,148 )   (42,203 )

Reclasses to held for sale

    (8,851 )        
               

Balance, end of period

  $ 1,604,329   $ 862,419   $ 228,987  
               
               
(d)
The following is a reconciliation of accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from inception (May 17, 2011) through December 31, 2011:

 
 


Year Ended
December 31,
   
 
 
  From
Inception
(May 17, 2011)
Through December 31,
2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Balance, beginning of period

  $ (11,811 ) $ (979 ) $  

Additions

                   

Depreciation expense

    (29,453 )   (10,851 )   (979 )

Deductions

                   

Accumulated depreciation associated with real estate sold

    380     19      

Reclasses to held for sale

    306          
               

Balance, end of period

  $ (40,578 ) $ (11,811 ) $ (979 )
               
               
(e)
The Company's real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the properties, which generally ranges from 30 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and is 15 years for land improvements.

(f)
Property is collateral for non-recourse debt obligations totaling $839.3 million of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, and STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, all consolidated special purpose subsidiaries.

(g)
Property is pledged as collateral for borrowings under the Company's secured credit facilities; there were no borrowings outstanding under these facilities at December 31, 2013.

F-67


Table of Contents

STORE Capital Corporation
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
As of December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)

Description
  Interest
Rate
  Final
Maturity Date
  Periodic Payment
Terms
  Final Payment
Terms
  Prior
Liens
  Outstanding face
amount of
mortgages
  Carrying
amount of
mortgages(h)
 

Restaurant(a)

    8.25 %   1/1/2015   Interest only   Balloon of $1.9 million   None   $ 1,939   $ 1,939  

Retail(b)

    8.35 %   1/1/2028   Principal & Interest   Balloon of $3.5 million   None     3,789     3,885  

Restaurant(c)

    8.75 %   7/1/2032   Principal & Interest   Balloon of $20.6 million   None     24,119     24,430  

Service(d)

    9.00 %   3/31/2053   Principal & Interest   Fully amortizing   None     14,629     14,640  

Service(e)

    8.75 %   6/30/2053   Principal & Interest   Fully amortizing   None     6,376     6,388  

Retail(f)

    8.50 %   6/30/2053   Principal & Interest   Fully amortizing   None     6,262     6,276  

Restaurant(g)

    8.25 %   8/31/2053   Principal & Interest   Fully amortizing   None     3,349     3,359  
                                   

                          $ 60,463   $ 60,917  
                                   
                                   

        The following shows changes in the carrying amounts of mortgage loans receivable during the period (in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
   
 
 
  From
Inception (May 17, 2011)
Through December 31,
2011
 
 
  2013   2012  

Balance, beginning of period

  $ 36,345   $   $  

Additions:

                   

New mortgage loans

    32,598     35,895      

Other capitalized loan origination costs

    49     482      

Deductions:

                   

Collections of principal(i)

    (8,008 )   (23 )    

Amortization of loan origination costs

    (67 )   (9 )    
               

Balance, end of period

  $ 60,917   $ 36,345   $  
               
               

(a)
The mortgage loan is secured by two properties located in Connecticut.

(b)
The mortgage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to two properties located in Pennsylvania.

(c)
The mortage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to 29 properties located in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi.

(d)
The mortgage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to one property located in Kansas.

(e)
The mortgage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to two properties located in Alabama and Georgia.

(f)
The mortgage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to two properties located in Indiana.

(g)
The mortgage loan is secured by buildings and improvements to five properties located in Tennessee.

(h)
The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $60.9 million.

(i)
One mortgage loan receivable was repaid in full through a $7.9 million non-cash transaction in which the Company acquired the underlying mortgaged property and leased it back to the borrower.

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LOGO

            Shares

Common Stock



Joint Book-Running Managers

Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Credit Suisse
Morgan Stanley



         Through and including                        , 2014 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

   


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 31.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The following table itemizes the expenses incurred by us in connection with the issuance and registration of the securities being registered hereunder. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee and the NYSE listing fee.

SEC Registration Fee

  $          *

FINRA Filing Fee

             *

NYSE Listing Fees

             *

Accounting Fees and Expenses

             *

Legal Fees and Expenses

             *

Printing Fees and Expenses

             *

Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees

             *

Miscellaneous

             *
       

Total

  $          *
       
       

*
To be furnished by amendment.

        We will bear all of the expenses shown above.

Item 32.    Sales to Special Parties.

        None.

Item 33.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

        During the past three years, we have issued and sold the following securities in transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

            (1)   On May 19, 2011, in connection with our formation, we issued 2,250 shares of our common stock to our parent, STORE Holding Company, LLC, or STORE Holding, at a purchase price of $1,000.00 per share.

            (2)   On December 28, 2011, we issued a total of 11,197,250 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in the form of a stock dividend consisting of 4,976.56 shares of common stock issued for each share of common stock outstanding.

            (3)   On January 6, 2012, we issued 125 shares in a Regulation D private placement of our 12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $125,000. The purchasers of the securities were 125 individual non-affiliates who each qualified as accredited investors.

            (4)   On May 3, 2012, June 14, 2012 and June 28, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 6,500,000 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for an aggregate of $130,000,000 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding, at a price of $20.00 per share.

            (5)   On June 28, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 87,290 shares of restricted common stock to members of our management and other employees of the company for an aggregate purchase price of $872.90 pursuant to awards granted under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Of the restricted shares that were issued, 112 were forfeited on March 29, 2013 and 64 were forfeited on February 20, 2014.

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            (6)   On July 26, 2012, October 30, 2012, November 6, 2012, December 19, 2012 and December 27, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 7,511,265 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for an aggregate of $150,225,300 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding, at a price of $20.00 per share.

            (7)   On January 31, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 137,007 shares of restricted common stock to members of our management and other employees of the company for an aggregate purchase price of $1,370.07 pursuant to awards granted under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Of the restricted shares that were issued, 1,042 were forfeited on March 29, 2013 and 781 were forfeited on February 20, 2014.

            (8)   On February 8, 2013, we issued 187,500 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for $3,750,000 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding, at a price of $20.00 per share.

            (9)   On March 15, 2013, March 25, 2013, May 15, 2013, October 28, 2013, November 25, 2013 and December 26, 2013, we issued an aggregate of 12,083,333 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for an aggregate of $289,999,992 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding, at a price of $24.00 per share.

            (10) On February 15, 2014, we issued an aggregate of 147,601 shares of restricted common stock to members of our management and other employees of the company for an aggregate purchase price of $1,476.01. Of the restricted shares that were issued, 1,275 were forfeited on February 20, 2014.

            (11) On March 26, 2014, we issued 3,125,000 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for $75,000,000 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding, at a price of $24.00 per share.

            (12) On June 16, 2014, we issued 8,975,454 shares of our common stock to STORE Holding in exchange for $215,410,896 of additional capital contributions from STORE Holding at a price of $24.00 per share.

        The issuances of securities set forth above did not involve a public offering and were made in reliance on the exemptions provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 506 promulgated thereunder, or pursuant to, Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act. No underwriters were involved in any of these issuances of securities. The proceeds from these issuances of securities were used for property acquisitions, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

Item 34.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Maryland law permits us to include a provision in our charter limiting the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and which is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates our directors' and officers' liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

        The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in

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connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or certain other capacities unless it is established that:

    the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

    the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or

    in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

        Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or in our right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.

        In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

        Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves, and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:

    any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, a proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or

    any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.

        Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any individual who served any of our predecessors in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of us or any of our predecessors.

        We expect to enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 35.    Treatment of Proceeds from Stock Being Registered.

        Not applicable.

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Item 36.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

        (a)   Financial Statements. See Index to Financial Statements.

        (b)   Exhibits. The list of exhibits following the signature page of this registration statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 37.    Undertakings.

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

    1.
    That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

    2.
    That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

    a.
    Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

    b.
    Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

    c.
    The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

    d.
    Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,

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officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

    1.
    For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

    2.
    For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-11 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Scottsdale, State of Arizona, on this 23rd day of September, 2014.

    STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/ CHRISTOPHER H. VOLK

Christopher H. Volk, President and
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ CHRISTOPHER H. VOLK

Christopher H. Volk
  Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   September 23, 2014

/s/ CATHERINE LONG

Catherine Long

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

 

September 23, 2014

*

Morton H. Fleischer

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

September 23, 2014

*

Mahesh Balakrishnan

 

Director

 

September 23, 2014

*

Manish Desai

 

Director

 

September 23, 2014

*

Ken Liang

 

Director

 

September 23, 2014

*

Rajath Shourie

 

Director

 

September 23, 2014

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
*

Derek Smith
  Director   September 23, 2014

*By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL T. BENNETT


 

 

 

 
    Name:   Michael T. Bennett        
    Title:   Attorney-in-Fact        

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit    
  1.1 * Form of Underwriting Agreement
        
  3.1   Articles of Incorporation of STORE Capital Corporation filed and dated May 17, 2011
        
  3.2   Articles Supplementary of STORE Capital Corporation filed January 5, 2012
        
  3.3   Bylaws of STORE Capital Corporation dated May 17, 2011
        
  3.4   Form of Articles of Amendment and Restatement of STORE Capital Corporation, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  3.5   Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of STORE Capital Corporation, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  4.1   Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture dated as of May 6, 2014, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV,  LLC and STORE Master Funding V, LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company, collectively as issuers, and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee, relating to Net-Lease Mortgage Notes
        
  4.2   Series 2012-1 Indenture Supplement dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  4.3   Series 2013-1 Indenture Supplement dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  4.4   Series 2013-2 Indenture Supplement dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  4.5   Series 2013-3 Indenture Supplement dated as of December 3, 2013, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  4.6   Series 2014-1 Indenture Supplement dated as of May 6, 2014, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  5.1 * Opinion of Venable LLP regarding the legality of the common stock being registered
        
  8.1 * Opinion of Kutak Rock LLP regarding certain tax matters
        
  10.1   Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement dated as of May 6, 2014, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Mastering Funding IV, LLC and STORE Master Funding V, LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company, collectively as issuers, STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, as property manager and special servicer, and Midland Loan Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as back-up manager and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee
        
  10.2   Form of Stockholders Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation and the persons named therein, to be in effect upon completion of this offering
        
  10.3   Form of Registration Rights Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation and the persons named therein, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

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Exhibit    
        
  10.4 Form of Indemnification Agreement between STORE Capital Corporation and each of its directors and executive officers
        
  10.5 STORE Capital Corporation Director Compensation Program
        
  10.6 *† STORE Capital Corporation 2015 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
        
  10.7 STORE Capital Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
        
  10.8 Form of 2012 Long-Term Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Award Grant Agreement
        
  10.9 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Christopher H. Volk
        
  10.10 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Michael T. Bennett
        
  10.11 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Catherine Long
        
  10.12 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Mary Fedewa
        
  10.13 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Michael J. Zieg
        
  10.14 Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Christopher K. Burbach
        
  10.15 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Christopher H. Volk, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.16 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Michael T. Bennett, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.17 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Catherine Long, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.18 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Mary Fedewa, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.19 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Michael J. Zieg, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.20 Form of Employment Agreement among STORE Capital Corporation, STORE Capital Advisors, LLC and Christopher K. Burbach, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  10.21   Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014, by and among STORE Capital Corporation, as Borrower, KeyBank National Association, the other Lenders which are parties thereto and other Lenders that may become parties thereto, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent, BMO Harris Bank, N.A. and Regions Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents, and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners
        
  21.1   List of Subsidiaries of STORE Capital Corporation
        
  23.1   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm

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Exhibit    
        
  23.2 * Consent of Venable LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
        
  23.3 * Consent of Kutak Rock LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)
        
  24.1 ** Power of Attorney
        
  99.1   Consent of Joseph M. Donovan to be named director
        
  99.2   Consent of Quentin P. Smith, Jr. to be named director

*
To be filed by amendment.

**
Previously filed.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

II-10




Exhibit 3.1

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

 

MAY 17 2011

 

ARTICLE I

 

INCORPORATOR

 

The undersigned, Shannon M. Kahn, whose address is c/o Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York, being at least 18 years of age, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland.

 

ARTICLE II

 

NAME

 

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

 

STORE Capital Corporation

 

ARTICLE III

 

PURPOSE

 

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity (including, without limitation or obligation, engaging in business as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor law (the “Code”)) for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force. For purposes of these Articles, “REIT” means a real estate investment trust within the meaning of Section 856(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

 



 

ARTICLE IV

 

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

 

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in this State is c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation; said agent shall be The Corporation Trust Incorporated located at 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

 

ARTICLE V

 

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING
AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE
CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Section 5.1   Number of Directors . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be seven, which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the Bylaws, but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The names of the directors who shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualify are:

 

 

Mr. Mahesh Balakrishnan

 

 

 

Mr. Manish Desai

 

 

 

Mr. Morton H. Fleischer

 

 

 

Mr. Ken Liang

 

 

 

Mr. Rajath Shourie

 

 

 

Mr. Derek Smith

 

 

 

Mr. Christopher H. Volk

 

2



 

Section 5.2   Extraordinary Actions . Notwithstanding any provision of law permitting or requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

Section 5.3   Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance . Subject to approval of the stockholders in accordance with Section 2-204 of the MGCL, or any successor statute, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the charter (the “Charter”) or the Bylaws.

 

Section 5.4   Preemptive and Appraisal Rights . Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.4 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell. Holders of shares of stock shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring

 

3



 

after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

 

Section 5.5   Indemnification . The Corporation shall have the power, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to obligate itself to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity.

 

Section 5.6   Determinations by Board . The determination as to any of the following matters, made in good faith by, or pursuant to the direction of, the Board of Directors consistent with the Charter, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, redemption of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, annual or other cash flow, funds from operations, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); any interpretation of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting

 

4



 

powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any class or series of stock of the Corporation; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.7   REIT Qualification . If the Corporation elects to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a REIT, the Board of Directors shall be empowered to take such actions as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the status of the Corporation as a REIT.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

STOCK

 

Section 6.1   Authorized Shares . The Corporation has authority to issue 500,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 375,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 125,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $5,000,000. If shares of one class of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class of stock pursuant to Section 6.2, 6.3 or 6.4 of this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes that the

 

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Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph.

 

Section 6.2   Common Stock . Subject to the provisions of Article VII and except as may otherwise be specified in the Charter, each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock.

 

Section 6.3   Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock of any series from time to time, into one or more classes or series of stock.

 

Section 6.4   Classified or Reclassified Shares . Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the provisions of Article VII and subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (“SDAT”), Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such

 

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facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

 

Section 6.5   Stockholders’ Consent in Lieu of Meeting . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting by consent, in writing or by electronic transmission, in any manner and by any vote permitted by the MGCL and set forth in the Bylaws.

 

Section 6.6   Charter and Bylaws . The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all stock are subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws.

 

Section 6.7   Consent Dividends . If the Board of Directors determines that consent dividends within the meaning of Section 565 of the Code with respect to a taxable year of the Corporation are necessary or appropriate to ensure or maintain the status of the Corporation as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and avoid the imposition of any federal income or excise tax on the Corporation, the Board of Directors may exercise any rights that the Corporation has to require the holders of Common Stock that the Board of Directors determines is consent stock within the meaning of Section 565(f)(1) of the Code (and any other Persons (as defined in Article VII)) to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate under the Code, any regulations promulgated thereunder, any court decision or any administrative positions of the United States Department of Treasury (including any IRS forms or other forms) to effect consent dividends sufficient to maintain REIT status and avoid any federal income or excise tax for such taxable year.

 

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ARTICLE VII

 

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

 

All shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock shall be freely transferable, except that any purported transfer that, if effective, would (i) result in the Corporation being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code after the first date (the “Initial Date”) on which shares of stock of the Corporation are beneficially owned by 100 or more Persons, (ii) result in beneficial ownership of the Corporation being held by fewer than 100 Persons after the Initial Date, or (iii) otherwise cause the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code, shall be void ab initio and the intended transferee thereof shall acquire no rights or interest in such shares. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a “Person” is any individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, corporation or other entity and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of any such entity.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

AMENDMENTS

 

The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to its Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation. Any amendment to the Charter shall be valid only if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

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ARTICLE IX

 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

 

To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article IX, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article IX, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed these Articles of Incorporation and acknowledge the same to be my act on this 17th day of May, 2011.

 

 

 

/s/ Shannon Kahn

 

Incorporator

 

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Exhibit 3.2

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY

 

12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock

 

JAN 05 2012

 

STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”) that:

 

FIRST: Under the authority contained in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Charter”), the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), by duly adopted resolutions, has classified and designated One Hundred and Twenty Five (125) shares (the “Shares”) of the authorized but unissued preferred stock of the Corporation (the “Preferred Stock”) as 12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with the following preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption, which, upon filing of these Articles Supplementary, shall become part of Article VI of the Charter, with any necessary or appropriate changes to the numbering or lettering of the sections or subsections hereof:

 

12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock

 

(1) DESIGNATION AND NUMBER . A series of Preferred Stock, designated as the “12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock” (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), is hereby established. The total number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be One Hundred and Twenty Five (125).

 

(2) RANK . The Series A Preferred Stock shall, with respect to rights to receive dividends, redemption rights and rights to participate in distributions or payments upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, rank (a) senior to the Corporation’s Common Stock (as defined in the Charter) and any other capital stock of the Corporation, now or hereafter issued and outstanding, the terms of which provide that such capital stock ranks, as to dividends, redemption rights and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, junior to such Series A Preferred Stock (the “Junior Shares”); (b) on a parity with any other capital of the Corporation, now or hereafter issued and outstanding, other than the capital stock referred to in clauses (a) and (c); and (c) junior to all capital stock of the Corporation the terms of which specifically provide that such capital stock ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(3) DIVIDENDS .

 

(a)                                  Each holder of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board and declared by the Corporation, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 12.5% per annum of the total of $1,000.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends shall accrue on a daily basis and be cumulative from and including the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock is issued (the “Original Issue Date”), and shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year (each a “Dividend Payment Date”), commencing June 30, 2012; provided, however, that if any Dividend Payment Date is not a business day, then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on such Dividend Payment Date may be paid on the preceding business day or the following business day with the same force and effect

 

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as if paid on such Dividend Payment Date, and no interest or other sums shall accrue on the amount so payable from the Dividend Payment Date to the following business day. Any dividend payable on the Series A Preferred Stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. A “dividend period” shall mean, with respect to the first “dividend period,” the period from and including the Original Issue Date to and including the first Dividend Payment Date, and with respect to each subsequent “dividend period,” the period from but excluding a Dividend Payment Date to and including the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date or other date as of which accrued dividends are to be calculated. Dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the applicable annual dividend rate by two. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in the share records of the Corporation at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the fifteenth day of the calendar month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls or on such other date designated by the Board for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each, a “Dividend Record Date”).

 

(b)                                  No dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Corporation or paid or set apart for payment by the Corporation at such time as the terms and provisions of any written agreement between the Corporation and any party that is not an affiliate of the Corporation, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provide that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law. For purposes of these Articles Supplementary, “affiliate” shall mean any party that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Corporation.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall accrue whether or not the terms and provisions set forth in Section 3(b) hereof at any time prohibit the current payment of dividends, whether or not the Corporation has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized or declared. Furthermore, dividends will be declared and paid when due in all events to the fullest extent permitted by law and except as provided in Section 3(b) above. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they first become payable.

 

(d)                                  Unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of Junior Shares) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment nor shall any other distribution be declared or made upon any shares of Junior Shares, nor shall any shares of Junior Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired (other than redemptions for the purposes of preserving the Corporation’s qualification as a REIT (as defined in the Charter) for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange for other shares of Junior Shares).

 

(e)                                   When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not set apart) on the Series A Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared and paid pro rata based on the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

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(f)                                    Any dividend payment made on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to such shares which remains payable. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock as described above.

 

(4)  LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE .

 

(a)                                  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding are entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its shareholders, a liquidation preference equal to the sum of the following (collectively, the “Liquidation Preference”): (i) $1,000.00 per share, (ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through and including the date of payment, and (iii) if the liquidation event occurs before the Redemption Premium (as defined below) right expires the per share Redemption Premium in effect on the date of payment of the Liquidation Preference, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of any Junior Shares.

 

(b)                                  In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the available assets of the Corporation are insufficient to pay the full amount of the Liquidation Preference on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full Liquidation Preference to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

 

(c)                                   After payment of the full amount of the Liquidation Preference to which they are entitled, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Corporation.

 

(d)                                  Upon the Corporation’s provision of written notice as to the effective date of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, accompanied by a check in the amount of the full Liquidation Preference to which each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled, the Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding shares of the Corporation and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate. Such notice shall be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the respective mailing addresses of such holders as the same shall appear on the share transfer records of the Corporation.

 

(e)                                   The consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other business enterprise or of any other business enterprise with or into the Corporation, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Corporation, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; provided, however that any such transaction which results in an amendment, restatement or replacement of the Charter that has a material adverse effect on the rights and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock, or that increases the number of authorized or issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock, shall be deemed a liquidation of the Corporation for purposes of determining whether the Liquidation Preference is payable unless the right to receive payment is waived by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock voting as a separate class (excluding any shares that were not issued in a private placement of the Series A Preferred Stock conducted by H&L Equities, LLC).

 

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(5)  REDEMPTION .

 

(a)                                  Right of Optional Redemption . The Corporation, at its option, may redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price (the “Redemption Price”) equal to $1,000.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption (except as provided in Section 5(c) below), plus a redemption premium per share (each, a “Redemption Premium”) calculated as follows based on the date fixed for redemption:

 

(1) until December 31, 2013, $1.00, and

 

(2) thereafter, no Redemption Premium.

 

If less than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed may be selected by any equitable method determined by the Corporation provided that such method does not result in the creation of fractional shares.

 

(b)                                  Limitations on Redemption . Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been, or contemporaneously are, declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed or otherwise acquired, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation unless all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed or acquired, and the Corporation shall not purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any Junior Shares of the Corporation (except by exchange for Junior Shares); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the acquisition by the Corporation of shares in order to ensure that the Corporation remains qualified as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes or the purchase or acquisition of shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(c)                                   Rights to Dividends on Shares Called for Redemption . Immediately prior to or upon any redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends to and including the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a Dividend Record Date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, in which case each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on such Dividend Record Date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such Dividend Payment Date.

 

(d)                                  Procedures for Redemption .

 

(i)                                      Upon the Corporation’s provision of written notice as to the effective date of the redemption, accompanied by a check in the amount of the full Redemption Price through such effective date to which each record holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed and shall no longer be deemed outstanding shares of the Corporation and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate. Such notice shall be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the respective mailing addresses of such holders as the same shall appear on the share transfer records of the Corporation. No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any

 

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shares of Series A Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.

 

(ii)                                   In addition to any information required by law or by the applicable rules of any exchange upon which Series A Preferred Stock may be listed or admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (A) the redemption date; (B) the Redemption Price; (C) the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (D) the place or places where the Series A Preferred Stock are to be surrendered (if so required in the notice) for payment of the Redemption Price (if not otherwise included with the notice); and (E) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date. If less than all of the Series A Preferred Stock held by any holder is to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder to be redeemed.

 

(iii)                                If notice of redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the Corporation for the benefit of the holders of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then, from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the Redemption Price. If the Corporation shall so require and the notice shall so state, holders of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender the certificates evidencing such Series A Preferred Stock, to the extent that such shares are certificated, at the place designated in such notice and, upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Corporation shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed by the Corporation at the Redemption Price. In case less than all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock evidenced by any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates shall be issued evidencing the unredeemed shares of Series A Preferred Stock without cost to the holder thereof. In the event that the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed are uncertificated, such shares shall be redeemed in accordance with the notice and no further action on the part of the holders of such shares shall be required.

 

(iv)                               The deposit of funds with a bank or trust corporation for the purpose of redeeming Series A Preferred Stock shall be irrevocable except that:

 

(A)                                the Corporation shall be entitled to receive from such bank or trust corporation the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on any money so deposited in trust, and the holders of any shares redeemed shall have no claim to such interest or other earnings; and

 

(B)                                any balance of monies so deposited by the Corporation and unclaimed by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock entitled thereto at the expiration of two years from the applicable redemption dates shall be repaid, together with any interest or other earnings thereon, to the Corporation, and after any such repayment, the holders of the shares entitled to the funds so repaid to the Corporation shall look only to the Corporation for payment of the Redemption Price without interest or other earnings.

 

(e)                                   Status of Redeemed Shares . Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock that shall at any time have been redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall, after such

 

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redemption or acquisition, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of Series A Preferred Stock which may be issued by the Board from time to time at its discretion.

 

(6) VOTING RIGHTS . Except as provided in this Section, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for a vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock (excluding any shares that were not issued in a private placement of the Series A Preferred Stock conducted by H&L Equities, LLC), voting as a separate class, shall be required for (a) authorization or issuance of any equity security of the Corporation senior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock, (b) any amendment to the Corporation’s Charter which has a material adverse effect on the rights and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock or which increases the number of authorized or issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or (c) any reclassification of the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(7) CONVERSION . The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Corporation.

 

SECOND: The Shares has been classified and designated by the Board under the authority contained in the Charter. These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the Board in the manner and by the vote required by law.

 

THIRD: These Articles Supplementary shall become effective upon acceptance for record by the SDAT.

 

FOURTH: The undersigned President of the Corporation acknowledges these Articles Supplementary to be the corporate act of the Corporation and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties of perjury.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these Articles Supplementary to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its Secretary on this 4th day of January, 2012.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, a

 

 

Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

Title:

Secretary

 

Title:

President

 

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Exhibit 3.3

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

BYLAWS

 

May 17, 2011

 

ARTICLE I

 

OFFICES

 

Section 1.              PRINCIPAL OFFICE . The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

 

Section 2.              ADDITIONAL OFFICES . The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.              PLACE . All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

Section 2.              ANNUAL MEETING . An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.              SPECIAL MEETINGS . The chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer or Board of Directors may call special meetings of the stockholders. Special meetings of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation upon the written request of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at such meeting.

 

Section 4.              NOTICE . Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting, notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

 

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If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

 

Any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

 

Section 5.              ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT . Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chairman of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chairman of the board, by one of the following officers present at the meeting in the following order: the vice chairman of the board, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their order of rank and seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairman chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary, or, in the secretary’s absence, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of both the secretary and assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting.  Meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

Section 6.              QUORUM . At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the charter of the Corporation for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter. If such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

 

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Section 7.              VOTING . A majority of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required by statute or by the charter of the Corporation. Unless otherwise provided by statute or by the charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the chairman of the meeting shall order that voting be by ballot or otherwise.

 

Section 8.              PROXIES . A holder of record of shares of stock of the Corporation may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

 

Section 9.              VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS . Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, general partner, trustee, authorized officer, authorized individual or managing member thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any director or fiduciary may vote stock registered in the name of such person in the capacity of such director or fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

 

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

 

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

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Section 10.            INSPECTORS . The Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall ( i ) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, ( ii ) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, ( iii ) report such tabulation to the chairman of the meeting, ( iv ) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and ( v ) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

 

Section 11.            TELEPHONE MEETINGS. The Board of Directors or chairman of the meeting may permit one or more stockholders to participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 12.            CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT . Notwithstanding any other provision of the charter of the Corporation or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or any successor statute (the “MGCL”), shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of shares of stock of the Corporation. This section may be repealed, in whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after an acquisition of control shares and, upon such repeal, may, to the extent provided by any successor bylaw, apply to any prior or subsequent control share acquisition.

 

Section 13.            STOCKHOLDERS’ CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting ( a ) if a unanimous consent setting forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter and filed with the minutes of proceedings of the stockholders or ( b ) if the action is advised, and submitted to the stockholders for approval, by the Board of Directors and a consent in writing or by electronic transmission of stockholders entitled to cast not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting of stockholders is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with the MGCL. The Corporation shall give notice of any action taken by less than unanimous consent to each stockholder not later than ten days after the effective time of such action.

 

ARTICLE III

 

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.              GENERAL POWERS . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

 

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Section 2.              NUMBER, TENURE AND RESIGNATION . At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL, nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

Section 3.              ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS . An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. In the event such meeting is not so held, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of regular meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.

 

Section 4.              SPECIAL MEETINGS . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.

 

Section 5.              NOTICE . Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, courier or United States mail to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

 

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Section 6.              QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to applicable law, the charter of the Corporation or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

Section 7.              VOTING . The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the charter or these Bylaws.

 

Section 8.              ORGANIZATION . At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board or, in the absence of the chairman, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

Section 9.              TELEPHONE MEETINGS . Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 10.            CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11.            VACANCIES . If for any reason any or all of the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors for any cause may only be filled by a stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Any individual so elected as director shall serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies.

 

Section 12.            COMPENSATION . Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting and/or per visit to real property or other facilities owned or leased by the Corporation and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

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Section 13.                                     RELIANCE . Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

 

Section 14.                                     RATIFICATION . The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify and make binding on the Corporation any action or inaction by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the matter. Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any stockholders’ derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

COMMITTEES

 

Section 1.                                            NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS . The Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may appoint from among its members an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.                                            POWERS . The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law.

 

Section 3.                                            MEETINGS . Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two

 

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members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

 

Section 4.                                            TELEPHONE MEETINGS . Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 5.                                            CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

 

Section 6.                                            VACANCIES . Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

ARTICLE V

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.                                            GENERAL PROVISIONS . The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Each officer shall serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

 

Section 2.                                            REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION . Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the

 

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secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

 

Section 3.                                            VACANCIES . A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, for the balance of the term.

 

Section 4.                                            CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD . The Board of Directors may, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, designate from among its members a chairman of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of these Bylaws, be an officer of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, the chairman of the board as an executive or non-executive chairman. The chairman of the board shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors. The chairman of the board shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these Bylaws or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.                                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER . The Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may designate a chief executive officer. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 6.                                            CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER . The Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as determined by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

 

Section 7.                                            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER . The Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as determined by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

 

Section 8.                                            PRESIDENT . In the absence of a chief executive officer, the president shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some

 

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other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 9.                                            VICE PRESIDENTS . In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, subject to the approval of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president, senior vice president, or vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

 

Section 10.                                     SECRETARY . The secretary shall ( a ) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; ( b ) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; ( c ) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; ( d ) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; ( e ) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and ( f ) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11.                                     TREASURER . The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation, shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation, shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors or whenever it may so require, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

 

Section 12.                                     ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS . The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 13.                                     COMPENSATION . The compensation of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by or under the authority of the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

 

Section 1.                                            CONTRACTS . The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors and executed by an authorized person.

 

Section 2.                                            CHECKS AND DRAFTS . All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.                                            DEPOSITS . All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

STOCK

 

Section 1.                                            CERTIFICATES . Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in the manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no differences in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

 

Section 2.                                            TRANSFERS . All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation, by the holder of the shares, in person or by his or her attorney, in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed. The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

 

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The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the charter of the Corporation and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

 

Section 3.                                            REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE . Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided , however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors has determined that such certificates may be issued. Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

Section 4.                                            FIXING OF RECORD DATE . The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

 

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if adjourned or postponed, except if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting may be determined as set forth herein.

 

Section 5.                                            STOCK LEDGER . The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

 

Section 6.                                            FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS . The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional stock or authorize the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine. Notwithstanding any other

 

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provision of the charter or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may issue units consisting of different securities of the Corporation. Any security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Corporation, except that the Board of Directors may provide that for a specified period securities of the Corporation issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Corporation only in such unit.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

ACCOUNTING YEAR

 

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 1.                                            AUTHORIZATION . Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the charter of the Corporation. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the charter.

 

Section 2.                                            CONTINGENCIES . Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

ARTICLE X

 

INVESTMENT POLICY

 

Subject to the provisions of the charter of the Corporation, the Board of Directors may from time to time adopt, amend, revise or terminate any policy or policies with respect to investments by the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

SEAL

 

Section 1.                                            SEAL . The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland.” The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

 

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Section 2.                                            AFFIXING SEAL . Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

 

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, except as set forth below, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition to ( a ) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or ( b ) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The Corporation shall not pay or reimburse any expenses in advance of final disposition in any proceeding brought by the Corporation against a director or officer or brought by an officer or director against the Corporation. Reasonable expenses may be paid or reimbursed in advance of final disposition in any stockholders’ derivative proceeding, or proceeding brought in the right of the Corporation, only if approved by the Board of Directors. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the charter of the Corporation and these Bylaws shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. The indemnification and reimbursement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

 

Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the charter of the Corporation or these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding paragraph with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the charter of the Corporation or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall

 

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constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

 

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, restated or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted, solely by the stockholders of the Corporation with the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors.

 

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Exhibit 3.4

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

 

FIRST :                                                         STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Corporation”), desires to amend and restate its charter as currently in effect and as hereinafter amended.

 

SECOND :                                          The following provisions are all the provisions of the charter currently in effect and as hereinafter amended:

 

ARTICLE I

 

INCORPORATOR

 

Shannon M. Kahn, whose address is c/o Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York, being at least 18 years of age, formed a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland on May 17, 2011.

 

ARTICLE II

 

NAME

 

The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

 

STORE Capital Corporation

 

ARTICLE III

 

PURPOSE

 

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity (including, without limitation or obligation, engaging in business as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute (the “Code”)) for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of

 



 

Maryland as now or hereafter in force.  For purposes of these Articles, “REIT” means a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT

 

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.  The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 351 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

 

ARTICLE V

 

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING

AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE

CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Section 5.1  Number of Directors .  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors.  The number of directors of the Corporation initially shall be nine, which number may be increased or decreased only by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”), but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”).  The names of the directors who shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualify are:

 

Mahesh Balakrishnan

Manish Desai

Joseph M. Donovan

Morton H. Fleischer

Kenneth Liang

Rajath Shourie

Derek Smith

 

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Quentin P. Smith, Jr.

Christopher H. Volk

 

The Corporation elects, effective at such time as it becomes eligible under Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

Section 5.2  Extraordinary Actions .  Notwithstanding any provision of law permitting or requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a greater number of votes, but subject to the provisions of the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”), any such action shall be effective and valid if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and taken or approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

Section 5.3  Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance .  The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

 

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Section 5.4  Preemptive and Appraisal Rights .  Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 6.5 or as may otherwise be provided by a contract approved by the Board of Directors, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell.  Holders of shares of stock shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors and upon such terms and conditions as specified by the Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any shares of all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Corporation is subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, holders of shares of stock shall be entitled to exercise rights of an objecting stockholder under Section 3-708(a) of the MGCL, unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws.

 

Section 5.5  Indemnification .  The Corporation shall have the power, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to obligate itself to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to, (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, trustee, member, manager or partner of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint

 

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venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity.  The Corporation shall have the power, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to provide such indemnification and advancement of expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation.

 

Section 5.6  Determinations by Board .  The determination as to any of the following matters, made by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock:  the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, acquisition of its stock or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, cash flow, funds from operations, adjusted funds from operations, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); any interpretation or resolution of any ambiguity with respect to any provision of the Charter (including any of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of any shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation) or of the Bylaws; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any

 

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shares of stock of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; any interpretation of the terms and conditions of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization; the compensation of directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.7  REIT Qualification .  If the Corporation elects to qualify for U.S. federal income tax treatment as a REIT, the Board of Directors shall take such actions as it determines are necessary or appropriate to preserve the status of the Corporation as a REIT; however, if the Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT, the Board of Directors may revoke or otherwise terminate the Corporation’s REIT election pursuant to Section 856(g) of the Code.  The Board of Directors, in its sole and absolute discretion, also may (a) determine that compliance with any restriction or limitation on stock ownership and transfers set forth in Article VII is no longer required for REIT qualification and (b) make any other determination or take any other action pursuant to Article VII.

 

Section 5.8  Removal of Directors .  Subject to the rights of holders of shares of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock (as defined herein) to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors, except that, for so long as that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “Stockholders

 

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Agreement”), by and between the Corporation and STORE Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“STORE Holding”), remains in effect, no director who is a STORE Holding Director (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) may be removed and this Section 5.8 may not be amended without, in either case, the consent of STORE Holding.  For the purpose of this Section 5.8, “cause” shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

Section 5.9  Corporate Opportunities .  To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, each of OCM STR Holdings, L.P., OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P., OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and STORE Holding (collectively, the “ Sponsor ”), each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, consultants or financial advisors or any other Person associated with or acting on behalf of the Sponsor (collectively, the “ Representatives ”), and each director or officer of the Corporation, that is an Affiliate or designee of the Sponsor (each, a “ Sponsor Designee ”) has the right to, and has no duty (contractual or otherwise) not to, ( x ) directly or indirectly engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Corporation, including those deemed to be competing with the Corporation, or ( y ) directly or indirectly do business with any client, customer or supplier of the Corporation.  In the event that the Sponsor, any Representative of the Sponsor or any Sponsor Designee acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for the Corporation, the Sponsor, such Representative or such Sponsor Designee shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present such

 

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corporate opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, shall not be liable to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, stockholders or other equity holders for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise) by reason of the fact that the Sponsor, such Representative or such Sponsor Designee, directly or indirectly, pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another Person, or does not present such opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.

 

For purposes of this Section 5.9, the term “Affiliate” shall, mean with respect to any specified Person, ( a ) any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person or ( b ) in the event that the specified Person is a natural Person, a member of the immediate family of such Person; provided that the Corporation and its subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of the Sponsor.  As used in this definition, the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that the provisions of this Section 5.9 conflict with any provision of the Stockholders Agreement or operation thereof, the provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall control.

 

Section 5.10  Subtitle 8 .  In accordance with Section 3-802(c) of the MGCL, the Corporation is prohibited from electing to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3-803, 3-804(a)-(b) or 3-805 of the MGCL, unless such election is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

STOCK

 

Section 6.1  Authorized Shares .  The Corporation has authority to issue 500,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 375,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 125,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”), of which 125 are classified as Series A Preferred Stock (as defined herein).  The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $5,000,000.  If shares of one class of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class of stock in accordance with Sections 6.2, 6.3 or 6.5 of this Article VI, the number of authorized shares of the former class shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph.  The Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board and without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

 

Section 6.2  Common Stock .  Subject to the provisions of Article VII and except as may otherwise be specified in the Charter, each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote.  The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock.

 

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Section 6.3  Preferred Stock .  The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of Preferred Stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of Preferred Stock of any series from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock.

 

Section 6.4  Series A Preferred Stock .  Subject to the provisions of Article VII, the Series A Preferred Stock shall have the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as hereinafter set forth in Section 6.4.1 through Section 6.4.7.

 

Section 6.4.1  Designation and Number .  A series of Preferred Stock, designated as the “12.5% Series A Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred Stock,” $0.01 par value per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), is hereby established.  The total number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be 125.

 

Section 6.4.2  Rank .  The Series A Preferred Stock shall, with respect to rights to receive dividends, redemption rights and rights to participate in distributions or payments upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, rank (a) senior to all classes and series of Common Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Corporation, now or hereafter issued and outstanding, the terms of which provide that such class or series of stock ranks, as to dividends, redemption rights and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, junior to such Series A Preferred Stock (the “Junior Shares”); (b) on a parity with any other class or series stock of the Corporation, now or hereafter issued and outstanding, other than any class or series of stock of the Corporation referred to in clauses (a) and (c); and (c) junior to all classes and series of stock of the Corporation the terms of which specifically provide that such class or series of stock ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

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Section 6.4.3  Dividends

 

(a)                                  Each holder of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board and declared by the Corporation, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 12.5% per annum of the total of $1,000.00 per share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon.  Such dividends shall accrue on a daily basis and be cumulative from and including the date on which the Series A Preferred Stock is issued (the “Original Issue Date”), and shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year (each a “Dividend Payment Date”); provided, however, that if any Dividend Payment Date is not a business day, then the dividend which would otherwise have been payable on such Dividend Payment Date may be paid on the preceding business day or the following business day with the same force and effect as if paid on such Dividend Payment Date, and no interest or other sums shall accrue on the amount so payable from the Dividend Payment Date to the following business day.  Any dividend payable on the Series A Preferred Stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.  A “dividend period” shall mean, with respect to the first “dividend period,” the period from and including the Original Issue Date to and including the first Dividend Payment Date, and with respect to each subsequent “dividend period,” the period from but excluding a Dividend Payment Date to and including the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date or other date as of which accrued dividends are to be calculated.  Dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock for each full dividend period will be computed by dividing the applicable annual dividend rate by two.  Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in the records of the Corporation at the close of business on

 

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the applicable record date, which shall be the fifteenth day of the calendar month in which the applicable Dividend Payment Date falls or on such other date designated by the Board for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each, a “Dividend Record Date”).

 

(b)                                  No dividends on shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared by the Corporation or paid or set apart for payment by the Corporation (i) at such time as the terms and provisions of any written agreement between the Corporation and any party that is not an affiliate of the Corporation, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, (y) prohibit such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or (z) provide that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or (ii) if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.  For purposes of this Section 6.4, “affiliate” shall mean any party that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Corporation.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall accrue whether or not the terms and provisions set forth in Section 6.4.3(b) hereof at any time prohibit the current payment of dividends, whether or not the Corporation has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized or declared.  Furthermore, dividends will be declared and paid when due in all events to the fullest extent permitted by law and except as provided in Section 6.4.3(b) above.  Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accumulate as of the Dividend Payment Date on which they first become payable.

 

(d)                                  Unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or

 

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declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no dividends (other than in shares of Junior Shares) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment nor shall any other distribution be declared or made upon any shares of Junior Shares, nor shall any shares of Junior Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired (other than redemptions for the purposes of preserving the Corporation’s qualification as a REIT for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange for other shares of Junior Shares)).

 

(e)                                   When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not set apart) on the Series A Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon the Series A Preferred Stock shall be declared and paid pro rata based on the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

(f)                                    Any dividend payment made on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to such shares which remains payable.  Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock as described above.

 

Section 6.4.4  Liquidation Preference .

 

(a)                                  Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, the Corporation shall pay or declare and set aside for payment to the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, out of the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its stockholders, a liquidation preference equal to the sum of the following (collectively, the “Liquidation Preference”):  (i) $1,000.00 per share and

 

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(ii) all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through and including the date of payment, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of any Junior Shares.  In the event that the Corporation elects to set aside the Liquidation Preference for payment, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall remain outstanding until the holders thereof are paid the full Liquidation Preference therefor, which payment shall be made no later than immediately prior to the Corporation making its final liquidating distribution on Junior Shares.

 

(b)                                  In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the available assets of the Corporation are insufficient to pay the full amount of the Liquidation Preference on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, then the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full Liquidation Preference to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled.

 

(c)                                   After payment of the full amount of the Liquidation Preference to which they are entitled, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Corporation.

 

(d)                                  Upon the Corporation’s provision of written notice as to the effective date of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, accompanied by a check in the amount of the full Liquidation Preference to which each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate.  Such notice shall be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the mailing address of such holder as the same shall appear on the stock transfer records of the Corporation.

 

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(e)                                   The consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other business enterprise or of any other business enterprise with or into the Corporation, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Corporation, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; provided , however that any such transaction which results in an amendment, restatement or replacement of the Charter that has a material adverse effect on the rights and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock, or that increases the number of authorized or issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock, shall be deemed a liquidation of the Corporation for purposes of determining whether the Liquidation Preference is payable unless the right to receive payment is waived by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock voting as a separate class (excluding any shares that were not issued in a private placement of the Series A Preferred Stock conducted by H&L Equities, LLC).

 

Section 6.4.5  Redemption .

 

(a)                                  Right of Optional Redemption .  The Corporation, at its option, may redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price (the “Redemption Price”) equal to $1,000.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to and including the date fixed for redemption (except as provided in Section 6.4.5(c) below).  If less than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed may be selected by any equitable method determined by the Board of Directors, provided that such method does not result in the creation of fractional shares.

 

(b)                                  Limitations on Redemption .  Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been, or contemporaneously are,

 

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declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods, no shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed or otherwise acquired, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation unless all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed or acquired, and the Corporation shall not purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any Junior Shares (except by exchange for Junior Shares); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the acquisition by the Corporation of shares in order to ensure that the Corporation remains qualified as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes or the purchase or acquisition of shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(c)                                   Rights to Dividends on Shares Called for Redemption .  Immediately prior to or upon any redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock to and including the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a Dividend Record Date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, in which case each holder of Series A Preferred Stock at the close of business on such Dividend Record Date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such Dividend Payment Date.

 

(d)                                  Procedures for Redemption .

 

(i)                                      Upon written notice by the Corporation as to the effective date of the redemption, accompanied by a check in the amount of the full Redemption Price through such effective date to which each record holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed and shall no longer be deemed

 

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outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate.  Such notice shall be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the respective mailing addresses of such holders as the same shall appear on the stock transfer records of the Corporation.  No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.

 

(ii)                                   In addition to any information required by law or by the applicable rules of any exchange upon which shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be listed or admitted to trading, such notice shall state:  (A) the redemption date; (B) the Redemption Price; (C) the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed; (D) the place or places where the Series A Preferred Stock are to be surrendered (if so required in the notice) for payment of the Redemption Price (if not otherwise included with the notice); and (E) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date.  If less than all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder to be redeemed.

 

(iii)                                If notice of redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the Corporation for the benefit of the holders of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then, from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock, such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the Redemption Price.  If the Corporation shall so require and the notice shall

 

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so state, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall surrender the certificates representing such shares, to the extent that such shares are certificated, at the place designated in such notice and, upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the certificates for shares of Series A Preferred Stock so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Board shall so require and the notice shall so state), such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be redeemed by the Corporation at the Redemption Price.  In case less than all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates shall be issued representing the unredeemed shares of Series A Preferred Stock without cost to the holder thereof.  In the event that the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed are uncertificated, such shares shall be redeemed in accordance with the notice and no further action on the part of the holder of such shares shall be required.

 

(iv)                               The deposit of funds with a bank or trust corporation for the purpose of redeeming shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be irrevocable except that:

 

(A)                                the Corporation shall be entitled to receive from such bank or trust corporation the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on any money so deposited in trust, and the holders of any shares redeemed shall have no claim to such interest or other earnings; and

 

(B)                                any balance of monies so deposited by the Corporation and unclaimed by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock entitled thereto at the expiration of two years from the applicable redemption dates shall be repaid, together with any interest or other earnings thereon, to the Corporation, and after any such repayment, the holders of the shares entitled to the funds so repaid to the Corporation shall look only to the Corporation

 

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for payment of the Redemption Price without interest or other earnings.

 

(e)                                   Status of Redeemed Shares .  Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock that shall at any time have been redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall, after such redemption or acquisition, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to class or series, until such shares are again classified and designated by the Board of Directors from time to time at its discretion.

 

Section 6.4.6  Voting Rights .  Except as provided in this Section 6.4.6, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for a vote.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock (excluding any shares that were not issued in a private placement of the Series A Preferred Stock conducted by H&L Equities, LLC), voting as a separate class, shall be required for (a) authorization or issuance of any equity security of the Corporation senior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock, (b) any amendment to the Charter which has a material adverse effect on the rights and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock or which increases the number of authorized or issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or (c) any reclassification of the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Section 6.4.7 Conversion .  The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Corporation.

 

Section 6.5  Classified or Reclassified Shares .  Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall:  (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to

 

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the provisions of Article VII and subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland.  Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 6.5 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary or other Charter document.

 

Section 6.6  Stockholders’ Consent in Lieu of Meeting .  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the holders of Common Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors may be taken without a meeting by consent, in writing or by electronic transmission, in any manner and by any vote permitted by the MGCL, in each case as forth in the Bylaws.

 

Section 6.7  Charter and Bylaws .  The rights of all stockholders and the terms of all shares of stock of the Corporation are subject to the provisions of the Charter, the Bylaws and the Stockholders Agreement.  The provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall be controlling if any such provisions or the operation thereof conflict with the provisions of the Charter or Bylaws.

 

Section 6.8  Dividends and Other Distributions .  The Board of Directors from time to time may authorize the Corporation to declare and pay to stockholders such dividends or

 

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other distributions in cash or other assets of the Corporation or in securities of the Corporation, including in shares of one class or series of stock of the Corporation payable to holders of shares of another class or series of stock of the Corporation, or from any other source as the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion shall determine.  The exercise of the powers and rights of the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section 6.8 shall be subject to the provisions of any class or series of shares of stock of the Corporation at the time outstanding.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES

 

Section 7.1                                     Definitions .  For the purpose of this Article VII, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit .  The term “Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit” shall mean 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock, or such other percentage determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 7.2.8 of the Charter.  For the purpose of determining the percentage of ownership of Capital Stock by any Person, shares of Capital Stock that may be acquired upon the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any securities of the Corporation directly, Beneficially or Constructively held by such Person, but not shares of Capital Stock issuable upon the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of securities of the Corporation held by other Persons, shall be deemed to be outstanding prior to such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise.

 

Beneficial Ownership .  The term “Beneficial Ownership” shall mean ownership of Capital Stock by a Person, whether the interest in the shares of Capital Stock is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Sections 856(h)(1)(B) and

 

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856(h)(3)(A) of the Code.  The terms “Beneficial Owner,” “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

Business Day .  The term “Business Day” shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

Capital Stock .  The term “Capital Stock” shall mean all classes or series of stock of the Corporation, including, without limitation, Common Stock and Preferred Stock.

 

Charitable Beneficiary .  The term “Charitable Beneficiary” shall mean one or more beneficiaries of the Trust as determined pursuant to Section 7.3.6.

 

Common Stock Ownership Limit .  The term “Common Stock Ownership Limit” shall mean 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or such other percentage determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 7.2.8 of the Charter.  For the purpose of determining the percentage of ownership of Common Stock by any Person, shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any securities of the Corporation directly, Beneficially or Constructively held by such Person, but not shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of securities of the Corporation held by other Persons, shall be deemed to be outstanding prior to such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise.

 

Constructive Ownership .  The term “Constructive Ownership” shall mean ownership of Capital Stock by a Person, whether the interest in the shares of Capital Stock is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section

 

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856(d)(5) of the Code.  The terms “Constructive Owner,” “Constructively Owns” and “Constructively Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

Excepted Holder .  The term “Excepted Holder” shall mean a stockholder of the Corporation for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by the Charter or by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 7.2.7.

 

Excepted Holder Limit .  The term “Excepted Holder Limit” shall mean, provided that the affected Excepted Holder agrees to comply with the requirements established by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 7.2.7 and subject to adjustment pursuant to Sections 7.2.7 and 7.2.8, the percentage limit established by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 7.2.7.

 

Initial Date .  The term “Initial Date” shall mean the date of the closing of the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the initial underwritten public offering of the Corporation.

 

Market Price .  The term “Market Price” on any date shall mean, with respect to any class or series of outstanding shares of Capital Stock, the Closing Price for such Capital Stock on such date.  The “Closing Price” on any date shall mean the last sale price for such Capital Stock, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such Capital Stock, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE or, if such Capital Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which such Capital Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if such Capital Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and

 

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low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the principal automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if such Capital Stock is not quoted by any such system, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Capital Stock selected by the Board of Directors or, in the event that no trading price is available for such Capital Stock, the fair market value of the Capital Stock, as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

NYSE .  The term “NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Person .  The term “Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Sections 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and a group to which an Excepted Holder Limit applies.

 

Prohibited Owner .  The term “Prohibited Owner” shall mean, with respect to any purported Transfer, any Person who, but for the provisions of this Article VII, would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock in violation of Section 7.2.1, and if appropriate in the context, shall also mean any Person who would have been the record owner of the shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.

 

Restriction Termination Date .  The term “Restriction Termination Date” shall mean the first day after the Initial Date on which the Board determines pursuant to Section 5.7 of the Charter that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT or that compliance with any or all of the restrictions and limitations on

 

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Beneficial Ownership, Constructive Ownership and Transfers of shares of Capital Stock set forth herein is no longer required in order for the Corporation to qualify as a REIT.

 

Transfer .  The term “Transfer” shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer, redemption, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition, as well as any other event that causes any Person to acquire or possess Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership, or any agreement to take any such action or cause any such event, of Capital Stock or the right to vote or receive dividends on Capital Stock, including (a) the granting or exercise of any option (or any disposition of any option), (b) any disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock or any interest in Capital Stock or any exercise of any such conversion or exchange right and (c) Transfers of interests in other entities that result in changes in Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Capital Stock; in each case, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record, Constructively Owned or Beneficially Owned and whether by operation of law or otherwise.  The terms “Transferring” and “Transferred” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

Trust .  The term “Trust” shall mean any trust provided for in Section 7.3.1.

 

Trustee .  The term “Trustee” shall mean the Person unaffiliated with the Corporation and a Prohibited Owner that is appointed by the Corporation to serve as trustee of the Trust.

 

Section 7.2                                     Capital Stock .

 

Section 7.2.1                           Ownership Limitations .  During the period commencing on the Initial Date and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, but subject to Section 7.4:

 

(a)                                  Basic Restrictions .

 

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(i)                                      (1) No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock in excess of the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, (2) no Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Common Stock in excess of the Common Stock Ownership Limit and (3) no Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder.

 

(ii)                                   No Person shall Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock to the extent that such Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Capital Stock would result in the Corporation being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, without limitation, Beneficial or Constructive Ownership that would result in the Corporation owning (actually or Constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Corporation from such tenant would cause the Corporation to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code).

 

(iii)                                Any Transfer of shares of Capital Stock that, if effective, would result in the Capital Stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 Persons (determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code) shall be void ab initio , and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares of Capital Stock.

 

(iv)                               No Person shall Beneficially Own shares of Capital Stock to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership of Capital Stock would result in the Corporation failing to qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code.

 

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(b)                                  Transfer in Trust .  If any Transfer of shares of Capital Stock occurs which, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning shares of Capital Stock in violation of Section 7.2.1(a)(i), (ii) or (iv),

 

(i)                                      then that number of shares of the Capital Stock the Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section 7.2.1(a)(i), (ii) or (iv) (rounded up to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically transferred to a Trust for the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 7.3, effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of such Transfer, and such Person shall acquire no rights in such shares; or

 

(ii)                                   if the transfer to the Trust described in clause (i) of this sentence would not be automatically effective for any reason to prevent the violation of Section 7.2.1(a)(i), (ii) or (iv), then the Transfer of that number of shares of Capital Stock that otherwise would cause any Person to violate Section 7.2.1(a)(i), (ii) or (iv) shall be void ab initio , and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares of Capital Stock.

 

(iii)                                To the extent that, upon a transfer of shares of Capital Stock pursuant to this Section 7.2.1(b), a violation of any provision of this Article VII would nonetheless be continuing (for example, where the ownership of shares of Capital Stock by a single Trust would violate the 100 stockholder requirement applicable to REITs), then shares of Capital Stock shall be transferred to that number of Trusts, each having a distinct Trustee and a Charitable Beneficiary or Beneficiaries that are distinct from those of each other Trust, such that there is no violation of any provision of this Article VII.

 

Section 7.2.2                           Remedies for Breach .  If the Board of Directors shall at any time determine that a Transfer or other event has taken place that results in a violation of Section

 

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7.2.1 or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of any shares of Capital Stock in violation of Section 7.2.1 (whether or not such violation is intended), the Board of Directors shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer or other event, including, without limitation, causing the Corporation to redeem shares, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Corporation or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer or other event; provided , however , that any Transfer or attempted Transfer or other event in violation of Section 7.2.1 shall automatically result in the transfer to the Trust described above, and, where applicable, such Transfer (or other event) shall be void ab initio as provided above irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 7.2.3                           Notice of Restricted Transfer .  Any Person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of shares of Capital Stock that will or may violate Section 7.2.1(a), and any Person who would have owned shares of Capital Stock that resulted in a transfer to the Trust pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.2.1(b), shall immediately give written notice to the Corporation of such event or, in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days prior written notice, and shall provide to the Corporation such other information as the Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Transfer on the Corporation’s status as a REIT.

 

Section 7.2.4                           Owners Required To Provide Information .  From the Initial Date and prior to the Restriction Termination Date:

 

(a)                                  every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, shall give written

 

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notice to the Corporation stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of Capital Stock Beneficially Owned and a description of the manner in which such shares are held.  Each such owner shall provide to the Corporation such additional information as the Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Beneficial Ownership on the Corporation’s status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit and the Common Stock Ownership Limit; and

 

(b)                                  each Person who is a Beneficial or Constructive Owner of Capital Stock and each Person (including the stockholder of record) who is holding Capital Stock for a Beneficial or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Corporation in writing such information as the Corporation may request, in order to determine the Corporation’s status as a REIT or to comply with requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.

 

Section 7.2.5                           Remedies Not Limited .  Subject to Section 5.7 of the Charter, nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall limit the authority of the Board of Directors to take such other action as it deems necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation in preserving the Corporation’s status as a REIT.

 

Section 7.2.6                           Ambiguity .  In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of this Section 7.2, Section 7.3 or any definition contained in Section 7.1, the Board of Directors may determine the application of the provisions of this Section 7.2 or Section 7.3 or any such definition with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it.  In the event Section 7.2 or Section 7.3 requires an action by the Board of Directors and the Charter fails to provide specific guidance with respect to such action, the Board of Directors may determine the action to be taken so long as such action is not contrary to the provisions of

 

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Sections 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3.  Absent a decision to the contrary by the Board of Directors, if a Person would have (but for the remedies set forth in Section 7.2.2) acquired Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Capital Stock in violation of Section 7.2.1, such remedies (as applicable) shall apply first to the shares of Capital Stock which, but for such remedies, would have been Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned (but not actually owned) by such Person, pro rata among the Persons who actually own such shares of Capital Stock based upon the relative number of the shares of Capital Stock held by each such Person.

 

Section 7.2.7                           Exceptions .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Section 7.2.1(a)(ii), the Board of Directors may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a Person from the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit and the Common Stock Ownership Limit, as the case may be, and may establish or increase an Excepted Holder Limit for such Person if:

 

(i)                                      the Board of Directors obtains such representations and undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary for the Board to ascertain that no individual’s Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of such shares of Capital Stock will violate Section 7.2.1(a)(ii);

 

(ii)                                   such Person does not and represents that it will not own, actually or Constructively, an interest in a tenant of the Corporation (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by the Corporation) that would cause the Corporation to own, actually or Constructively, more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant and the Board of Directors obtains such representations and undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain this fact (for this purpose, a tenant from whom the Corporation (or an entity owned or controlled by the Corporation) derives (and is expected to

 

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continue to derive) a sufficiently small amount of revenue such that, in the judgment of the Board, rent from such tenant would not adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to qualify as a REIT shall not be treated as a tenant of the Corporation); and

 

(iii)                                such Person agrees that any violation or attempted violation of such representations or undertakings (or other action which is contrary to the restrictions contained in Sections 7.2.1 through 7.2.6) will result in such shares of Capital Stock being automatically transferred to a Trust in accordance with Sections 7.2.1(b) and 7.3.

 

(b)                                  Prior to granting any exception pursuant to Section 7.2.7(a), the Board of Directors may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the Board of Directors, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the Corporation’s status as a REIT.  Notwithstanding the receipt of any ruling or opinion, the Board of Directors may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate in connection with granting such exception.

 

(c)                                   Subject to Section 7.2.1(a)(ii), an underwriter which participates in a public offering or a private placement of Capital Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock) may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock) in excess of the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, the Common Stock Ownership Limit, or both such limits, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public offering or private placement.

 

(d)                                  The Board of Directors may only reduce the Excepted Holder Limit for an Excepted Holder: (1) with the written consent of such Excepted Holder at any time, or (2) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements and undertakings entered into with such Excepted Holder in connection with the establishment of the Excepted Holder

 

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Limit for that Excepted Holder.  No Excepted Holder Limit shall be reduced to a percentage that is less than the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit or the Common Stock Ownership Limit, as the case may be.

 

Section 7.2.8                           Increase or Decrease in Common Stock Ownership or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limits .  Subject to Section 7.2.1(a)(ii) and this Section 7.2.8, the Board of Directors may from time to time increase or decrease the Common Stock Ownership Limit and the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit for one or more Persons and increase or decrease the Common Stock Ownership Limit and the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit for all other Persons.  No decreased Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit will be effective for any Person whose percentage of ownership of Capital Stock is in excess of such decreased Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, as applicable, until such time as such Person’s percentage of ownership of Capital Stock equals or falls below the decreased Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, as applicable; provided, however, any further acquisition of Capital Stock by any such Person (other than a Person for whom an exemption has been granted pursuant to Section 7.2.7(a) or an Excepted Holder) in excess of the Capital Stock owned by such person on the date the decreased Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, as applicable, became effective will be in violation of the Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit.  No increase to the Common Stock Ownership Limit or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit may be approved if the new Common Stock Ownership Limit and/or Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit would allow five or fewer Persons to Beneficially Own, in the aggregate more than 49.9% in value of the outstanding Capital Stock.

 

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Section 7.2.9                           Legend .  Each certificate for shares of Capital Stock, if certificated or the notice in lieu of a certificate, if any, shall bear substantially the following legend:

 

The shares represented by this certificate or notice are subject to restrictions on Beneficial and Constructive Ownership and Transfer for the purpose, among others, of the Corporation’s maintenance of its status as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  Subject to certain further restrictions and except as expressly provided in the Corporation’s Charter, (i) no Person may Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock in excess of the Common Stock Ownership Limit unless such Person is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be applicable); (ii) no Person may Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock of the Corporation in excess of the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, unless such Person is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be applicable); (iii) no Person may Beneficially or Constructively Own Capital Stock that would result in the Corporation being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT; (iv) no Person may Transfer shares of Capital Stock if such Transfer would result in the Capital Stock of the Corporation being owned by fewer than 100 Persons; and (v) no Person may Beneficially Own shares of Capital Stock of the Corporation to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership of Capital Stock would result in the Corporation failing to qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code.  Any Person who Beneficially or Constructively Owns or attempts to Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock which causes or will cause a Person to Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of Capital Stock in excess or in violation of the above limitations must immediately notify the Corporation.  If the restrictions on ownership or transfer set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (v) above are violated, the shares of Capital Stock represented hereby will be automatically transferred to a Trustee of a Trust for the benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries.  In addition, the Corporation may redeem shares upon the terms and conditions specified by the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion if the Board of Directors determines that ownership or a Transfer or other event may violate the restrictions described above.  Furthermore, any Transfer of shares of Capital Stock that would result in the Capital Stock of the Corporation being owned by fewer than 100 Persons and, upon the occurrence of certain events, attempted Transfers in violation of the other restrictions described above will be void ab initio .  All capitalized terms in this legend have the meanings defined in the

 

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charter of the Corporation, as the same may be amended from time to time, a copy of which, including the restrictions on ownership and transfer of Capital Stock, will be furnished to each holder of Capital Stock of the Corporation on request and without charge.  Requests for such a copy may be directed to the Secretary of the Corporation at its principal office.

 

Instead of the foregoing legend, the certificate or notice may state that the Corporation will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on ownership and transferability to a stockholder on request and without charge.

 

Section 7.3                                     Transfer of Capital Stock in Trust .

 

Section 7.3.1                           Ownership in Trust .  Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in Section 7.2.1(b) that would result in a transfer of shares of Capital Stock to a Trust, such shares of Capital Stock shall be deemed to have been transferred to the Trustee as trustee of a Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries.  Such transfer to the Trustee shall be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the purported Transfer or other event that results in the transfer to the Trust pursuant to Section 7.2.1(b).  The Trustee shall be appointed by the Corporation and shall be a Person unaffiliated with the Corporation and any Prohibited Owner.  Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Corporation as provided in Section 7.3.6.

 

Section 7.3.2                           Status of Shares Held by the Trustee .  Shares of Capital Stock held by the Trustee shall be issued and outstanding shares of Capital Stock of the Corporation.  The Prohibited Owner shall have no rights in the shares held by the Trustee.  The Prohibited Owner shall not benefit economically from ownership of any shares held in trust by the Trustee, shall have no rights to dividends or other distributions and shall not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares held in the Trust.

 

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Section 7.3.3                           Dividend and Voting Rights .  The Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of Capital Stock held in the Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary.  Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to the discovery by the Corporation that the shares of Capital Stock have been transferred to the Trustee shall be paid by the recipient of such dividend or distribution to the Trustee upon demand, and any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the Trustee.  Any dividend or distribution so paid to the Trustee shall be held in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary.  The Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Capital Stock held in the Trust and, subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares of Capital Stock have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee shall have the authority (at the Trustee’s sole and absolute discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Owner prior to the discovery by the Corporation that the shares of Capital Stock have been transferred to the Trust and (ii) to recast such vote; provided, however, that if the Corporation has already taken irreversible corporate action, then the Trustee shall not have the authority to rescind and recast such vote.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article VII, until the Corporation has received notification that shares of Capital Stock have been transferred into a Trust, the Corporation shall be entitled to rely on its stock transfer and other stockholder records for purposes of preparing lists of stockholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes and determining the other rights of stockholders.

 

Section 7.3.4                           Sale of Shares by Trustee .  Within 20 days of receiving notice from the Corporation that shares of Capital Stock have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee of the Trust shall sell the shares held in the Trust to a person, designated by the Trustee,

 

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whose ownership of the shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 7.2.1(a).  Upon such sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 7.3.4.  The Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by the Prohibited Owner for the shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust ( e.g. , in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction), the Market Price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust and (2) the price per share received by the Trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses of sale) from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in the Trust.  The Trustee may reduce the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner by the amount of dividends and distributions which have been paid to the Prohibited Owner and are owed by the Prohibited Owner to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.3.3 of this Article VII.  Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner and other amounts held in the Trust with respect to such shares shall be immediately paid to the Charitable Beneficiary.  If, prior to the discovery by the Corporation that shares of Capital Stock have been transferred to the Trustee, such shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (i) such shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Trust and (ii) to the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 7.3.4, such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon demand.

 

Section 7.3.5                           Purchase Right in Stock Transferred to the Trustee .  Shares of Capital Stock transferred to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Corporation, or its designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the

 

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transaction that resulted in such transfer to the Trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the Market Price at the time of such devise or gift) and (ii) the Market Price on the date the Corporation, or its designee, accepts such offer.  The Corporation may reduce the amount payable by the amount of dividends and distributions which has been paid to the Prohibited Owner and is owed by the Prohibited Owner to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.3.3 of this Article VII and may pay the amount of such reduction to the Trustee for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary.  The Corporation shall have the right to accept such offer until the Trustee has sold the shares held in the Trust pursuant to Section 7.3.4.  Upon such a sale to the Corporation, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner, and distribute any dividends or other distributions held by the Trustee with respect to the shares to the Charitable Beneficiary.

 

Section 7.3.6                           Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries .  By written notice to the Trustee, the Corporation shall designate one or more nonprofit organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary or Beneficiaries of the interest in the Trust such that (i) the shares of Capital Stock held in the Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 7.2.1(a) in the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary or Beneficiaries and (ii) each such organization must be described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and contributions to each such organization must be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.  Neither the failure of the Corporation to make such designation nor the failure of the Corporation to appoint the Trustee before the automatic transfer provided in Section 7.2.1(b) shall make such transfer ineffective, provided that the Corporation thereafter makes such designation and appointment.

 

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Section 7.4                                     NYSE Transactions .  Nothing in this Article VII shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of the NYSE or any other national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system.  The fact that the settlement of any transaction occurs shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this Article VII and any transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this Article VII.

 

Section 7.5                                     Enforcement .  The Corporation is authorized specifically to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of this Article VII.

 

Section 7.6                                     Non-Waiver .  No delay or failure on the part of the Corporation or the Board of Directors in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any right of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, except to the extent specifically waived in writing.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

AMENDMENTS

 

The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to its Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock.  All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors and officers are granted subject to this reservation.  Except for those amendments permitted to be made without stockholder approval under Maryland law or by specific provision in the Charter, and subject to such additional requirements as may be expressly set forth in the Charter, any amendment to the Charter shall be valid only if declared advisable by the Board of Directors and approved by the

 

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affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

 

To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no present or former director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.  Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article IX, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article IX, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

 

THIRD :  The amendment to and restatement of the charter as hereinabove set forth have been duly advised by the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders of the Corporation as required by law.

 

FOURTH :  The current address of the principal office of the Corporation is as set forth in Article IV of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.

 

FIFTH :  The name and address of the Corporation’s current resident agent are as set forth in Article IV of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.

 

SIXTH :  The number of directors of the Corporation and the names of those currently in office are as set forth in Article V of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.

 

SEVENTH :  The foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter does not increase the authorized number of shares of stock of the Corporation.

 

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EIGHTH :   The undersigned acknowledges these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be the corporate act of the Corporation and as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned acknowledges that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and Chief Executive Officer and attested to by its Executive Vice President—General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary on this            day of                         , 2014.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Michael T. Bennett

 

 

Christopher H. Volk

Executive Vice President—General Counsel,

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

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Exhibit 3.5

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I

 

OFFICES

 

Section 1.                                            PRINCIPAL OFFICE .  The principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate.

 

Section 2.                                            ADDITIONAL OFFICES .  The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.                                            PLACE .  All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set in accordance with these Bylaws and stated in the notice of the meeting.

 

Section 2.                                            ANNUAL MEETING .  An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.                                            SPECIAL MEETINGS .

 

(a)                                  General .  Each of the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president and Board of Directors may call a special meeting of stockholders.  Except as provided in subsection (b)(4) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall be held on the date and at the time and place set by the chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors, whoever has called the meeting.  Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 3, a special meeting of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting.

 

(b)                                  Stockholder-Requested Special Meetings .  (1) Any stockholder of record seeking to have stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”).  The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such stockholder and each matter proposed

 



 

to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”).  Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date.  The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If the Board of Directors, within ten days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the tenth day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the secretary.

 

(2)                                  In order for any stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”) shall be delivered to the secretary.  In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Corporation’s books, of each stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Corporation which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, (d) be sent to the secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date.  Any requesting stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the secretary.

 

(3)                                  The secretary shall inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Corporation’s proxy materials).  The secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 3(b), the secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

 

(4)                                  In the case of any special meeting called by the secretary upon the request of stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided , however, that the date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such

 

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meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m., local time, on the 90 th  day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90 th  day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation.  In fixing a date for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, the Board of Directors may consider such factors as it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting.  In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30 th  day after the Delivery Date shall be the Meeting Record Date.  The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 3(b).

 

(5)                                  If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the secretary and the result is that stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the secretary:  (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the secretary first sends to all requesting stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Corporation’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chairman of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chairman of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting without acting on the matter.  Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

 

(6)                                  The chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president or Board of Directors may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Corporation for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the secretary.  For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been received by the secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after actual receipt by the secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Corporation that the valid requests received by the secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage.  Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any way be construed to suggest or imply that the

 

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Corporation or any stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to take any other action (including, without limitation, the commencement, prosecution or defense of any litigation with respect thereto, and the seeking of injunctive relief in such litigation).

 

(7)                                  For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or Phoenix, Arizona are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

Section 4.                                            NOTICE .  Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, by mail, by presenting it to such stockholder personally, by leaving it at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic transmission or by any other means permitted by Maryland law.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.  If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions.  The Corporation may give a single notice to all stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any stockholder at such address, unless such stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice.  Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

 

Subject to Section 11(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice.  No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice.  The Corporation may postpone or cancel a meeting of stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting.  Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

 

Section 5.                                            ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT .  Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the chairman of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chairman of the board, by one of the following officers present at the meeting in the following order:  the vice chairman of the board, if there is one, the chief executive officer, the president, the vice presidents in their order of rank and seniority, the secretary, or, in the absence of such officers, a chairman chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy.  The secretary, or, in the secretary’s absence, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of both the secretary and

 

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assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary.  In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of stockholders, an assistant secretary, or, in the absence of all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting.  The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting.  The chairman of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of the chairman and without any action by the stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and such other individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to stockholders of record of the Corporation entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments; (e) determining when and for how long the polls should be opened and when the polls should be closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (g) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairman of the meeting; (h) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (i) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security.  Unless otherwise determined by the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

Section 6.                                            QUORUM .  At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the charter of the Corporation (the “Charter”) for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter.  If such quorum is not established at any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting.  At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

 

The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough stockholders to leave fewer than would be required to establish a quorum.

 

Section 7.                                            VOTING .  A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director.    Each share entitles the holder thereof to vote for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the holder is entitled to vote.  A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required by

 

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statute or by the Charter.  Unless otherwise provided by statute or by the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, entitles the holder thereof to cast one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the chairman of the meeting shall order that voting be by ballot or otherwise.

 

Section 8.                                            PROXIES .  A holder of record of shares of stock of the Corporation may cast votes in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholder’s duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law.  Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting.  No proxy shall be valid more than eleven months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

 

Section 9.                                            VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS .  Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, managing member, manager, general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock.  Any trustee or fiduciary, in such capacity, may vote stock registered in such trustee’s or fiduciary’s name, either in person or by proxy.

 

Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

 

The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder.  The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date, the time after the record date within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable.  On receipt by the Corporation of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the holder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.

 

Section 10.                                     INSPECTORS .  The Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector.  Except as otherwise provided by the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii)

 

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report such tabulation to the chairman of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote.  Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting.  If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors.  The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

 

Section 11.  ADVANCE NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND OTHER STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS .

 

(a)                                  Annual Meetings of Stockholders .  (1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice by the stockholder as provided for in this Section 11(a) and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 11(a).

 

(2)                                  For any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 11, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation and any such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the stockholders.  To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 11 and shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 150 th  day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on the 120 th  day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, in order for notice by the stockholder to be timely, such notice must be so delivered not earlier than the 150 th  day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on the later of the 120 th  day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.  The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(3)                                  Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

 

(i)                                      as to each individual whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”), all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such

 

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solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act;

 

(ii)                                   as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a description of such business, the stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom;

 

(iii)                                as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

 

(A)                                the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person,

 

(B)                                the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person,

 

(C)                                whether and the extent to which such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last six months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of Company Securities for such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities, and

 

(D)                                any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

 

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(iv)                               as to the stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 11(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

(A)                                the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee and

 

(B)                                the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person;

 

(v)                                  the name and address of any person who contacted or was contacted by the stockholder giving the notice or any Stockholder Associated Person about the Proposed Nominee or other business proposal prior to the date of such stockholder’s notice; and

 

(vi)                               to the extent known by the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other stockholder supporting the nominee for election or reelection as a director or the proposal of other business on the date of such stockholder’s notice.

 

(4)                                  Such stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a certificate executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become, a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (b) will serve as a director of the Corporation if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporation, upon request, to the stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange on which any securities of the Corporation are listed or over-the-counter market on which any securities of the Corporation are traded).

 

(5)                                  Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 11 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 11(c)(3) of this Article II) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 11(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not later than 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

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(6)                                  For purposes of this Section 11, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder shall mean (i) any person acting in concert with such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder (other than a stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

 

(b)                                  Special Meetings of Stockholders .  Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting.  Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 3(a) of this Article II for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11 and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 11.  In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a director as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this Section 11, is delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not earlier than the 120 th  day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time, on the later of the 90 th  day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting.  The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c)                                   General .  (1)  If information submitted pursuant to this Section 11 by any stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, such information may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.  Any such stockholder shall notify the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information.  Upon written request by the secretary or the Board of Directors, any such stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Corporation, written confirmation by such stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 11 as of an earlier date.  If a stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 11.

 

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(2)                                  Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 11 shall be eligible for election by stockholders as directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 11.  The chairman of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 11.

 

(3)                                  For purposes of this Section 11, “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.  “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (A) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (B) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act.

 

(4)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 11.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall be deemed to affect any right of a stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Corporation to omit a proposal from, any proxy statement filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act .

 

Section 12.                                     TELEPHONE MEETINGS .  The Board of Directors or chairman of the meeting may permit one or more stockholders to participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.  Participation in a meeting by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 13.                                     CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT .  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or any successor statute (the “MGCL”), shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of shares of stock of the Corporation.  This section may be repealed, in whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after an acquisition of control shares and, upon such repeal, may, to the extent provided by any successor bylaw, apply to any prior or subsequent control share acquisition.

 

Section 14.                                     STOCKHOLDERS’ CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING .  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a unanimous consent setting forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter and filed with the minutes of proceedings of the stockholders.

 

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Section 15.                                     BUSINESS COMBINATIONS .  By virtue of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors prior to or at the time of adoption of these Bylaws (and the adoption of these Bylaws shall be deemed to be, and shall be conclusive evidence of, the adoption of such resolution), any business combination (as defined in Section 3-601(e) of the MGCL) between the Corporation and any other person or entity or group of persons or entities is exempt from the provisions of Subtitle 6 of Title 3 of the MGCL.  The approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors shall be required in order for the Board of Directors to revoke, alter or amend such resolution or otherwise adopt any resolution that is inconsistent with this Section 15 of Article II or with a prior resolution of the Board of Directors that exempts any business combination between the Corporation and any other person, whether identified specifically, generally or by type, from the provisions of Subtitle 6 of Title 3 of the MGCL.

 

ARTICLE III

 

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.                                            GENERAL POWERS .  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.                                            NUMBER, TENURE, QUALIFICATIONS AND RESIGNATION .

 

(a)                                  At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL, nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors.

 

(b)                                        For so long as that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “Stockholders Agreement”), by and between the Corporation and STORE Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“STORE Holding”), remains in effect, in order for an individual to be qualified to be nominated for election as a director, or to serve as a director, the nomination and election of such individual, when considered together with all other individuals nominated by the same person or body, must not cause the Corporation to violate, and must meet all other requirements specified in, the Stockholders Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board or the secretary.  Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation.  The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

 

Section 3.                                            ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS .  An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary.  In the event such meeting is not so

 

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held, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place of regular meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.

 

Section 4.                                            SPECIAL MEETINGS .  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or a majority of the directors then in office.  The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the time and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them.  The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.

 

Section 5.                                            NOTICE .  Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, courier or United States mail to each director at his or her business or residence address.  Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.  Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting.  Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting.  Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party.  Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director.  Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt.  Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid.  Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

 

Section 6.                                            QUORUM .  A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors is present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority or other percentage of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority or such other percentage of such group.

 

The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum.

 

Section 7.                                            VOTING .  The action of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Charter or these

 

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Bylaws.  If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws.

 

Section 8.                                            ORGANIZATION .  At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board or, in the absence of the chairman, the vice chairman of the board, if any, shall act as chairman of the meeting.  In the absence of both the chairman and vice chairman of the board, the chief executive officer or, in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or, in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting.  The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or, in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

Section 9.                                            TELEPHONE MEETINGS . Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 10.                                     CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING .  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11.                                     VACANCIES .  If for any reason any or all the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder.  Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum.  Any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

Section 12.                                     COMPENSATION .  Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as directors but, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year and/or per meeting and/or per visit to real property or other facilities owned or leased by the Corporation and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors.  Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity they perform or engage in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

Section 13.                                     RELIANCE .  Each director and officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be entitled to rely on any

 

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information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an officer or employee of the Corporation whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the director or officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

 

Section 14.                                     RATIFICATION .  The Board of Directors or the stockholders may ratify any action or inaction by the Corporation or its officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the stockholders could have originally authorized the matter, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders.  Any action or inaction questioned in any stockholders’ derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a director, officer or stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders, and such ratification shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

COMMITTEES

 

Section 1.                                            NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS .  The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and one or more other committees, composed of one or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  Each Committee shall be composed as required by the Stockholders Agreement.  Subject to any requirement set forth in the Stockholders Agreement, in the absence of any member of any such committee, the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint another director to act in the place of such absent member.

 

Section 2.                                            POWERS .  The Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Board of Directors, except as prohibited by law.  Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, any committee may delegate some or all of its power and authority to one or more subcommittees, composed of one or more directors, as the committee deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

Section 3.                                            MEETINGS .  Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Directors.  A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee.  The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee.  The Board of Directors may designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two

 

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members of the committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide.

 

Section 4.                                            TELEPHONE MEETINGS .  Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 5.                                            CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING .  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

 

Section 6.                                            VACANCIES .  Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill any vacancy, to designate an alternate member to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

 

ARTICLE V

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.                                            GENERAL PROVISIONS .  The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers.  In addition, the Board of Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable.  The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or other officers.  Each officer shall serve until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided.  Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person.  Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.

 

Section 2.                                            REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION .  Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.  Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or the secretary.  Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation.  The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.  Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.

 

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Section 3.                                            VACANCIES .  A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.

 

Section 4.                                            CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD .  The Board of Directors may designate from among its members a chairman of the board, who shall not, solely by reason of these Bylaws, be an officer of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may designate the chairman of the board as an executive or non-executive chairman.  The chairman of the board shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors.  The chairman of the board shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these Bylaws or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.                                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER .  The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer.  In the absence of such designation, the chairman of the board shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation.  The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 6.                                            CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER .  The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer.  The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as determined by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

 

Section 7.                                            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER .  The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer.  The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as determined by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.

 

Section 8.                                            PRESIDENT .  In the absence of a chief executive officer, the president shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation.  In the absence of a designation of a chief operating officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief operating officer.  He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Section 9.                                            VICE PRESIDENTS .  In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors may designate one

 

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or more vice presidents as executive vice president, senior vice president, or vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

 

Section 10.                                     SECRETARY .  The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder; (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 11.                                     TREASURER .  The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation, shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation, shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors and in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.  In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

 

The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors or whenever it may so require, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

 

Section 12.                                     ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS .  The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 13.                                     COMPENSATION .  The compensation of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by or under the authority of the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

CONTRACTS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

 

Section 1.                                            CONTRACTS .  The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.  Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation

 

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when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors and executed by an authorized person.

 

Section 2.                                            CHECKS AND DRAFTS .  All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.                                            DEPOSITS .  All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited or invested from time to time to the credit of the Corporation as the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief financial officer, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors may determine.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

STOCK

 

Section 1.                                            CERTIFICATES .  Except as may be otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, stockholders of the Corporation are not entitled to certificates representing the shares of stock held by them.  In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in any manner permitted by the MGCL.  In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.  There shall be no differences in the rights and obligations of stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

 

Section 2.                                            TRANSFERS .  All transfers of shares of stock shall be made on the books of the Corporation, by the holder of the shares, in person or by his or her attorney, in such manner as the Board of Directors or any officer of the Corporation may prescribe and, if such shares are certificated, upon surrender of certificates duly endorsed.  The issuance of a new certificate upon the transfer of certificated shares is subject to the determination of the Board of Directors that such shares shall no longer be represented by certificates.  Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall provide to the record holders of such shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

 

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

19



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class or series of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

 

Section 3.                                            REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE .  Any officer of the Corporation may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors has determined that such certificates may be issued.  Unless otherwise determined by an officer of the Corporation, the owner of such lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, shall be required, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, to give the Corporation a bond in such sums as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation.

 

Section 4.                                            FIXING OF RECORD DATE .  The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose.  Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.

 

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if adjourned or postponed, except if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting shall be determined as set forth herein.

 

Section 5.                                            STOCK LEDGER .  The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.

 

Section 6.                                            FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS .  The Board of Directors may authorize the Corporation to issue fractional shares of stock or authorize the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of units consisting of different securities of the Corporation.  Any security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Corporation, except that the Board of Directors may provide that for a specified period securities of the Corporation issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Corporation only in such unit.

 

20



 

ARTICLE VIII

 

ACCOUNTING YEAR

 

The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 1.                                            AUTHORIZATION .  Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.  Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.

 

Section 2.                                            CONTINGENCIES .  Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

 

ARTICLE X

 

INVESTMENT POLICY

 

Subject to the provisions of the Charter, the Board of Directors may from time to time adopt, amend, revise or terminate any policy or policies with respect to investments by the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

SEAL

 

Section 1.                                            SEAL .  The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation.  The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words “Incorporated Maryland.”  The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

 

Section 2.                                            AFFIXING SEAL .  Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.

 

21



 

ARTICLE XII

 

INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

 

To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, the Corporation shall indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, shall pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (b) any individual who, while a director or officer of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, trustee, member, manager or partner of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.  The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter and these Bylaws shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer.  The Corporation may, with the approval of its Board of Directors, provide such indemnification and advance for expenses to an individual who served a predecessor of the Corporation in any of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of the Corporation or a predecessor of the Corporation.  The indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses provided in these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of or limit in any way other rights to which any person seeking indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses may be or may become entitled under any bylaw, resolution, insurance, agreement or otherwise.

 

Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding paragraph with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

WAIVER OF NOTICE

 

Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing or by electronic transmission, given by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.  Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice of such meeting, unless specifically required by statute.  The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened.

 

22



 

ARTICLE XIV

 

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LITIGATION

 

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or to the stockholders of the Corporation, (c) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL, the Charter or these Bylaws, or (d) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any director or officer or other employee of the Corporation that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

 

ARTICLE XV

 

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

 

In the event that Requisite Investor Approval (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) is required under the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, any amendment to these Bylaws shall only be effective if approved by Requisite Investor Approval.  In the event that Requisite Investor Approval is not required, the Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws; provided, however, that (a) any amendment to Section 13 or Section 15 of Article II must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (b) so long as (i) STORE Holding owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation any amendment to these Bylaws shall also require Requisite Investor Approval and (ii) required pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, any amendment to (x) paragraph (b) of Section 2 of Article III, (y) the second or third sentences of Section 1 of Article IV or (z) Article XVI shall also require Requisite Investor Approval.

 

ARTICLE XVI

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

The provisions of the Stockholders Agreement shall be controlling if any such provisions or the operation thereof conflict with the provisions of these Bylaws.

 

23




Exhibit 4.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE

 

DATED AS OF MAY 6, 2014

 


 

BETWEEN

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

AS AN ISSUER,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

AS AN ISSUER,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

AS AN ISSUER,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC,

 

AS AN ISSUER,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC,

 

AS AN ISSUER,

 

AND

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE

 

NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

3

 

 

Section 1.01

Definitions

3

Section 1.02

Rules of Construction

25

 

 

 

ARTICLE II THE NOTES

26

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Forms; Denominations

26

Section 2.02

Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating

27

Section 2.03

[Reserved]

29

Section 2.04

The Notes Generally; New Issuances

29

Section 2.05

Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Notes

32

Section 2.06

Book-Entry Notes

39

Section 2.07

Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes

41

Section 2.08

Noteholder Lists

41

Section 2.09

Persons Deemed Owners

42

Section 2.10

Payment Account

42

Section 2.11

Payments on the Notes

43

Section 2.12

Final Payment Notice

46

Section 2.13

Compliance with Withholding Requirements

47

Section 2.14

Cancellation

47

Section 2.15

Reserved

47

Section 2.16

The Hedge Agreements

47

Section 2.17

Tax Treatment of the Notes

49

Section 2.18

DSCR Reserve Account

49

Section 2.19

Representations and Warranties with Respect to the Issuers

50

Section 2.20

Representations and Warranties With Respect To Properties and Leases

53

Section 2.21

Representations and Warranties With Respect To Mortgage Loans and Loan Components of Hybrid Leases

61

Section 2.22

Representations and Warranties With Respect to Hybrid Leases

74

 

 

 

ARTICLE III SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

75

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture

75

Section 3.02

Application of Trust Money

76

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

77

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Events of Default

77

Section 4.02

Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment

78

Section 4.03

Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Indenture Trustee

79

Section 4.04

Remedies

81

Section 4.05

Application of Money Collected

82

Section 4.06

Limitation on Suits

82

 

i



 

Section 4.07

Unconditional Right of Noteholders to Receive Principal and Interest

83

Section 4.08

Restoration of Rights and Remedies

83

Section 4.09

Rights and Remedies Cumulative

83

Section 4.10

Delay or Omission Not Waiver

84

Section 4.11

Control by Requisite Global Majority

84

Section 4.12

Waiver of Past Defaults

84

Section 4.13

Undertaking for Costs

85

Section 4.14

Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws

85

Section 4.15

Sale of Collateral

85

Section 4.16

Action on Notes

87

 

 

 

ARTICLE V THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

87

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Certain Duties and Responsibilities

87

Section 5.02

Notice of Defaults

90

Section 5.03

Certain Rights of Indenture Trustee

91

Section 5.04

Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnification

93

Section 5.05

Corporate Indenture Trustee Required; Eligibility

95

Section 5.06

Authorization of Indenture Trustee

95

Section 5.07

Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business

95

Section 5.08

Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor

96

Section 5.09

Acceptance of Appointment by Successor

97

Section 5.10

Unclaimed Funds

98

Section 5.11

Illegal Acts

98

Section 5.12

Communications by the Indenture Trustee

98

Section 5.13

Separate Indenture Trustees and Co-Trustees

98

Section 5.14

Communications with the Rating Agency

100

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI REPORTS TO NOTEHOLDERS

100

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Reports to Noteholders and Others

100

Section 6.02

Certain Communications with the Rating Agencies

101

Section 6.03

Access to Certain Information

101

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII REDEMPTION; SERIES ENHANCEMENT

103

 

 

 

Section 7.01

Redemption of the Notes

103

Section 7.02

Series Enhancement

104

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES; AMENDMENTS

104

 

 

 

Section 8.01

Supplemental Indentures or Amendments Without Consent of Noteholders

104

Section 8.02

Supplemental Indentures With Consent

106

Section 8.03

Delivery of Supplements and Amendments

107

Section 8.04

Series Supplements

108

Section 8.05

Execution of Supplemental Indentures, Etc.

108

 

ii



 

ARTICLE IX COVENANTS; WARRANTIES

109

 

 

 

Section 9.01

Maintenance of Office or Agency

109

Section 9.02

Existence and Good Standing

109

Section 9.03

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

109

Section 9.04

Validity of the Notes; Title to the Collateral; Lien

110

Section 9.05

Protection of Collateral Pool

112

Section 9.06

Covenants

113

Section 9.07

Statement as to Compliance

115

Section 9.08

Issuers May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms

116

Section 9.09

Litigation

117

Section 9.10

Notice of Default

117

Section 9.11

Cooperate in Legal Proceedings

117

Section 9.12

Insurance Benefits

118

Section 9.13

Costs of Enforcement

118

Section 9.14

Performance of Issuers’ Duties by the Related Issuer Member

118

Section 9.15

Further Acts, etc.

118

Section 9.16

Recording of Mortgages, etc.

119

Section 9.17

Treatment of the Notes as Debt for Tax Purposes

119

Section 9.18

Payment of Debts

119

Section 9.19

Single-Purpose Status

119

Section 9.20

Separateness of Each Issuer

119

Section 9.21

Capitalization of the Issuers

120

Section 9.22

Maintenance of Assets

120

Section 9.23

Compliance with Representations and Warranties

120

Section 9.24

Independent Directors

120

Section 9.25

Employees

121

Section 9.26

Assumptions in Insolvency Opinion

121

Section 9.27

Performance by the Issuers

121

Section 9.28

Use of Proceeds

122

Section 9.29

Other Rights, etc.

122

Section 9.30

Books and Records

122

Section 9.31

Overhead Expenses

122

Section 9.32

Embargoed Persons

122

 

 

 

ARTICLE X COVENANTS REGARDING PROPERTIES

123

 

 

 

Section 10.01

General

123

Section 10.02

Insurance

123

Section 10.03

Mortgage Loans, Leases and Rents

123

Section 10.04

Compliance With Laws

123

Section 10.05

Estoppel Certificates

124

Section 10.06

Other Rights, Etc.

124

Section 10.07

Right to Release Any Portion of the Collateral Pool

124

Section 10.08

Environmental Covenants

125

Section 10.09

Handicapped Access

126

Section 10.10

Preservation of Title

126

 

iii



 

Section 10.11

Maintenance and Use of Properties

126

Section 10.12

Access to Properties

126

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI COSTS

126

 

 

 

Section 11.01

Performance at the Issuers’ Expense

126

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS

127

 

 

 

Section 12.01

Execution Counterparts

127

Section 12.02

Compliance Certificates and Opinions, Etc.

127

Section 12.03

Form of Documents Delivered to Indenture Trustee

127

Section 12.04

No Oral Change

128

Section 12.05

Acts of Noteholders

128

Section 12.06

Computation of Percentage of Noteholders

129

Section 12.07

Notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and Certain Other Persons

129

Section 12.08

Notices to Noteholders; Notification Requirements and Waiver

129

Section 12.09

Successors and Assigns

130

Section 12.10

Interest Charges; Waivers

130

Section 12.11

Severability Clause

130

Section 12.12

Governing Law

130

Section 12.13

Effect of Headings and Table of Contents

131

Section 12.14

Benefits of Indenture

131

Section 12.15

Trust Obligation

131

Section 12.16

Inspection

131

Section 12.17

Method of Payment

132

Section 12.18

Limitation on Liability of the Issuers and Issuer Member

132

Section 12.19

Acquisition of Post-Closing Properties and the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account

132

Section 12.20

Addition of Properties to Master Leases

133

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit A-1

Form of Restricted Global Net-Lease Mortgage Note

Exhibit A-2

Form of Regulation S Global Net-Lease Mortgage Note

Exhibit A-3

Form of Definitive Net-Lease Mortgage Note

Exhibit B

Form of Trustee Report

Exhibit C-1

Form of Transferor Certificate for Transfers of Definitive Notes

Exhibit C-2

Form of Transferee Certificate for Transfers of Definitive Notes

Exhibit D-1

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfers From Regulation S Global Note or Definitive Note to Restricted Global Note

Exhibit D-2

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Restricted Global Note or Definitive Note to Regulation S Global Note During the Restricted Period

Exhibit D-3

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Restricted Global Note or Definitive Note to Regulation S Global Note After the Restricted Period

 

iv



 

Exhibit D-4

Form of Regulation S Letter for Exchange of Interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note for Interests in the Permanent Regulation S Global Note

Exhibit E-1

Form of Certificate with Respect to Information Request by Beneficial Owner

Exhibit E-2

Form of Certificate with Respect to Information Request by Prospective Purchaser

Exhibit F

Form of Noteholder Confidentiality Agreement

Exhibit G-1

Form of Officer’s Certificate of the Issuers with respect to Post-Closing Properties and Additional Master Lease Properties

Exhibit G-2

Form of Officer’s Certificate of STORE Capital with respect to Post-Closing Properties and Additional Master Lease Properties

Exhibit G-3

Form of Officer’s Certificate of Counsel to the Issuers with respect to Post-Closing Properties and Additional Master Lease Properties

Exhibit G-4

Form of Post-Closing Acquisition Notice

 

v


 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE, dated as of May 6, 2014 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time as permitted hereby, the “ Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as an issuer (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as an issuer (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as an issuer (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as an issuer (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as an issuer (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., a national banking association duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Indenture Trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”) under this Indenture.

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee entered into a master indenture (the “ Original Master Indenture ”), dated as of August 23, 2012;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee entered into an amended and restated master indenture (the “ Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”), dated as of March 27, 2013 which amended and restated in its entirety the Original Master Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee entered into a second amended and restated master indenture (the “ Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture ” and, together with the Original Master Indenture and the Amended and Restated Master Indenture, the “ Prior Master Indenture ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, which amended and restated in its entirety the Amended and Restated Master Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Prior Master Indenture, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee may enter into one or more amendments to the Prior Master Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby consent to the amendments to the Prior Master Indenture set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby agree that pursuant to this Indenture the Prior Master Indenture continues in full force and effect as amended hereby and except with respect to the terms that have been amended pursuant to this Indenture, all obligations of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee under the Prior Master Indenture will remain outstanding and continue in full force and effect, unpaid, unimpaired and undischarged, and all liens created under the Prior Master Indenture will continue in full force and effect, unimpaired and undischarged, having the same perfection and priority for payment and performance of the obligations of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee as were in place under the Prior Master Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of their respective series of Net-Lease Mortgage Notes (collectively, the “ Notes ”), to be issued pursuant to this Indenture, and the Notes issuable under this Indenture

 



 

shall be issued in series (each, a “ Series ”), as from time to time may be created by supplements (each, a “ Series Supplement ”) to this Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with each Series of Notes issued under this Indenture, the applicable Issuers may enter into a Series Enhancement (as defined herein) that will provide credit enhancement or other protection for the Holders of a Series of Notes and the applicable Issuers will incur obligations under the terms of such Series Enhancements;

 

NOW THEREFORE, all things necessary to make the Notes, when the Notes are executed by the applicable Issuers and authenticated and delivered by the Indenture Trustee hereunder and duly issued by such Issuers, the valid and legally binding obligations of such Issuers enforceable in accordance with their terms, and to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of such Issuers enforceable in accordance with its terms, have been done.

 

GRANTING CLAUSE

 

Each of the Issuers hereby Grants to the Indenture Trustee on the applicable Series Closing Date, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders, all of such Issuer’s right, title and interest in and to all of such Issuer’s “accounts,” “deposit accounts,” “chattel paper,” “payment intangibles,” “commercial tort claims,” “supporting obligations,” “promissory notes,” “letter-of-credit rights,” “documents,” “goods,” “fixtures,” “general intangibles,” “instruments,” “inventory,” “equipment,” “investment property,” “proceeds” (as each of the foregoing terms is defined in the UCC), rights, interests and property (whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising) (individually, the “ Collateral ” and, collectively, the “ Collateral Pool ”), including the following: (i) fee title to, and, if applicable, ground lease interests in ground leases to, such Issuer’s Properties, (ii) each of the Leases with respect to such Properties and all payments required thereunder on and after the applicable Series Closing Date or Transfer Date, as applicable, (iii) the Mortgage Loans and all payments required thereunder on and after the applicable Series Closing Date or Transfer Date, (iv) all of such Issuer’s right, title and interest in all fixtures and reserves and escrows, if any, related to such Issuer’s Properties, (v) any guarantees of and security for the Tenants’ obligations under the Leases, including any security deposits thereunder, (vi) all of such Issuer’s rights under the applicable Guaranties, (vii) all of such Issuer’s rights (but none of its obligations) under the Purchase and Sale Agreements and the Collateral Agency Agreement, (viii) the Collection Account, the Release Account, the Lockbox Transfer Account, the DSCR Reserve Account, the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account, the Payment Account and any other accounts established under the Transaction Documents for purposes of receiving, retaining and distributing amounts received in respect of the Collateral Pool and making payments to the Holders of the Notes and making distributions to the Holders of the Issuer Interests, and all funds and Permitted Investments as may from time to time be deposited therein, (ix) all of such Issuer’s right, title and interest in and to a Series Enhancement, if any, (x) all present and future claims, demands and causes of action in respect of the foregoing, and (xi) all proceeds of the foregoing of every kind and nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all proceeds of the conversion thereof, voluntary or involuntary, into cash or other liquid property, all cash proceeds, accounts receivable, notes, drafts, acceptances, chattel paper, checks, deposit accounts, rights to payment of any and every kind and

 

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other forms of obligations and receivables, instruments and other property that at any time constitute all or part of or are included in the proceeds of the foregoing.

 

The foregoing Grants are made in trust to secure the payment of principal of and interest on, and any other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes, and to secure compliance with the provisions of this Indenture, all as provided in this Indenture and each Series Supplement.

 

GENERAL COVENANT

 

IT IS HEREBY COVENANTED AND DECLARED that the Notes are to be authenticated and delivered by the Indenture Trustee on the applicable Series Closing Dates (as defined herein), that the Collateral is to be held by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee and that moneys in or from the Collateral Pool are to be applied by the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders, subject to the further covenants, conditions and trusts hereinafter set forth, and each Issuer does hereby represent and warrant, and covenant and agree, to and with the Indenture Trustee, for the equal and proportionate benefit and security of each Noteholder, as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS

OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

Section 1.01    Definitions .

 

Whenever used in this Indenture, including in the Preliminary Statement, the Granting Clause and the General Covenant hereinabove set forth, the following words and phrases, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1.01 or, if not specified in this Section 1.01 , then in the Property Management Agreement.

 

3-Month Average DSCR ”: With respect to any Determination Date, the average of the Monthly DSCRs for such Determination Date and the two immediately preceding Determination Dates.

 

1939 Act ”: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules, regulations and published interpretations of the SEC promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

1940 Act ”: The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules, regulations and published interpretations of the SEC promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

Account Control Agreement ”: An agreement with respect to a deposit account or a securities account, in form and substance satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, pursuant to which the institution at which such account is maintained agrees to follow the instructions or entitlement orders, as the case may be, of the Indenture Trustee or, in certain instances, the Property Manager with respect thereto.

 

Accredited Investor ”: As defined in Section 2.01(b).

 

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Accrual Period ”: With respect to any Class of Notes, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Act ”: As defined in Section 12.05 .

 

Additional Master Lease Property ”: A Property that may be added to an existing Master Lease in the Collateral Pool on any Business Day that is not an Issuance Date, subject to satisfaction of the Master Lease Conditions.

 

Advance ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Affiliate ”: With respect to any specified Person, any other Person controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

Aggregate Allocated Loan Amount ”: The Aggregate Series Principal Balance.

 

Aggregate Collateral Value of Post-Closing Properties ”: The “Aggregate Collateral Value of Post-Closing Properties” specified in the most recently executed Series Supplement.

 

Aggregate Series Principal Balance ”: On any date of determination, the sum of all Series Principal Balances, in each case, as of such date of determination, after giving effect to any payments of principal on such date.

 

Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”: As defined in the Preliminary Statement.

 

Anticipated Repayment Date ” For any Series of Notes, the Anticipated Repayment Date for such Series of Notes, as specified in the related Series Supplement.

 

Applicable Laws ”: As defined in Section 10.04(a).

 

Applicable Paydown Percentage ”: With respect to any Series of Notes and as of any applicable Payment Date upon which Unscheduled Proceeds are paid pursuant to Section 2.11(b) and/or upon which a Voluntary Prepayment in part is made, a fraction expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the related Series Principal Balance subject to paydown and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Series Principal Balance before giving effect to any payment on such Payment Date.

 

Appraised Value ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Asbestos ”: Asbestos or any substance or material containing asbestos.

 

Authenticating Agent ”: As defined in Section 2.02(b).

 

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Authorized Officer ”: With respect to each Issuer, any person who is authorized to act for such Issuer and who is identified on the list delivered by such Issuer to the Indenture Trustee on the applicable Series Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter).

 

Authorized Persons ”: As defined in Section 5.03(r).

 

Available Amount ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Back-Up Fee ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Back-Up Manager ”: Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, or its successor in interest.

 

Book-Entry Custodian ”: Initially, the Indenture Trustee and thereafter, such other bank or trust company as the Indenture Trustee shall appoint pursuant to Section 2.06(a) .

 

Book-Entry Note ”: Any Note registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee.

 

Borrower ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Business Day ”: Any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed in New York, New York, Scottsdale, Arizona, or any other city in which the principal office of the Issuer, the primary servicing office of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer or the Indenture Trustee’s Office is located.

 

Cash ”: Coin or currency of the United States or immediately available federal funds, including such funds delivered by wire transfer.

 

Class ”: Collectively, all of the Notes of a particular Series that bear the same name and the same alphabetical and, if applicable, numerical class designations.

 

Code ”: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Collateral ”: As defined in the Granting Clause hereto.

 

Collateral Agency Agreement ”: The Amended and Restated Collateral Agency Agreement dated as of September 19, 2011, among the Collateral Agent, STORE Capital, STORE SPE Warehouse Funding, LLC, any other party that becomes a “Joining Party Lender” thereto (as such term is defined in therein), STORE Master Funding I, LLC, and any other Issuer that becomes a “Joining Party Issuer” thereto (as such term is defined in therein).

 

Collateral Agent ”: Citibank, N.A., a national banking association, in its capacity as collateral agent under this Indenture and the Collateral Agency Agreement, or its successor in interest, or any successor collateral agent appointed as provided in this Indenture and the Collateral Agency Agreement.

 

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Collateral Defect ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Collateral Pool ”: As defined in the Granting Clause hereto.

 

Collateral Pool Expenses ”: As defined in Section 2.11(b).

 

Collateral Transfer ”: Any voluntary or involuntary sale, transfer, exchange, conveyance, mortgage, grant, bargain, encumbrance, pledge, assignment, grant of any options with respect to, or any other transfer or disposition of (directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, and whether or not for consideration or of record), including but not limited to: (i) an installments sales agreement wherein an Issuer agrees to sell a related Mortgage Loan or Property or any part thereof for a price to be paid in installments or (ii) an agreement by an Issuer leasing all or a substantial part of a related Property for other than actual occupancy by a Tenant thereunder or a sale, assignment or other transfer of, or the grant of a security interest in, such Issuer’s right, title and interest in and to any Mortgagee Loans, Leases or any rents.

 

Collection Account ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Collection Period ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Condemnation Proceeds ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Control Person ”: With respect to any Person, any other Person that constitutes a “controlling person” within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act.

 

Controlling Party ”: With respect to any Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Custodian ”: U.S. Bank National Association or its successor in interest.

 

Custody Agreement ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest ”: With respect to any Payment Date and any Series of Notes, applicable accrued and unpaid Post-ARD Additional Interest from any prior Payment Date. For the avoidance of doubt, Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest will not bear interest.

 

Definitive Note ”: As defined in Section 2.01(b).

 

Department of Labor Regulations ”: Regulations at 29 C.F.R. 2510.3-101.

 

Depository ”: The Depository Trust Company or any successor depository hereafter named as contemplated by Section 2.06 . The nominee of the initial Depository, for purposes of registering such Notes that are Book-Entry Notes, is Cede & Co. The Depository shall at all times be a “clearing corporation” as defined in Section 8-102(4) of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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Depository Participant ”: A broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time the Depository effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Depository.

 

Determination Date ”: With respect to any Payment Date, the 7th day of the month in which such Payment Date occurs or, if such 7th day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately succeeding such 7th day.

 

Disposition Period : If any Series Principal Balance is greater than zero on its related Series Disposition Period Date, a period commencing on such Series Disposition Period Date and ending on the earlier of (i) the date upon which the Series Principal Balance is reduced to zero and (ii) the Rated Final Payment Date for such Series.

 

DSCR Reserve Account ”: The segregated trust account established by and in the name of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 2.18 hereof.

 

DSCR Sweep Period ”: A period that shall commence on any Determination Date for which the Monthly DSCR is less than or equal to 1.30 and an Early Amortization Period has not otherwise commenced or is not otherwise in effect, and shall continue until the Monthly DSCR is greater than 1.30 for three (3) consecutive Determination Dates.

 

Early Amortization Period ”: An Early Amortization Period will commence as of any Determination Date: (A) if the 3-Month Average DSCR as of such Determination Date is less than or equal to 1.20; provided , however , that such Early Amortization Period under this clause (A) shall continue until the 3-Month Average DSCR is greater than 1.20 for three (3) consecutive Determination Dates; (B) if an Event of Default, after giving effect to any grace period, shall have occurred and shall not have been cured or waived in accordance with the terms hereof; or (C) upon the occurrence of any other event upon which an Early Amortization Period shall have commenced, as specified in any Series Supplement.

 

Eligible Account ”: Any of (i) a segregated account maintained with a federal-or state-chartered depository institution or trust company, the long-term deposit or long-term unsecured debt obligations of which (or of such institution’s parent holding company) are rated “A-” or better by S&P, if the deposits are to be held in the account for more than 30 days, or the short-term deposit or short-term unsecured debt obligations of which (or of such institution’s parent holding company) are rated “A-1” by S&P if the deposits are to be held in the account for 30 days or less, in any event at any time funds are on deposit therein, (ii) a segregated trust account maintained with a federal- or state-chartered depository institution or trust company acting in its fiduciary capacity, which, in the case of a state-chartered depository institution or trust company is subject to regulations regarding fiduciary funds on deposit therein substantially similar to 12 C.F.R. § 9.10(b), and which, in either case, has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority, or (iii) any other account that is acceptable to the Rating Agencies (as evidenced by written confirmation from such Rating Agencies); provided, that in the event that any of the accounts no longer qualifies as an Eligible Account under this definition, the Issuers shall promptly, and in no event later than thirty (30) calendar days following such account failing to qualify as an Eligible

 

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Account, direct the Indenture Trustee to remit all funds in such account to a specified Eligible Account. Eligible Accounts may bear interest.

 

Embargoed Person ”: As defined in Section 2.19(u).

 

Environmental Laws ”: As defined in Section 10.08.

 

ERISA ”: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

Event of Default ”: As defined in Section 4.01.

 

Extraordinary Expense Cap ”: (A) With respect to the Extraordinary Expenses paid and payable each calendar year, an amount equal to the greater of (i) $250,000 per Series per calendar year and (ii) 0.07% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance (as of the Initial Closing Date and each anniversary thereof) per year and 1/12 of such amount per month (such amount as set forth on clause (i) or (ii) above to be cumulative for each month in a calendar year if not used, although any such cumulative amount will not be carried forward into the next calendar year) and (B) with respect to the aggregate Extraordinary Expenses paid and payable pursuant to this Indenture since the Initial Closing Date, an amount equal to $7,500,000.

 

Extraordinary Expenses ”: Unanticipated expenses required to be borne by the applicable Issuers, that consist of, among other things: (i) amounts incurred in connection with the transfer of the Loan Files, Lease Files and other administrative expenses related to the sale or transfer of the related Mortgage Loans and Properties by such Issuers; (ii) payments to the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, any applicable Hedge Counterparty, any Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Control Persons of amounts for certain expenses and liabilities as specified in this Indenture (including, but not limited to, Section 5.04(a)(2) ), the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, the applicable Limited Liability Company Agreements or any other agreement related thereto; (iii) payments for the advice of counsel and the cost of certain Opinions of Counsel; (iv) costs and expenses incurred in connection with environmental remediation with respect to any Property; and (v) certain indemnities that STORE Capital is obligated to pay but fails to pay under any Guaranty.

 

FDIC ”: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor.

 

Final Payment Date ”: With respect to any Class of Notes, the Payment Date on which the final payment on such Notes is made hereunder by reason of all principal, interest and other amounts due and payable on such Notes having been paid.

 

Foreclosure Proceeding ”: Any proceeding, non-judicial sale or power of sale or other proceeding (judicial or non-judicial) for the foreclosure, sale or assignment of any Mortgage Loan, Property or Lease or any other Collateral under any Mortgage.

 

Governmental Authority ”: means any (i) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government, (ii) governmental or quasi governmental entity of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), whether foreign or domestic, or (iii) body exercising or entitled to exercise any

 

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administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature, whether foreign or domestic, including any arbitral tribunal.

 

Grant ”: To mortgage, pledge, bargain, sell, warrant, alienate, demise, convey, assign, transfer, create and grant a security interest in and right of set-off against, deposit, set over and confirm. A Grant of Collateral shall include all rights, powers and options (but none of the obligations) of the granting party thereunder, including, without limitation, the immediate and continuing right to claim for, collect, receive and give receipt for principal and interest payments in respect of such Collateral and all other moneys and proceeds payable thereunder, to give and receive notices and other communications, to make waivers or other agreements, to exercise all rights and options, to bring Proceedings in the name of the granting party or otherwise, and generally to do and receive anything which the granting party is or may be entitled to do or receive thereunder or with respect thereto.

 

Guaranty ”: With respect to each Series of Notes, as defined in the related Series Supplement.

 

Hazardous Substances ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Hedge Agreement ”: With respect to any Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Hedge Counterparty ”: With respect to the applicable Class of any Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Hedge Counterparty Account ”: With respect to any Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Hybrid Lease ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Improvements ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Indenture ”: The Prior Master Indenture, as amended by this instrument as originally executed or as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, with respect to any Series, the related Series Supplement.

 

Indenture Trustee ”: Citibank, N.A., a national banking association, in its capacity as trustee under this Indenture, or its successor in interest, or any successor trustee appointed as provided in this Indenture.

 

Indenture Trustee Fee ” With respect to any Determination Date and each Series of Notes issued under this Indenture, an amount on a monthly basis equal to the product of (a) one-twelfth of the applicable Indenture Trustee Fee Rate and (b) the aggregate Outstanding Principal Balance of each Class of Notes in such Series of Notes as of such Determination Date.

 

Indenture Trustee Fee Rate : (i) With respect to each Series of Notes issued under this Indenture on or prior to May 6, 2014, the percentage set forth in the Series 2014-1

 

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Supplement dated as of May 6, 2014 and (ii) with respect to each other Series of Notes issued under this Indenture, the percentage set forth in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Indenture Trustee’s Office ”: The corporate trust office of the Indenture Trustee at which at any particular time its mortgage-backed securities trust business with respect to this Indenture shall be administered, which office at the date of the execution of this Indenture is located at (i) solely for purposes of the transfer, surrender or exchange of Notes, 480 Washington Boulevard, 30th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310, Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding, and (ii) for all other purposes, 388 Greenwich Street, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding, or at such other address as the Indenture Trustee or Note Registrar may designate from time to time.

 

Independent ”: When used with respect to any specified Person, any such Person who (i) is in fact independent of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and the related Issuer Member and any and all Affiliates thereof, (ii) does not have any direct financial interest in or any material indirect financial interest in any of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers, the related Issuer Member or any Affiliate thereof, and (iii) is not connected with the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers, the related Issuer Member or any Affiliate thereof as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director or Person performing similar functions; provided , however , that a Person shall not fail to be Independent of the Indenture Trustee or the Issuers or any related Issuer Member or any Affiliate thereof merely because such Person is the beneficial owner of 2% or less of any class of securities issued by the Indenture Trustee, any Issuer or any related Issuer Member or any Affiliate thereof, as the case may be. The Indenture Trustee may rely, in the performance of any duty hereunder, upon the statement of any Person contained in any certificate or opinion that such Person is Independent according to this definition.

 

Independent Director ”: As defined in Section 9.24.

 

IRB Hybrid Lease : Each Hybrid Lease subject to an industrial revenue bond and labeled as such in the related Series Supplement.

 

Initial Closing Date ”: The Series Closing Date of the first Series of Notes issued under the Original Master Indenture and related Series Supplement.

 

Initial Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Class of any Series of Notes, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Initial Purchaser ”: With respect to a Series of Notes, any Person named as such in the applicable Series Supplement or any successor thereto.

 

Insurance Rating Requirements ”: As defined in Section 2.21(m).

 

Insurance Schedule ”: As defined in Section 2.21(m).

 

Interested Person ”: Any Issuer, the related Issuer Member, the holder of any related Issuer Interest, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or an Affiliate of any such Person.

 

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Issuer ”: Each of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and STORE Master Funding V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and any other party designated as an “Issuer” in any Series Supplement, as the context may require. References to a “related” or “applicable” Issuer shall refer to the Issuer that owns the Collateral or has issued or co-issued the Notes being addressed.

 

Issuer Advances : As defined in Section 2.11(b).

 

Issuer Expense Cap ”: (A) With respect to the Issuer Expenses paid and payable each calendar year, an amount equal to 0.10% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance (as of the Initial Closing Date and each anniversary thereof) per year and 1/12 of such amount per month and (B) with respect to the aggregate Issuer Expenses paid and payable pursuant to this Indenture since the Initial Closing Date, an amount equal to $7,500,000; provided, that, upon written confirmation from each Rating Agency that such action will not result in the downgrade, qualification or withdrawal of its then current ratings of the Notes, the Issuer Expense Cap will be such higher amount as proposed by the Issuers.

 

Issuer Expenses ”: With respect to the Collateral Pool, the costs and expenses relating to the Collateral Pool for (i) general liability insurance policies maintained by the applicable Issuers as owners of the Properties, or such Issuers’ respective proportionate shares of premiums with respect to general liability insurance policies maintained by Affiliates of such Issuers, (ii) casualty insurance policies maintained by the applicable Issuers, or such Issuers’ respective proportionate shares of premiums with respect to casualty insurance policies maintained by Affiliates of such Issuers, to insure casualties not otherwise insured by any related Tenant due to a default by such Tenant under the insurance covenants of its Lease or because any related Tenant permitted to self-insure fails to pay for casualty losses, and (iii) certain state franchise taxes prohibited by the Leases or by law from being passed through by the applicable Issuers as lessor to a Tenant.

 

Issuer Interests ”: As defined in the Series Supplement.

 

Issuer Member ”: With respect to each Series of Notes, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Issuer Order ”: A written order signed in the name of an Issuer by (i) a Responsible Officer of the related Issuer, in his or her capacity as an officer of such Issuer or (ii) the Issuer Member.

 

Issuer Request ”: A written request signed in the name of an Issuer by (i) a Responsible Officer of the related Issuer, in his or her capacity as an officer of such Issuer or (ii) the Issuer Member.

 

Issuer’s Office ”: The principal office of any Issuer, located at the address provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of such Issuer.

 

Lease ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

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Lease Guaranty ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Lease File ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Legal Requirements ”: With respect to each Property, all federal, state, county, municipal and other governmental statutes, laws, rules, orders, regulations, ordinances, judgments, decrees and injunctions of Governmental Authorities affecting such Property or any part thereof, or the construction, use, alteration or operation thereof, or any part thereof, whether now or hereafter enacted and in force, and all permits, licenses and authorizations and regulations relating thereto.

 

Letter of Representations ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, the Letter of Representations, dated the applicable Series Closing Date, among the Depository and the applicable Issuers.

 

Lien ”: With respect to each Property, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, or any other encumbrance, charge or transfer of, on or affecting the Property, any portion thereof or any interest therein, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, the filing of any financing statement, and mechanic’s, materialmen’s and other similar liens and encumbrances.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”: With respect to each Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Liquidated Lease ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Liquidation Proceeds ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Loan File ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Lockbox Transfer Account ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Make Whole Amount ”: With respect to each Series, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Master Lease Addition Date ”: Any Business Day other than an Issuance Date on which an Additional Master Lease Property is added to the Collateral Pool.

 

Master Lease Addition Deliverables ”: With respect to each Additional Master Lease Property on each Master Lease Addition Date, each of the items enumerated in the definition of “Post-Closing Acquisition Deliverables”.

 

Master Lease Conditions ”: With respect to any Additional Master Lease Property proposed to be added to the Collateral Pool on any Master Lease Addition Date, the following conditions precedent:

 

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(a)                                  satisfaction of the Post-Closing Acquisition Conditions with respect to each Additional Master Lease Property on the applicable Master Lease Addition Date; and

 

(b)                                  such Additional Master Lease Property is subject to a Master Lease with one or more Properties that were included in the Collateral Pool prior to the related Master Lease Addition Date.

 

Material Action ”: With respect to any Issuer, to consolidate or merge such Issuer with or into any Person, or sell all or substantially all of the assets of such Issuer, or to institute proceedings to have such Issuer be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against such Issuer or file a petition seeking, or consent to, reorganization or relief with respect to such Issuer under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy, or consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of such Issuer or a substantial part of its property, or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors of such Issuer, or admit in writing such Issuer’s inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or take action in furtherance of any such action, or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, dissolve or liquidate such Issuer.

 

Maturity ”: With respect to any Note, the date as of which the principal of and interest on such Note has become due and payable as herein provided, whether on the Rated Final Payment Date, by acceleration or otherwise.

 

Maximum Property Concentrations ”: With respect to all Series of Notes, as defined in the most recent Series Supplement.

 

Monthly DSCR ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Monthly Lease Payment ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Monthly Loan Payment ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Mortgage ”: With respect to any Property, a mortgage (or deed of trust or deed to secure debt), assignment of leases and rents, security agreement and fixture filing or similar document executed by the applicable Issuer or Borrower, applicable, pursuant to which such Issuer or Borrower grants a lien on its interest in such Property in favor of the Collateral Agent or the initial lender of the lender of the related Mortgage Loan, as applicable.

 

Mortgage Loan ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Mortgage Loan Schedule ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Mortgage Note ” As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

New Issuance ”: As defined in Section 2.04(c).

 

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Nonrecoverable Advance ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Note ”: Any of the Issuers’ Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, executed, authenticated and delivered hereunder and under the related Series Supplements, substantially in the forms attached as Exhibit A hereto.

 

Note Interest ”: On any Payment Date for any Class of Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Note Rate for such Class, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of such Class before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date. The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Notes will be calculated on a 30/360 basis or actual/360 basis, as indicated in the applicable Series Supplement. The Note Interest with respect to the Series of Notes issued in accordance with the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement, the Series 2014-1 Supplement and any subsequent Series of Notes, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

Note Owner ”: With respect to a Book-Entry Note, the Person who is the beneficial owner of such Note as reflected on the books of the Depository, a Depository Participant or an indirect participating brokerage firm for which a Depository Participant acts as agent. With respect to a Definitive Note, the Person who is the holder of such Note as reflected on the Note Register.

 

Note Rate ”: With respect to any Class of Notes, the note interest rate specified in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Note Register ”: As defined in Section 2.05(a) .

 

Note Registrar ”: Initially, the Indenture Trustee and thereafter, such other bank or trust company as the Indenture Trustee shall appoint pursuant to Section 2.05(a) .

 

Note Transfer Restrictions ”: As defined in Section 2.05(m) .

 

Noteholder ” or “ Holder ”: With respect to any Note, the Person in whose name such Note is registered on the Note Register maintained pursuant to Section 2.05 . All references herein to “Noteholders” shall reflect the rights of Note Owners as they may indirectly exercise such rights through the Depository and the Depository Participants, except as otherwise specified herein; provided , however , that the parties hereto shall be required to recognize as a “Noteholder” or “Holder” only the Person in whose name a Note is registered in the Note Register as of the related Record Date.

 

Notice of Default ”: As defined in Section 5.02.

 

Original Master Indenture ”: As defined in the Preliminary Statement.

 

Originator ”: Any of STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of STORE Capital, or its affiliates that

 

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originally acquires Properties or Mortgage Loans pursuant to purchase agreements with third parties and thereafter transfers such Properties or Mortgage Loans to an Issuer.

 

OTS ”: Office of Thrift Supervision or any successor thereto.

 

Outstanding ”: When used with respect to Notes, means, as of any date of determination, any Note theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

(i)                              Notes theretofore canceled by the Note Registrar or delivered to the Note Registrar for cancellation (other than any Note as to which any amount that has become due and payable in respect thereof has not been paid in full); and

 

(ii)                           Notes in exchange for or in lieu of which other Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Note Registrar proof satisfactory to it that such Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Notes are valid obligations of the applicable Issuers;

 

provided , however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite amount or percentage have given any request, demand, authorization, vote, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Notes owned by an Interested Person shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding (other than with respect to a request for consent pursuant to Section 8.02 or unless any such Person or Persons owns all such Notes), except that, in determining whether the Indenture Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Notes which the Note Registrar knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes owned by an Interested Person which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Note Registrar in its sole discretion the pledgee’s right to act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not an Interested Person.

 

Outstanding Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Class of Notes and any date of determination, the applicable Initial Principal Balance less the sum of all principal payments actually distributed to the Holders of such Class as of such date of determination.

 

Owned Property Schedule ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Ownership Interest ”: As to any Note, any ownership or security interest in such Note as held by the Holder thereof and any other interest therein, whether direct or indirect, legal or beneficial, as owner or as pledgee.

 

Payment Account ”: The segregated account established in the name of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 2.10(a) .

 

Payment Date ”: The 20 th  day of each calendar month, or, if such 20 th  day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, commencing with respect to each Series on the date specified in the applicable Series Supplement, and with respect to any Voluntary Prepayment, the applicable Redemption Date as set forth in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

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Payoff Amount ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Percentage Interest ”: With respect to any Note, the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the initial principal balance of such Note on the applicable Series Closing Date as set forth on the face thereof, and the denominator of which is the Initial Principal Balance of the related Class of Notes on the applicable Series Closing Date.

 

Percentage Rent ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Permanent Regulation S Global Note ”: As defined in Section 2.01(c).

 

Permitted Encumbrances ”: With respect to any Property, collectively, (a) the Liens and security interests created by the Transaction Documents, (b) all Liens, encumbrances and other matters disclosed in the Title Insurance Policies relating to such Property or any part thereof, (c) Liens, if any, for taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority not yet delinquent, (d) Leases, (e) such other title and survey exceptions as are required by the Lease for such Property, and (f) such other easements, covenants, restrictions, rights-of-way and encumbrances as the applicable Issuer or the Property Manager has approved or may approve in writing in accordance with the Servicing Standard, which Permitted Encumbrances in the aggregate do not materially adversely affect the value or use or operation of such Property, the security intended to be provided by the related Mortgage or the Issuers’ ability to repay the Notes. If reasonably requested by the applicable Issuer or the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee shall join in the execution of a Permitted Encumbrance described in (e) and (f) above and subordinate the liens under the Transaction Documents to the same.

 

Permitted Investments ”: Any one or more of the following obligations or securities:

 

(i)                                      direct obligations of, or guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by, the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof provided that such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America;

 

(ii)                                   direct obligations of, or guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Farm Credit System, provided that any such obligation, at the time of purchase or contractual commitment providing for the purchase thereof, is qualified by any Rating Agency as an investment of funds backing securities rated “AAA” (or such comparable rating);

 

(iii)                                demand and time deposits in or certificates of deposit of, or bankers’ acceptances issued by, any bank or trust company, savings and loan association or savings bank fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which such bank, trust company, savings and loan association or savings bank shall have a rating of not less than A-2 from S&P;

 

(iv)                               repurchase obligations collateralized at 102% by any security described in clause (i) or (ii) above entered into with a depository institution or trust company (acting as principal) described in clause (iii) above; and

 

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(v)                                  such other obligations as the Issuers consent to in writing and would not cause a downgrade of the Notes.

 

Permitted Materials ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Person ”: Any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, joint-stock company, estate, trust, association, unincorporated organization, or any federal, state, county or municipal government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Plan ”: Any one of: (i)(A) an “employee benefit plan”, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA, or (B) a “plan”, as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, that is subject to the provisions of Section 4975 of the Code; (ii) an entity whose underlying assets include assets of any such employee benefit plan or plan as set forth in clause (i) of this definition by reason of an investment in such entity by such employee benefit plan or plan; or (iii) a governmental or church plan that is subject to any federal, state or local law that is materially similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest ”: On any Payment Date on or after the Anticipated Repayment Date of any applicable Class of Notes, the interest accrued at the applicable Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate from and after such Payment Date on the Outstanding Principal Balance of such Class determined prior to giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”: With respect to any applicable Class of Notes, the note interest rate specified in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Conditions ”: With respect to each Post-Closing Property on each Post-Closing Acquisition Date, the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                  receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers (upon which the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely with no liability therefor), dated as of the applicable Post-Closing Acquisition Date, in the form of Exhibit G-1 attached hereto, certifying to the following, and a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee has no actual knowledge that anything contained therein is untrue:

 

(i)                                      no Early Amortization Period or DSCR Sweep Period is continuing and the acquisition of the Post-Closing Properties will not result in the occurrence of an Early Amortization Period or a DSCR Sweep Period;

 

(ii)                                   based on the facts known to the Person executing such Officer’s Certificate, the Issuers reasonably believe that no uncured Event of Default is continuing as of the applicable Post-Closing Acquisition Date and the acquisition of the related Post-Closing Properties will not result in the occurrence of an Event of Default;

 

(iii)                                each Issuer is a solvent, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote entity;

 

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(iv)                               the representations and warranties of the Issuers made pursuant to this Indenture with respect to the Post-Closing Properties are true and correct as of the Post-Closing Acquisition Date;

 

(v)                                  all Post-Closing Acquisition Deliverables have been delivered to the Custodian as of the applicable Post-Closing Acquisition Date or such Post-Closing Acquisition Deliverables are addressed by a certification from counsel to the Issuers in the form of Exhibit G-3 attached hereto;

 

(vi)                               each of the UCC Financing Statements (in the form of the UCC Financing Statements delivered in the ordinary course with respect to the Issuers’ Properties), including those (A) to the extent required by the jurisdiction in which the Post-Closing Property is located, which, upon filing, perfect the Indenture Trustee’s security interest in each such Post-Closing Property for the benefit of the Noteholders and (B) that relate to the termination of any applicable liens with respect to each such Post-Closing Property, have been delivered to the applicable title insurance company with appropriate direction to file such UCC Financing Statements in connection with the acquisition of the Post-Closing Properties; and

 

(vii)                            each Post-Closing Property satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Post-Closing Property.

 

(b)                                  receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate from STORE Capital (upon which the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely with no liability therefor), dated as of the applicable Post-Closing Acquisition Date, in the form of Exhibit G-2 attached hereto, certifying that (i) the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions to be complied with and performed by STORE Capital pursuant to the Transaction Documents have been complied with and performed in all material respects and (ii) each of the representations and warranties of STORE Capital contained in the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as though expressly made on and as of the Post-Closing Acquisition Date;

 

(c)                                   receipt by the Indenture Trustee and the Custodian of a certification from counsel to the Issuers, dated as of the Post-Closing Acquisition Date and in form and substance of Exhibit G-3 attached hereto, that each of the items required to be delivered pursuant to this Indenture and the Custody Agreement in connection with the acquisition of a Post-Closing Property has been duly delivered in the form and substance required therein or, to the extent such documents have not been so delivered, that (i) such documents are in the possession of the related title company and such title company has been instructed to record or file such documents, as applicable, or (ii) such counsel has such documents in its possession and is acting as the document agent on behalf of the Custodian and the Noteholders with respect thereto and that such documents will be delivered as required pursuant to this Indenture and the Custody Agreement; and

 

(d)                                  receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a receipt and certification of the Custodian in accordance with the Custody Agreement with respect to such Post-Closing Property.

 

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Post-Closing Acquisition Date ”: Any Business Day on or after the related Series Closing Date through and including the related Post-Closing Acquisition Deadline.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Deadline ”: With respect to each Series, as defined in the related Series Supplement.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Deliverables ”: With respect to each Post-Closing Property on each Post-Closing Acquisition Date, the following items:

 

(a)                                  a Lease File with respect to such Post-Closing Property containing all components of a Lease File;

 

(b)                                  Opinions of Counsel from counsel to the Issuers, each dated as of the applicable Post-Closing Acquisition Date, relating to the Indenture Trustee’s security interest created by, and enforceability of, the related Mortgages, including, if applicable, perfection of the Indenture Trustee’s security interest in fixtures in the related Post-Closing Property;

 

(c)                                   a duly executed copy of the applicable purchase and sale agreement, or other similar agreement, evidencing transfer of such Post-Closing Property to the related Issuer;

 

(d)                                  a payoff letter, title company escrow letter, or other similar documentation for such Post-Closing Property providing, among other things, that any prior lien on such Post-Closing Property will be released upon payment in full of the indebtedness outstanding under each applicable purchase and sale agreement; and

 

(e)                                   the following documents: (a) to the extent available, an updated or amended “tie-in” or similar endorsement, together with a “first loss” endorsement, (i) to each title insurance policy insuring the lien of the existing Mortgages as of the Post-Closing Acquisition Date, (ii) to each title insurance policy insuring the lien of the Mortgages with respect to each Post-Closing Property and (iii) providing that any leases of record are subordinate to the relevant Mortgage, and (b) a title insurance policy (or a marked, signed and redated commitment or pro forma policy to issue such title insurance policy) insuring the lien of the Mortgage encumbering each Post-Closing Property, issued by the title company that issued the title insurance policies insuring the lien of the existing Mortgages and dated as of the date of the Post-Closing Acquisition Date that contains such endorsements and affirmative coverages as are then available and are contained in the title insurance policies insuring the liens of the existing Mortgages, and such other endorsements or affirmative coverage that a prudent institutional mortgage lender would require.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Notice ”: As defined in Section 12.19(b).

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Remittance Amount ”: With respect to each Post-Acquisition Closing Date, the amount to be remitted by the Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 12.19 hereof, which such amount shall be no greater than 75% of the related Aggregate Collateral Value of Post-Closing Properties.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account ”: The segregated trust account established by and in the name of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 12.19 hereof.

 

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Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Amount ”: With respect to any Class of Notes, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Unused Proceeds ”: As defined in Section 12.19 herein.

 

Post-Closing Property ”: A Property or Hybrid Lease acquired by an Issuer with amounts on deposit in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account that, on such Post-Closing Acquisition Date, (i) complies, in all material respects, with all of the applicable representations and warranties hereunder (with each date therein referring to the relevant Post-Closing Acquisition Date), (ii) is leased to a Tenant or Tenants whose Unit FCCR, Master Lease FCCR or Hybrid Lease FCCR is greater than or equal to 1.25x, (iii) has, or is leased pursuant to a Lease that has, a remaining term that will not cause the weighted average remaining term of the Collateral Pool to decrease by more than three (3) months, (iv) if the Tenant thereon or any third party has an option to purchase such Post-Closing Property, the contractual amount of such Third Party Option Price is not less than what the Allocated Loan Amount of such Post-Closing Property would be after being acquired by the Issuer, (v) is leased to a Tenant or Tenants whose Unit FCCR will not cause the Weighted Average Unit FCCR of the Collateral Pool to decrease by more than 0.05, (vi) is, or is leased pursuant to, a “triple-net” lease, (vii) has an appraisal meeting the requirements set forth in the definition of Appraised Value that was obtained no more than (12) months prior to the relevant Post-Closing Acquisition Date, (viii) is leased to a Tenant or Tenants whose lease rate will not cause the weighted average lease rate of the Collateral Pool to decrease by more than 0.10 and (ix) after giving effect to the acquisition of such Property or Hybrid Lease by the related Issuer, either (A) a Maximum Property Concentration is not exceeded, or (B) if, prior to such acquisition, an existing Maximum Property Concentration is already exceeded, the addition of such Post-Closing Property will reduce the Maximum Property Concentration or such Maximum Property Concentration will remain unchanged after giving effect to such acquisition.

 

Principal Terms ”: With respect to any Series: (i) the name or designation of such Series; (ii) the initial principal amount of the Notes to be issued for such Series; (iii) the interest rate to be paid with respect to such Series (or method for the determination thereof); (iv) the Mortgage Loans and Properties pledged to the Indenture Trustee in connection with such Series; (v) the designation of any Series Accounts and the terms governing the operation of any such Series Accounts; (vi) the terms of any form of Series Enhancement with respect to such Series; (vii) the Rated Final Payment Date for the Series; and (viii) such other terms and provisions as may be specified in the applicable Series Supplement with respect to the related Notes and the Collateral Pool.

 

Prior Master Indenture ”: As defined in the Preliminary Statement.

 

Proceeding ”: Any suit in equity, action at law or other judicial or administrative proceeding.

 

Property ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

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Property Management Agreement ”: The Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Capital, as the Property Manager and Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee, the Back-up Manager and any joining party thereto, each such joining party as an Issuer, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Property Management Fee ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Property Manager ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Purchase and Sale Agreements ”: Collectively (i) the Loan Purchase Agreements and Purchase Agreements between the applicable Originator and the applicable Issuer, pursuant to which such Issuer acquires Mortgage Loans, Hybrid Lease loan components and Properties, as applicable, from the applicable Originator and (ii) the Purchase Agreements, if any, between the applicable Originator and certain third parties, the rights of which are assigned by the applicable Originator from time to time to an Issuer.

 

Qualified Institutional Buyer ”: A “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A.

 

Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Qualified Substitute Loan ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Qualified Substitute Property ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Rated Final Payment Date ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, the date specified in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Rating Agency ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, each nationally recognized statistical rating organization that has been requested by the applicable Issuers to assign a rating to a Class of such Series.

 

Rating Condition ”: With respect to any action or event or proposed action or event, will be satisfied by each Rating Agency then rating any existing Series of Notes confirming in writing that such action or event or proposed action or event will not result in the downgrade, qualification or withdrawal of such Rating Agency’s then current ratings of such Notes.

 

Record Date ”: As to any Payment Date with respect to Book-Entry Notes, the Business Day immediately preceding such Payment Date. As to any Payment Date with respect

 

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to Definitive Notes, the last Business Day of the prior calendar month or, in the case of the initial Payment Date for any Series, the applicable Series Closing Date.

 

Recorded Covenants ”: With respect to a Property, all covenants, agreements, restrictions and encumbrances contained in any instruments recorded against the same or any part thereof, including, without limitation, any which may (a) require repairs, modifications or alterations in or to such Property or any part thereof, or (b) in any way limit the use and enjoyment thereof.

 

Redemption Date ” As defined in Section 7.01.

 

Regulation S ”: Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Regulation S Global Note ”: As defined in Section 2.01(c).

 

Release Account ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Remedial Work ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Requisite Global Majority ”: The Noteholders representing more than 66 2/3% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance.

 

Resolution ”: With respect to any Issuer, a copy of a resolution certified by an Authorized Officer of the applicable Issuer Member, to have been duly adopted by such Issuer Member to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

 

Responsible Officer ”: With respect to the Indenture Trustee, any officer of the Indenture Trustee assigned to its Corporate Trust Services Group, customarily performing functions with respect to corporate trust matters and having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter under this Indenture, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, in each case, having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture; and, with respect to the Issuers and the Issuer Member, any officer or number of officers or other Person or number of Persons duly authorized to perform the indicated action on behalf of such Person.

 

Restricted Global Note ”: As defined in Section 2.01(b).

 

Restricted Period ”: With respect to the Notes of any Series, the period of time to and including 40 days after the later of (a) the date upon which such Notes were first offered to any Persons (other than distributors) in reliance upon Regulation S and (b) the applicable Series Closing Date.

 

Rule 144A ”: Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 501(a) ”: Rule 501(a) promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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S&P ”: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

Scheduled Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and each Series, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid Scheduled Principal Payment or portion thereof for such Series from any prior Payment Date plus (b) the product of (i) (A) the related Scheduled Series Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Series Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Series Principal Balance immediately prior to such Payment Date (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date), minus the amounts specified in clause (a)  of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the related Scheduled Series Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Series Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Payment Date and any Series of Notes, as defined in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

SEC ”: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”: As defined in the Preliminary Statement.

 

Securities Act ”: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules, regulations and published interpretations of the SEC promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

Series ”: Any series of Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Series Account ”: Any account described in a related Series Supplement as established in the name of the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the related Noteholders.

 

Series Available Amount ”: As defined in Section 2.11(b).

 

Series Closing Date ”: With respect to any Series, the closing date specified in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Series Disposition Period Date ”: With respect to each Series of Notes, as defined in the related Series Supplement.

 

Series Enhancement ”: The rights and benefits provided to the applicable Issuers or the Noteholders of any Series or Class pursuant to any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, reserve account, spread account, guaranteed rate agreement, letter of credit, surety bond, financial guaranty insurance, interest rate protection agreement or other similar agreement. Series Enhancement shall also refer to any agreements, instruments or documents governing the terms of the enhancements mentioned in the previous sentence or under which they are issued, where the context makes sense. The subordination of any Class to another Class shall be deemed to be a Series Enhancement.

 

Series Enhancer ”: The Person or Persons providing any Series Enhancement, other than (except to the extent otherwise provided with respect to any Series in the related

 

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Series Supplement) the Noteholders of any Class of any Series which is subordinated to another Class of such Series.

 

Series Note ”: Any one of the Notes with the same Series designation, executed by the applicable Issuers and authenticated by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee.

 

Series Principal Balance ”: For any date of determination and any Series, the sum of the Outstanding Principal Balances of each Class of Notes of such Series.

 

Series Supplement ”: With respect to any Series, a supplement to this Indenture, executed and delivered in connection with the original issuance of the Notes of such Series under Section 2.04 hereof, including all amendments thereof and supplements thereto.

 

Series Transaction Documents ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, any and all of the related Series Supplement, any related supplements or amendments to the Transaction Documents, documents related to any applicable Series Enhancement, if any, and any and all other agreements, documents and instruments executed and delivered by or on behalf or in support of the applicable Issuers with respect to the issuance and sale of such Series of Notes, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented or renewed.

 

Servicing Standard ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Special Servicer ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Special Servicing Fee ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Specially Managed Unit ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

STORE Capital ”: STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, or its successor in interest.

 

Sub-Manager ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Successor Person ”: As defined in Section 9.08(a)(i).

 

Support Provider ”: With respect to each Series of Notes, STORE Capital as support provider under the Guaranty.

 

Tax Opinion ”: An Opinion of Counsel in respect of Taxes.

 

Taxes ”: As defined in Section 9.03(a) .

 

Temporary Regulation S Global Note ”: As defined in Section 2.01(b).

 

Tenant ”: With respect to each Lease, the tenant under such Lease and any successor or assign thereof.

 

Third Party Purchase Option ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

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Transaction Documents ”: This Indenture, the Property Management Agreement, the Hedge Agreements, the Limited Liability Company Agreements and other organizational documents of the Issuers, each Account Control Agreement, the Guaranties, the Collateral Agency Agreement, the Custody Agreement and other Series Transaction Documents specified in the related Series Supplement.

 

Transfer ”: Any direct or indirect transfer, sale, pledge, hypothecation or other form of assignment of any Ownership Interest in a Note.

 

Transfer Date ”: The date on which a Property or Mortgage Loan is acquired by the applicable Issuer.

 

Transfer-Restricted Note ”: As defined in Section 2.05(m).

 

Treasury Regulations ”: Temporary, final or proposed regulations (to the extent that by reason of their proposed effective date such proposed regulations would apply to the Issuers) of the United States Department of the Treasury.

 

Trustee Report ”: As defined in Section 6.01(a).

 

Unscheduled Principal Payment ”: On any Payment Date, the Unscheduled Proceeds deposited into the Collection Account for such Payment Date.

 

Unscheduled Proceeds ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

U.S. Person ”: As defined in Regulation S.

 

Voluntary Prepayment ”: Any voluntary prepayment of any Class of Notes, in whole but not in part, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 7.01 .

 

Section 1.02                   Rules of Construction .

 

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)                                  the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

 

(2)                                  all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the terms “generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder means such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States;

 

(3)                                  the word “including” shall be construed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

 

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(4)                                  article and section headings are for the convenience of the reader and shall not be considered in interpreting this Indenture or the intent of the parties hereto;

 

(5)                                  the definition of or any reference to any agreement, document or instrument herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, document or instrument as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified;

 

(6)                                  references to any law, constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule or ordinance, including any section or other part thereof, shall refer to such law, constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule or ordinance as amended from time to time, and shall include any successor thereto;

 

(7)                                  references herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns;

 

(8)                                  the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular article, section or other subdivision; and

 

(9)                                  the pronouns used herein are used in the masculine and neuter genders but shall be construed as feminine, masculine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

ARTICLE II

 

THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01                          Forms; Denominations .

 

(a)                                  Each Series of Notes shall be designated as the “Net-Lease Mortgage Notes”. The Notes may be issued with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon consistent herewith, as determined by the officers executing such Notes, as evidenced by their execution thereof. Any portion of the text of any Note may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Note. The number of Series of Notes which may be created by this Indenture is not limited.

 

(b)                                  Forms of Notes .

 

(i)                              Except as set forth in Section 2.01(b)(ii) below and as otherwise set forth in the related Series Supplement, the Notes of each Class in a Series, upon original issuance, shall be issued as Book-Entry Notes in substantially the form of (i) a global note without interest coupons representing the Notes of such Class sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers, in substantially the form of Exhibit A-1 hereto, with such applicable legends as may be set forth in such exhibit (the “ Restricted Global Note ”),

 

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and (ii) a temporary global note without interest coupons representing the Notes of such Class sold in “offshore transactions” (within the meaning of Regulation S) to non-U.S. Persons in reliance on Regulation S, in substantially the form of Exhibit A-2 hereto, with such applicable legends as may be set forth in such exhibit (the “ Temporary Regulation S Global Note ”).

 

(ii)                           Notes held as of the related Series Closing Date by an Issuer or an Affiliate of an Issuer may be issued initially in the form of certificated notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons in substantially the form of Exhibit A-3 hereto, with such applicable legends as may be set forth in such exhibit (each, a “ Definitive Note ”) which shall be registered in the name of the beneficial owner or nominee thereof, duly executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee as hereinafter provided.

 

(iii)                        Each Class of Notes will be issuable only in denominations of not less than $100,000 and in integral multiples of $1 in excess thereof or as otherwise specified in the applicable Series Supplement. Each Note will be registered on issuance in the names of the initial Noteholders thereof.

 

(c)                                   After such time as the Restricted Period shall have terminated, and subject to the receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-4 hereto (subject to Section 12.03 ), beneficial interests in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of beneficial interest in a permanent global note without interest coupons (a “ Permanent Regulation S Global Note ” and, together with the Temporary Regulation S Global Notes, the “ Regulation S Global Notes ”), substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 hereto, with such applicable legends as may be set forth in such exhibit. Upon any exchange of any beneficial interest in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note for a beneficial interest in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note, (i) such Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall be endorsed by the Indenture Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed and (ii) such Permanent Regulation S Global Note shall be endorsed by the Indenture Trustee to reflect the increase of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such Permanent Regulation S Global Note shall be increased for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.

 

(d)                                  Each Restricted Global Note will be deposited with the Book-Entry Custodian and registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee thereof. Each Regulation S Global Note will be deposited with the Book-Entry Custodian and registered in the name of the Depository or a nominee thereof for the accounts of Clearstream Banking, société anonyme , or its successors, and/or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, or its successors. Each Definitive Note will be delivered to and registered in the name of the applicable Noteholder.

 

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Section 2.02                             Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating .

 

(a)                                  The Notes of each Series shall be executed by manual or facsimile signature on behalf of the applicable Issuers by any Authorized Officers of such Issuers. Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the Authorized Officers of such applicable Issuers shall be entitled to all benefits under this Indenture, subject to the following sentence, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of such Notes. No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture, or be valid for any purpose, unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein, executed by the Indenture Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate of authentication upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. All Notes shall be dated the respective dates of their authentication.

 

(b)                                  At the election of the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee may appoint one or more agents (each, an “ Authenticating Agent ”) with power to act on its behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication of Notes in connection with transfers and exchanges under Sections 2.05 and 2.07 , as fully to all intents and purposes as though each such Authenticating Agent had been expressly authorized under those Sections to authenticate the Notes. For all purposes of this Indenture, the authentication of Notes by an Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be the authentication of such Notes “by the Indenture Trustee.” The Indenture Trustee shall be the initial Authenticating Agent.

 

Any corporation, bank, trust company or association into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation, bank, trust company or association resulting from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation, bank, trust company or association succeeding to the corporate trust business of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent hereunder, without the execution or filing of any further act on the part of the parties hereto or such Authenticating Agent or such successor corporation, bank, trust company or association.

 

Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers. The Indenture Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and the Issuers. Upon receiving such notice of resignation or upon such a termination, the Indenture Trustee may promptly appoint a successor Authenticating Agent, and give written notice of such appointment to the Issuers and to the Noteholders. Upon the resignation or termination of the Authenticating Agent and prior to the appointment of a successor, the Indenture Trustee shall act as Authenticating Agent.

 

Each Authenticating Agent shall be entitled to all limitations on liability, rights of reimbursement and indemnities that the Indenture Trustee is entitled to hereunder as if it were the Indenture Trustee.

 

(c)                                   The Indenture Trustee shall upon Issuer Request authenticate and deliver Notes of each Series for original issue in an aggregate amount equal to the initial Outstanding Principal Balance for each related Class as set forth in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

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Section 2.03                             [Reserved] .

 

Section 2.04                             The Notes Generally; New Issuances .

 

(a)                                  Each Note of a particular Class shall rank pari passu with each other Note of such Class and be equally and ratably secured by the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool. All Notes of a particular Class shall be substantially identical except as to denominations and as expressly permitted in this Indenture.

 

(b)                                  This Indenture, together with the related Mortgages, shall evidence a continuing lien on and security interest in the Collateral Granted hereunder or subsequently included in the Collateral Pool to secure the full payment of the principal, interest and other amounts on the Notes of all Series, which shall in all respects be equally and ratably secured hereby for payment as provided herein, and without preference, priority or distinction on account of the actual time or times of the authentication and delivery of the Notes of any Class with respect to any Series, all in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture and each Series Supplement.

 

(c)                                   Pursuant to one or more Series Supplements, the applicable Issuers may, from time to time, direct the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of such Issuers, to issue one or more new Series of Notes (a “ New Issuance ”). The Notes of all outstanding Series shall be equally and ratably entitled as provided herein to the benefits of this Indenture without preference, priority or distinction on account of the actual time of the authentication and delivery of any such Notes, all in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture and each Series Supplement.

 

On or before the Series Closing Date relating to any New Issuance, the applicable Issuers shall execute and deliver a Series Supplement which shall specify the Principal Terms with respect to such Series. The Indenture Trustee shall execute the Series Supplement, the applicable Issuers shall execute the Notes of such Series and the Notes of such Series shall be delivered to the Indenture Trustee for authentication and delivery.

 

(d)                                  The issuance of the first Series of Notes (which Series shall be issued pursuant to a Series Supplement dated as of the Initial Closing Date) shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(i)                              receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Issuer Order authorizing the execution and authentication of such Notes;

 

(ii)                           receipt by the Indenture Trustee of the Transaction Documents and the related Series Transaction Documents duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and being in full force and effect, free of any breach or waiver;

 

(iii)                        all Lease Files and Loan Files with respect to the Collateral Pool, as set forth herein, shall have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee or a custodian on its behalf together with all UCC Financing Statements, documents of similar import in other jurisdictions, and other documents reasonably necessary to perfect the Indenture

 

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Trustee’s security interest in such Collateral for the benefit of the Noteholders of all Series;

 

(iv)                       receipt by the Indenture Trustee of Opinions of Counsel, (A) relating to the corporate and enforceability matters, as well as securities law matters, reasonably acceptable to the related Initial Purchasers and their counsel; (B) relating to the perfection and priority of the Indenture Trustee’s security interest; (C) relating to the consolidation of the assets and liabilities of the applicable Issuer in a bankruptcy proceeding that involves such Issuer, the related Issuer Member or STORE Capital; (D) relating to the characterization of the particular Class of Notes indicated in the related Series Supplement as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (E) all opinions relating to enforceability of the related Mortgage; and (F) any other opinion required under the related Series Supplement;

 

(v)                          receipt by the Indenture Trustee of copies of letters signed by each applicable Rating Agency confirming that each Class of Notes has been given the ratings as indicated in the related Series Supplement;

 

(vi)                       any applicable Issuer, if it has not done so for any previously issued Series, has delivered a certificate of such Issuer to the Indenture Trustee, dated the applicable Series Closing Date, to the effect that such Issuer is a solvent, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote entity; and

 

(vii)                    receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate from the applicable Issuer, upon which the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to fully rely and shall not have any liability for so relying, stating that the conditions precedent to such issuance have been fulfilled.

 

(e)                                   The issuance of the Notes of any Series other than the first Series of Notes shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(i)                              receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Issuer Order authorizing the execution and authentication of such Notes;

 

(ii)                           receipt by the Indenture Trustee of the Transaction Documents and the related Series Transaction Documents duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and being in full force and effect, free of any breach or waiver;

 

(iii)                        if required by the related Series Supplement, delivery to the Indenture Trustee of the form of any Series Enhancement and all accompanying agreements with respect thereto and satisfaction of any other requirements set forth in such Series Supplement;

 

(iv)                       all Lease Files and Loan Files with respect to the Collateral Pool, as set forth herein, shall have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee or a custodian on its behalf together with all UCC Financing Statements, documents of similar import in other jurisdictions, and other documents reasonably necessary to perfect the Indenture

 

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Trustee’s security interest in such Collateral for the benefit of the Noteholders of all Series;

 

(v)                          each Rating Agency then rating any existing Series of Notes shall have confirmed in writing that such issuance will not result in the downgrade, qualification or withdrawal of the higher of (A) the then current rating of such Notes and (B) the rating of such Notes at the time of the original issuance thereof;

 

(vi)                       receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such New Issuance (x) will not adversely affect the tax characterization of the Class of Notes of any outstanding Series that was characterized as debt at the time of its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (y) will not cause any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly-traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and (z) will not cause or constitute an event in which any U.S. federal income tax gain or loss would be recognized by any Noteholder or any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series;

 

(vii)                    receipt by the Indenture Trustee of Opinions of Counsel, (A) relating to corporate and enforceability matters, as well as securities law matters reasonably acceptable to the related Initial Purchasers; (B) relating to the perfection and priority of the Indenture Trustee’s security interest; (C) (i) relating to the consolidation of the assets of the applicable Issuers in a bankruptcy proceeding that involves any such Issuer, the related Issuer Member or STORE Capital and (ii) if any Collateral is being assigned to an Issuer by an Affiliate of such Issuer in connection with the issuance of such Series, related to true sale matters with respect to such Collateral; (D) relating to the characterization of any Class of Notes indicated in the related Series Supplement as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (E) all opinions relating to enforceability of the related Mortgage; and (F) any other opinion required under the related Series Supplement;

 

(viii)                 receipt by the Indenture Trustee of copies of letters signed by each applicable Rating Agency confirming that each other Class of Notes has been given the then-current ratings by such Rating Agencies;

 

(ix)                       any applicable Issuer, if it has not done so for any previously issued Series, has delivered a certificate of such Issuer to the Indenture Trustee, dated the applicable Series Closing Date, to the effect that such Issuer is a solvent, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote entity;

 

(x)                          the Rated Final Payment Date with respect to such Notes shall be no earlier than the earliest Rated Final Payment Date with respect to any issued Series of Notes;

 

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(xi)                       no Early Amortization Period is continuing at the time of such issuance and such issuance will not result in the occurrence of an Early Amortization Period;

 

(xii)                    such New Issuance shall not result in the occurrence of an Event of Default and the Issuers have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the applicable Series Closing Date (upon which the Indenture Trustee may rely), to the effect that (1) based on the facts known to the Person executing such Officer’s Certificate, the Issuers reasonably believe that no uncured Event of Default is continuing at the time of such New Issuance and that such New Issuance shall not result in the occurrence of an Event of Default and (2) all conditions precedent to such execution, authentication and delivery have been satisfied;

 

(xiii)                 receipt by the Indenture Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate from each applicable Issuer, upon which the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to fully rely and shall not have any liability for so relying, stating that the conditions precedent to such issuance have been fulfilled; and

 

(xiv)                any additional conditions as set forth in the related Series Supplement.

 

Section 2.05                             Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Notes .

 

(a)                                  At all times during the term of this Indenture, there shall be maintained at the office of the Note Registrar a “ Note Register ” in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as the Note Registrar may prescribe, the Note Registrar shall provide for the registration of Notes and of transfers and exchanges of Notes as herein provided. The offices of the Note Registrar shall be initially located (as of the date hereof) at Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding. The Indenture Trustee is hereby initially appointed (and hereby agrees to act in accordance with the terms hereof) as “ Note Registrar ” for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers and exchanges of Notes as herein provided. The Indenture Trustee may appoint, by a written instrument delivered to the Issuers, any other bank or trust company to act as Note Registrar under such conditions as the predecessor Indenture Trustee may prescribe; provided , that the Indenture Trustee shall not be relieved of any of its duties or responsibilities hereunder by reason of such appointment. If the Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed in accordance with the terms hereof, the successor trustee shall immediately succeed to its predecessor’s duties as Note Registrar. The Issuers, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to inspect the Note Register or to obtain a copy thereof at all reasonable times, and to rely conclusively upon a certificate of the Note Registrar as to the information set forth in the Note Register. Upon written request of any Noteholder made for purposes of communicating with other Noteholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture, the Note Registrar shall promptly furnish such Noteholder with a list of the other Noteholders of record identified in the Note Register at the time of the request.

 

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(b)                                  No Transfer of any Note or interest therein shall be made unless that Transfer is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and effective registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws, or is made in a transaction that does not require such registration or qualification. No purported Transfer of any interest in any Note or any portion thereof which is not made in accordance with this Section 2.05 shall be given effect by or be binding upon the Indenture Trustee and any such purported Transfer shall be null and void ab initio and vest in the transferee no rights against the Collateral Pool or the Indenture Trustee.

 

None of the Issuers or any other person shall be obligated to register or qualify any Notes under the Securities Act or any other securities law or to take any action not otherwise required under this Indenture to permit the transfer of any Note or interest therein without registration or qualification.

 

By its acceptance of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein, each Holder and Note Owner, respectively, will be deemed to have represented and agreed (or, in the case of Definitive Notes, shall represent and agree) that the Transfer thereof is restricted and agrees that it shall Transfer such Note or Ownership Interest only in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Note (including the legends applicable thereto) and in compliance with applicable law.

 

(c)                                   A Noteholder or Note Owner may exchange or Transfer a Book-Entry Note or Ownership Interest therein only in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i)                                        No Transfer of any Book-Entry Note or an Ownership Interest therein shall be made unless such Transfer is made to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in reliance on Rule 144A or in an “offshore transaction” (within the meaning of Regulation S) to a non-U.S. Person in reliance on Regulation S, and pursuant to exemption, registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws. The Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon the representations made or deemed made by each transferee pursuant to this Section 2.05 , and shall have no duty to undertake any investigation or verify that any Transfer satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.

 

(ii)                                     Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note during Restricted Period . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Restricted Global Note wishes at any time during the Restricted Period to exchange its interest in such Restricted Global Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Note, or to Transfer such Restricted Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Regulation S Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Holder or Note Owner may, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Restricted Global Note for a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein with an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee of such Note or Ownership Interest (stating that such transferee is a non-U.S. Person and the exchange or Transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to such Notes and in accordance with Regulation S),

 

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the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Global Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby), the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Regulation S Global Note) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Global Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(iii)                                  Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note after the Expiration of Restricted Period . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Restricted Global Note wishes at any time after the expiration of the Restricted Period to exchange its interest in such Restricted Global Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Note, or to Transfer such Restricted Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Regulation S Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Noteholder or Note Owner may, subject to provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Restricted Global Note for a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein with an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-3 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee (stating that the Transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to such Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S), the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Global Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby) and the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Regulation S Global Note) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Global Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(iv)                                 Regulation S Global Note to Restricted Global Note . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Regulation S Global Note wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Regulation S Global Note for an interest in a Restricted Global Note or to Transfer such Regulation S Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Qualified Institutional Buyer who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Noteholder or Note Owner may, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Regulation S Global Note for a Restricted Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein in an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee and stating that such transferee is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and is obtaining such Restricted Global Note or Ownership Interest therein in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Regulation S Global Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby) and the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall

 

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cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Restricted Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Restricted Global Note) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(v)                                    Transfer of Ownership Interests in Book-Entry Notes . Ownership Interests in Book-Entry Notes shall be exchanged or transferred in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depository and the Depository Participants, including, with respect to Regulation S Global Notes, Clearstream Banking, société anonyme , or its successors, and Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, or its successors.

 

(vi)                                 Book-Entry Note to Definitive Note . If any Book-Entry Note or an Ownership Interest therein is to be exchanged for a corresponding interest held in the form of a Definitive Note, or if any Transfer of a Book-Entry Note or an Ownership Interest therein is to be held by the related transferee in the form of a Definitive Note, then the Note Registrar shall refuse to register such exchange or Transfer unless it receives (and, upon receipt, may conclusively rely upon) (A) an executed transferor certificate from the transferor substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-1 (subject to Section 12.03 ), and (B) an executed transferee certificate from the prospective transferee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-2 (subject to Section 12.03 ). If any such transfer of a Book-Entry Note or Ownership Interest held by the related transferor and also to be held by the related transferee in the form of a Book-Entry Note is to be made without registration under the Securities Act, the transferor will be deemed to have made as of the transfer date each of the representations and warranties set forth on Exhibit C-1 in respect of such Note and the transferee will be deemed to have made as of the transfer date each of the representations and warranties set forth on Exhibit C-2 in respect of such Note, in each case as if such Note were evidenced by a Definitive Note.

 

(d)                                  A Noteholder or Note Owner may exchange or Transfer a Definitive Note or Ownership Interest therein only in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i)                                        No Transfer of any Definitive Note shall be made unless such Transfer is made to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in reliance on Rule 144A or in an “offshore transaction” (within the meaning of Regulation S) to a non-U.S. Person in reliance on Regulation S, and pursuant to exemption, registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws; provided, however, that a Noteholder may Transfer a Definitive Note to an Issuer or an Affiliate of an Issuer that is an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a) (1), (2), (3) or (7) of the Securities Act (an “ Accredited Investor ”) and has certified that it is an Affiliate of an Issuer and an Accredited Investor, upon Indenture Trustee’s receipt of (A) such Holder’s Definitive Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, (B) an executed transferor certificate from the transferor substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-1 (subject to Section 12.03 ), and (C) an executed transferee certificate from the prospective transferee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-2 (subject to Section 12.03 ). The Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon the representations made or deemed made

 

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by each transferee pursuant to this Section 2.05 , and shall have no duty to undertake any investigation or verify that any Transfer satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.

 

(ii)                                     Transfer of Definitive Note to Regulation S Global Note during Restricted Period . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Definitive Note wishes at any time during the Restricted Period to exchange its interest in such Definitive Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Note, or to Transfer such Definitive Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Regulation S Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Holder or Note Owner may, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Definitive Note for a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein with an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of (A) such Holder’s Definitive Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee and (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee of such Note or Ownership Interest (stating that such transferee is a non-U.S. Person and the exchange or Transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to such Notes and in accordance with Regulation S), the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby), the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Regulation S Global Note) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(iii)                                  Transfer of Definitive Note to Regulation S Global Note after the Expiration of Restricted Period . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Definitive Note wishes at any time after the expiration of the Restricted Period to exchange its interest in such Definitive Note for an interest in the corresponding Regulation S Global Note, or to Transfer such Definitive Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Regulation S Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Noteholder or Note Owner may, subject to provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Definitive Note for a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein with an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of (A) such Holder’s Definitive Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee and (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-3 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee (stating that the Transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to such Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S), the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby) and the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Regulation S Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Regulation S Global Note) in an

 

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aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(iv)                                 Transfer of Definitive Note to Restricted Global Note . If a Holder of or a Note Owner with respect to a Definitive Note wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Definitive Note for an interest in a Restricted Global Note or to Transfer such Definitive Note or an Ownership Interest therein to a Qualified Institutional Buyer who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Global Note or an Ownership Interest therein, such Noteholder or Note Owner may, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.05 , exchange or Transfer such Definitive Note for a Restricted Global Note of the same Series and Class or an Ownership Interest therein in an equivalent principal amount. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of (A) such Holder’s Definitive Note properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee and (B) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 (subject to Section 12.03 ) given by the transferee and stating that such transferee is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and is obtaining such Restricted Global Note or Ownership Interest therein in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, the Indenture Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred (or reduce the principal amount of the Notes evidenced thereby) and the applicable Issuers shall, concurrently with such cancellation (or reduction), issue and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated to the transferee a Restricted Global Note of the same Series and Class (or increase the principal amount of the Notes evidenced by such Restricted Global Note) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Note so exchanged or transferred.

 

(v)                          Transfer of Definitive Note to Definitive Note . If a Holder of a Definitive Note wishes at any time to transfer such Definitive Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of one or more Definitive Notes, such Holder may transfer or cause the transfer of such Note as provided below. Upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee of (A) such Holder’s Definitive Note, properly endorsed for assignment to the transferee, (B) an executed transferor certificate from the transferor substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-1 (subject to Section 12.03 ), and (C) an executed transferee certificate from the prospective transferee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-2 (subject to Section 12.03 ), then the Indenture Trustee shall cancel such original Definitive Note in accordance with Section 2.14 , record the transfer in the Note Register in accordance with Section 2.05 and upon execution by the Issuer, authenticate and deliver one or more Definitive Notes bearing the same designation as the Definitive Notes, endorsed for transfer, registered in the names specified in the assignment described in clause (A) above, in the aggregate Note Balances designated by the transferee (the aggregate Note Balances being equal to the aggregate Note Balance of the Definitive Notes, surrendered by the transferor), and in authorized denominations.

 

(e)                                   If a Person is acquiring any Note as a fiduciary or agent for one or more accounts, such Person shall be required to deliver to the Note Registrar a certification to the effect that, and such other evidence as may be reasonably required by the Note Registrar to confirm that, it has (i) sole investment discretion with respect to each such account and (ii) full power to make the foregoing acknowledgments, representations, warranties, certifications and

 

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agreements with respect to each such account as set forth in subsections (b)  and (c)  of this Section 2.05 .

 

(f)                                    Subject to the preceding provisions of this Section 2.05 , upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the offices of the Note Registrar maintained for such purpose, the applicable Issuers shall execute, and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated and delivered, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes of the same Series and Class of a like Percentage Interest.

 

(g)                                   At the option of any Holder, its Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of authorized denominations of the same Series and Class of a like Percentage Interest upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at the offices of the Note Registrar maintained for such purpose. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the applicable Issuers shall execute, and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated and delivered the Notes which the Noteholder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

 

(h)                                  Every Note presented or surrendered for transfer or exchange shall (if so required by the Note Registrar) be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in the form satisfactory to the Note Registrar duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

(i)                                      No service charge shall be imposed for any transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Indenture Trustee or the Note Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Notes.

 

(j)                                     All Notes surrendered for transfer and exchange shall be physically canceled by the Note Registrar, and the Note Registrar shall dispose of such canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures.

 

(k)                                  The Note Registrar or the Indenture Trustee shall provide to the Issuers upon reasonable written request and at the expense of the requesting party a current copy of the Note Register.

 

(l)                                      Each transferee of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed (or, in the case of Definitive Notes, shall represent, warrant and agree) that either (i) such transferee is not, and is not purchasing such Note on behalf of, as a fiduciary of, as trustee of, or with the assets of, a Plan or (ii)(A) such Note is rated investment grade or better as of the date of the purchase, (B) such transferee believes that such Note is properly treated as indebtedness without substantial equity features for purposes of Department of Labor Regulations, as modified by ERISA, and agrees to so treat such Note and (C) such transferee’s acquisition and continued holding of such Note or Ownership Interest therein will not give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or any law materially similar to Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA).

 

(m)                              If any Note or Class of Notes is directly or indirectly owned by a Person such that such Note or Class of Notes is not properly treated as issued and outstanding for federal

 

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income tax purposes (a “ Transfer-Restricted Note ”), then such Transfer-Restricted Note may be sold or transferred to any Person that meets the transferee requirements as described in this Section 2.05 if (a) the Note Registrar has received on the date of such sale or transfer an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel knowledgeable in the tax aspects of securitization to the effect that at the time of such sale or transfer (1) such Transfer-Restricted Note is treated as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes and (2) such sale or transfer does not cause any Issuer to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or (b) (1) the sum of the number of beneficial owners of the Transfer-Restricted Notes and the equity interests of all Issuers does not exceed the 95-Person Limit (as defined below) for U.S. federal income tax purposes after the proposed sale or transfer, (2) the Transfer-Restricted Notes are in definitive, physical form and (3) the Note Transfer Restrictions shall have been complied with.

 

Each prospective beneficial owner of any Transfer-Restricted Note shall represent, warrant and covenant to the Trustee and the Issuers in writing that (a) it is a U.S. Person within the meaning of Code section 7701(a)(30), (b) either (1) such beneficial owner is not a partnership, grantor trust or S corporation (a “ Flow-Through Entity ”) or (2) if such beneficial owner is a Flow-Through Entity or indirectly owns an interest in the Transfer-Restricted Notes through a Flow-Through Entity, (i) more than 50% of the value of such beneficial owner’s ownership interest in the Flow-Through Entity is not attributable to the Flow-Through Entity’s interest in the Transfer-Restricted Notes and (ii) a principal purpose of the use of the Flow-Through Entity is not to enable the sum of the number of beneficial owners of the Transfer-Restricted Notes and the equity interests of all Issuers to exceed 95 persons (the “ 95-Person Limit ”) and (c) it will not use the Transfer-Restricted Notes and will not allow the Transfer-Restricted Notes to be used as collateral for the issuance of any securities that could cause any Issuer to become taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (2) will not take any action and will not allow any other action that could cause any Issuer to become taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the “ Note Transfer Restrictions ”).

 

Section 2.06                             Book-Entry Notes .

 

(a)                                  The Book-Entry Notes of each Series shall be delivered as one or more Notes held by the Book-Entry Custodian or, if appointed to hold such Notes as provided below, the Depository, and registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee and, except as set forth in any related Series Supplement or as otherwise provided in Section 2.06(c)  below, transfer of such Notes may not be registered by the Note Registrar unless such transfer is to a successor Depository that agrees to hold such Notes for the respective Note Owners with Ownership Interests therein. Except as provided in Sections 2.01 and 2.05 above, and Section 2.06(c)  below, such Note Owners shall hold and transfer their respective Ownership Interests in and to such Notes through the book-entry facilities of the Depository and, except as provided in Sections 2.01 and 2.05 above, and Section 2.06(c)  below, shall not be entitled to Definitive Notes in respect of such Ownership Interests. All transfers by Note Owners of their respective Ownership Interests in the Book-Entry Notes to be held by the related transferees as Book-Entry Notes shall be made in accordance with the procedures established by the Depository Participant or brokerage firm representing each such Note Owner. Each Depository Participant shall only

 

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transfer the Ownership Interests in the Book-Entry Notes of Note Owners it represents or of brokerage firms for which it acts as agent in accordance with the Depository’s normal procedures. The Indenture Trustee is hereby initially appointed as the Book-Entry Custodian and hereby agrees to act as such in accordance herewith and in accordance with the agreement that it has with the Depository authorizing it to act as such. Neither the Indenture Trustee nor the Note Registrar shall have any responsibility to monitor or restrict the transfer of any Book-Entry Note transferable through the book-entry facilities of the Depository. The Book-Entry Custodian may, and, if it is no longer qualified to act as such, the Book-Entry Custodian shall, appoint, by a written instrument delivered to the Issuers, the Property Manager and Special Servicer, and, if the Indenture Trustee is not the Book-Entry Custodian, the Indenture Trustee, any other transfer agent (including the Depository or any successor Depository) to act as Book-Entry Custodian under such conditions as the predecessor Book-Entry Custodian and the Depository or any successor Depository may prescribe; provided , that the predecessor Book-Entry Custodian shall not be relieved of any of its duties or responsibilities by reason of any such appointment other than with respect to an appointment of the Depository. If the Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed in accordance with the terms hereof, the successor trustee or, if it so elects, the Depository shall immediately succeed to its predecessor’s duties as Book-Entry Custodian. The Issuers shall have the right to inspect, and to obtain copies of, any Notes held as Book-Entry Notes by the Book-Entry Custodian.

 

(b)                                  The Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Note Registrar may for all purposes, including the making of payments due on the Book-Entry Notes, deal with the Depository as the Noteholder and the authorized representative of the Note Owners with respect to such Notes for the purposes of exercising the rights of Noteholders hereunder. The rights of Note Owners with respect to the Book-Entry Notes shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Note Owners and the Depository Participants and brokerage firms representing such Note Owners. Multiple requests and directions from, and votes of, the Depository as holder of the Book-Entry Notes with respect to any particular matter shall not be deemed inconsistent if they are made with respect to different Note Owners. The Indenture Trustee may establish a reasonable record date in connection with solicitations of consents from or voting by Noteholders and shall give notice to the Depository of such record date.

 

(c)                                   If (i) the Issuers advise the Indenture Trustee and the Note Registrar in writing that the Depository is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Book-Entry Notes (or any portion thereof), and (ii) the Issuers are unable to locate a qualified successor, the Note Registrar shall notify all affected Note Owners, through the Depository, of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of Definitive Notes to such Note Owners requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Note Registrar of the Book-Entry Notes (or any portion thereof) by the Book-Entry Custodian or the Depository, as applicable, and the delivery of registration instructions from the Depository for registration of transfer, the applicable Issuers shall execute, and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated and delivered, the Definitive Notes in respect of such Notes to the Note Owners identified in such instructions. None of the applicable Issuers, the Collateral Agent, the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager or the Note Registrar shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions.

 

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(d)                                  Upon the issuance of Definitive Notes, for purposes of evidencing ownership of any Notes, the registered holders of such Definitive Notes shall be recognized as Noteholders hereunder and, accordingly, shall be entitled directly to receive payments on, to exercise voting and consent rights with respect to, and to transfer and exchange such Definitive Notes.

 

(e)                                   Each of the Issuers shall provide an adequate inventory of Definitive Notes of each Class of each Series to the Indenture Trustee.

 

Section 2.07                             Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes .

 

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Note Registrar, the applicable Issuers shall execute and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated and delivered, in exchange therefor, a new Note of the same Series, Class and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

If there shall be delivered to the applicable Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Note Registrar (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction (including mutilation tantamount to destruction), loss or theft of any Note and the ownership thereof, and (ii) indemnity as may be reasonably required by them to hold each of them and any of their agents harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the applicable Issuers or the Note Registrar that such Note has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the applicable Issuers shall execute and the Indenture Trustee shall cause to be authenticated and delivered, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a new Note of the same Series, Class, tenor and denomination registered in the same manner, dated the date of its authentication and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

Upon the issuance of any new Note under this Section 2.07 , the applicable Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Note Registrar may require the payment by the Noteholder of an amount sufficient to pay or discharge any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other reasonable expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of the Authenticating Agent and the Indenture Trustee) in connection therewith.

 

Every new Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.07 in lieu of any destroyed, mutilated, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuers, whether or not the destroyed, mutilated, lost or stolen Note shall be at any time enforceable by any Person, and such new Note shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes of its Class and Series duly issued hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Section 2.07 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent permitted by applicable law) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.

 

Section 2.08                             Noteholder Lists .

 

The Note Registrar shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Noteholders of each Series,

 

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which list, upon request, will be made available to the Indenture Trustee insofar as the Indenture Trustee is no longer the Note Registrar. Upon written request of any Noteholder made for purposes of communicating with other Noteholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture, the Note Registrar shall promptly furnish such Noteholder at such Noteholder’s expense with a list of the Noteholders of record identified in the Note Register at the time of the request. Every Noteholder, by receiving such access, or by receiving a Note or an interest therein, agrees with the Note Registrar that the Note Registrar will not be held accountable in any way by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of any Noteholder regardless of the source from which such information was derived.

 

Section 2.09                             Persons Deemed Owners .

 

The Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and any of their agents, may treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the owner of such Note as of the related Record Date for the purpose of receiving payments of principal, interest and other amounts in respect of such Note and for all other purposes, whether or not such Note shall be overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar or any agents of any of them, shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

Section 2.10                             Payment Account .

 

(a)                                  On or prior to the Initial Closing Date, the Indenture Trustee shall establish and maintain one or more segregated trust accounts (collectively, the “ Payment Account ”) at Citibank, N.A., in its name, as Indenture Trustee, bearing a designation clearly indicating that such account and all funds deposited therein are held for the exclusive benefit of the Noteholders and the Issuers as their interests may appear. At all times, the Payment Account shall be an Eligible Account or a sub-account of an Eligible Account. On each Remittance Date, the Indenture Trustee shall deposit or cause to be deposited in the Payment Account, as provided in the Property Management Agreement, the Available Amount for such Payment Date. Except as provided in this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Payment Account. Funds in the Payment Account shall not be commingled with any other moneys. All moneys deposited from time to time in the Payment Account shall be held by and under the control of the Indenture Trustee in the Payment Account for the benefit of the Noteholders and the Issuers as herein provided.

 

(b)                                  Amounts in the Payment Account shall be held uninvested.

 

(c)                                   The Indenture Trustee is authorized to make withdrawals from the Payment Account (the order set forth hereafter in this subsection (c)  not constituting an order of priority for such withdrawals) to make payments on the Notes and to other parties as set forth in the priorities of payments pursuant to Section 2.11(b)  of this Indenture, to the applicable Series Enhancers and to the Issuers as provided in Section 2.11 .

 

(d)                                  Upon the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Section 3.01 , the Indenture Trustee shall pay to the holders of the Issuer Interests, as their interests may appear, all amounts, if any, held by it remaining as part of the Collateral Pool.

 

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Section 2.11                             Payments on the Notes .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Section 2.11(b) , the applicable Issuers agree to pay:

 

(i)                                        on each Payment Date prior to the Rated Final Payment Date for the Classes of each Series of Notes (but only to the extent of the Available Amount pursuant to Section 2.11(b) , in the case of payments of principal), interest on and principal of such Notes in the amounts and in accordance with the priorities set forth in Section 2.11(b) ; and

 

(ii)                                     on the Rated Final Payment Date for the Classes of each Series of Notes, the entire applicable Series Principal Balance, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

Amounts properly withheld under the Code by any Person from a payment to any Holder of a Note of interest, principal or other amounts, or any such payment set aside on the Final Payment Date for such Note as provided in Section 2.11(b) , shall be considered as having been paid by the applicable Issuers to such Noteholder for all purposes of this Indenture.

 

(b)                                  With respect to each Payment Date, any interest, principal and other amounts payable on the Notes shall be paid to each Person that is a registered holder thereof at the close of business on the related Record Date; provided , however , that interest, principal and other amounts payable at the Final Payment Date of any Note shall be payable only against surrender thereof at the Indenture Trustee’s Office or such other address as may be specified in the notice of final payment. Payments of interest, principal and other amounts on the Notes shall be made on each Payment Date other than the Final Payment Date, subject to applicable laws and regulations, by wire transfer to such accounts as each such Noteholder shall designate by written instruction received by the Indenture Trustee not later than the Record Date related to such Payment Date or otherwise by check mailed on or before such Payment Date to the Person entitled thereto at such Person’s address appearing on the Note Register as of the related Record Date. The Indenture Trustee shall pay each Note in whole or in part as provided herein on its Final Payment Date in immediately available funds from funds in the Payment Account as promptly as possible after presentation to the Indenture Trustee of such Note at the Indenture Trustee’s Office, but in no event later than the next Business Day after the day of such presentation. If presentation is made after 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on any day, such presentation shall be deemed to have been made on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

Each payment with respect to a Book-Entry Note shall be paid to the Depository, as holder thereof, and the Depository shall be responsible for crediting the amount of such payment to the accounts of its Depository Participants in accordance with its normal procedures. Each Depository Participant shall be responsible for disbursing such payments to the related Note Owners that it represents and to each indirect participating brokerage firm (a “ brokerage firm ” or “ indirect participating firm ”) for which it acts as agent. Each brokerage firm shall be responsible for disbursing funds to the related Note Owners that it represents. None of the parties hereto shall have any responsibility therefor except as otherwise provided by this Indenture or applicable law. The applicable Issuers and the Indenture Trustee shall perform their respective obligations under each Letter of Representations.

 

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Except as provided in the following sentence, if a Note is issued in exchange for any other Note during the period commencing at the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on any Record Date and ending before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related Payment Date, no interest, principal or other amounts will be payable on such Payment Date in respect of such new Note, but will be payable on such Payment Date only in respect of the prior Note. Interest, principal and other amounts payable on any Note issued in exchange for any other Note during the period commencing at the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on the Record Date immediately preceding the Final Payment Date for such Notes and ending on the Final Payment Date for such Notes, shall be payable to the Person that surrenders the new Note as provided in this Section 2.11(b) .

 

All payments of interest, principal and other amounts made with respect to the Notes of a Class of any Series will be allocated pro rata among the Outstanding Notes of such Class as set forth below.

 

If any Note on which the final payment was due is not presented for payment on its Final Payment Date, then the Indenture Trustee shall set aside such payment in a segregated, non-interest bearing account (and shall remain uninvested) separate from the Payment Account (but which may be a sub-account thereof) but which constitutes an Eligible Account (or a sub-account of an Eligible Account), and the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers shall act in accordance with Section 5.10 in respect of the unclaimed funds.

 

On each Payment Date, the Available Amount for such Payment Date will be applied by the Indenture Trustee, first to pay the following expenses of the Issuers related to the Collateral Pool (collectively, “ Collateral Pool Expenses ”), (i) to the extent not withdrawn from the Collection Account by the Property Manager on or prior to the applicable Remittance Date in accordance with the Property Management Agreement in the following order of priority:

 

(I) to the Indenture Trustee, the earned and unpaid Indenture Trustee Fees;

 

(II) to the Property Manager, the earned and unpaid Property Management Fee;

 

(III) to the Special Servicer, any earned and unpaid Special Servicing Fees;

 

(IV) to the Back-Up Manager, any earned and unpaid Back-Up Fee;

 

(V) to the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, an amount equal to all unreimbursed Advances, including Nonrecoverable Advances (plus interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate) and Extraordinary Expenses for such Payment Date and to the extent unpaid from any prior Payment Date with interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate (not to exceed the Extraordinary Expense Cap, unless an Event of Default resulting in the acceleration of the Notes has occurred and is then continuing, in which case, such limit will not apply);

 

(VI) to the parties entitled thereto, the amount of any Issuer Expenses (not to exceed the Issuer Expense Cap, unless an Event of Default resulting in the acceleration of the Notes has occurred and is then continuing, in which case, such limit will not apply); and

 

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(VII) (a)  first , to the Indenture Trustee (in any of its capacities under this Indenture), (b)  second , to the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, and (c)  third , to the relevant party, the amount of Extraordinary Expenses for such Payment Date and to the extent unpaid from any prior Payment Date, to the extent not already reimbursed in sub-clauses (I)  through (VI)  above, in each case, with interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate (not to exceed the Extraordinary Expense Cap, unless an Event of Default resulting in the acceleration of the Notes has occurred and is then continuing, in which case (i) such limit will not apply and (ii) indemnities due to the Issuers or any Control Person, member, manager, officer, employee or agent of any such Issuers, other than any such party in connection with its role as Property Manager or Special Servicer, will be payable only after payments due to the Noteholders pursuant to the allocation of Series Available Amount below).

 

Subject to the terms and provisions of each Series Supplement, the Available Amount remaining on any Payment Date after payment of Collateral Pool Expenses will be allocated in the following manner and priority (the aggregate amount allocated pursuant to clauses (1), (2), (3), (5) and (6)  below, the “ Series Available Amount ”):

 

(1)                                  to each Series, Note Interest, allocated pro rata , based on all amounts due on such Payment Date to each Series in respect of Note Interest on the Notes, plus all unpaid Note Interest from prior Payment Dates and interest thereon at the applicable Note Rates), an amount equal to such Note Interest, plus unpaid Note Interest from any prior Payment Date (together with interest thereon);

 

(2)                                  so long as no Early Amortization Period is in effect, sequentially:

 

a.                                       to each Series, the Scheduled Principal Payments for such Payment Date, allocated pro rata based on all amounts due on such Payment Date for all Series in respect of Scheduled Principal Payments; and

 

b.                                       to each Series, the Unscheduled Principal Payment for such Payment Date, allocated pro rata based on the applicable Series Principal Balance (in each case after application of the allocations described in clause (2)(a)  above); provided, however, that any Unscheduled Principal Payments allocated to any Series shall not exceed such related Series Principal Balance;

 

(3)                                  during an Early Amortization Period, to each Series, all remaining Available Amounts, allocated pro rata , based on the Series Principal Balance of the related Notes, all remaining Series Available Amounts, in an amount not to exceed the applicable Series Principal Balance of the Notes;

 

(4)                                  during a DSCR Sweep Period, to the DSCR Reserve Account, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the amount on deposit in the DSCR Reserve Account is equal to the Aggregate Series Principal Balance;

 

(5)                                  to each Series, pro rata , based on the Make Whole Amount to each Series, the applicable Make Whole Amount plus any unpaid Make Whole Amounts from any prior Payment Date;

 

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(6)                                  to each Series, pro rata , based on any and all amounts due on such Payment Date for such Series in respect of Post-ARD Additional Interest (if any), as applicable, on the related Notes, and any Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, from any prior Payment Date, an amount equal to the Post-ARD Additional Interest with respect to such Series;

 

(7)                                  to the extent not paid as Collateral Pool Expenses, any Issuer Expenses and Extraordinary Expenses related to such Payment Date plus any unpaid Issuer Expenses and Extraordinary Expenses from any prior Payment Date, with interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate;

 

(8)                                  pro rata , to each Issuer, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

The commencement of an Early Amortization Period caused by the occurrence of an event set forth under clause (A) or clause (B) of the definition of “Early Amortization Period” shall be waivable by the Requisite Global Majority. The occurrence of an event, upon the occurrence of which an Early Amortization Period under clause (C) of the definition of “Early Amortization Period” shall otherwise commence, shall be waivable by the Controlling Parties of all Series of Notes.

 

The Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the applicable Issuers and will be payable only from the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool. Each Noteholder and Note Owner will be deemed to have agreed that they have no rights or claims against the Issuers directly or indirectly and may only look to the Collateral Pool to satisfy any such Issuer’s obligations hereunder. Each Noteholder and Note Owner will be deemed to have agreed, by its acceptance of its Note or its Ownership Interest therein, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of any applicable Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of the Notes of all Series. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.11(b) , the Issuers may, subject to Section 9.06 , at any time advance funds to the Indenture Trustee for the purpose of allowing the Indenture Trustee to make required payments on the Notes (“ Issuer Advances ”) without right of reimbursement.

 

(c)                                   In connection with making any payments pursuant to Section 2.11(b) , the Indenture Trustee shall make available to each Issuer on the related Payment Date via the Indenture Trustee’s internet website specified in Section 6.01(a) , a written statement detailing the amounts so paid; provided , that if such information is not so available on the Indenture Trustee’s internet website for any reason, the Indenture Trustee shall provide each Issuer with such written statement by facsimile transmission, confirmed in writing by first class mail or overnight courier.

 

Section 2.12                             Final Payment Notice .

 

(a)                                  Notice of final payment under Section 2.11(b)  shall be given by the Indenture Trustee as soon as practicable, but not later than two Business Days prior to the Final Payment Date for a Class of any Series, to each Noteholder of such Series as of the close of business on the Record Date in the calendar month preceding the Final Payment Date at such Noteholder’s address appearing in the Note Register and to each applicable Rating Agency and each applicable Issuer.

 

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(b)                                  All notices of final payment in respect of a Class of Notes of any Series shall state (i) the Final Payment Date for such Notes, (ii) the amount of the final payment for such Notes and (iii) the place where such Notes are to be surrendered for payment.

 

(c)                                   Notice of final payment of a Class of Notes of any Series shall be given by the Indenture Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Indenture Trustee. Failure to give notice of final payment, or any defect therein, to any Noteholder of such Series shall not impair or affect the validity of the final payment of any other Note.

 

Section 2.13                              Compliance with Withholding Requirements .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall comply with all federal withholding requirements with respect to payments to Noteholders of interest, original issue discount, or other amounts that the Indenture Trustee reasonably believes are applicable under the Code or any other applicable federal law. The consent of Noteholders shall not be required for any such withholding.

 

Section 2.14                             Cancellation .

 

The applicable Issuers may at any time deliver to the Note Registrar for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which such Issuers may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Note Registrar.

 

All Notes delivered to the Indenture Trustee for payment shall be forwarded to the Note Registrar. All such Notes and all Notes surrendered for transfer and exchange in accordance with the terms hereof shall be canceled and disposed of by the Note Registrar in accordance with its customary procedures.

 

Section 2.15                             Reserved .

 

Section 2.16                             The Hedge Agreements .

 

(a)                                  On any Series Closing Date, the applicable Issuers may enter into one or more Hedge Agreements with respect to any Class of any related Series of Notes.

 

(b)                                  The Indenture Trustee shall, on behalf of the applicable Issuers, distribute amounts due to each Hedge Counterparty under the applicable Hedge Agreements on any Payment Date from the Payment Account in accordance with Section 2.11 and the applicable Series Supplement.

 

(c)                                   The Indenture Trustee shall agree to any reduction in the notional amount of any Hedge Agreement requested by the applicable Issuers; provided , that, if any Notes are then Outstanding and rated by the Rating Agencies, the Indenture Trustee shall first have received the written confirmation that the Rating Condition is satisfied. Any amount paid by a Hedge Counterparty to the applicable Issuers in connection with such reduction shall constitute part of the Available Amount except as otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

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(d)                                  Each Hedge Agreement (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement) shall permit the complete or partial termination thereof (without the payment by the applicable Issuers of penalties or fees other than termination-related expenses) by the applicable Issuers subject to the provision of at least ten (10) Business Days notification to the Rating Agencies. The Indenture Trustee shall, prior to each applicable Series Closing Dates if required by the applicable Series Supplement, establish at Citibank, N.A. (or at such other financial institution as provided in the applicable Series Supplement and as necessary to ensure that the Hedge Counterparty Account is at all times an Eligible Account or a sub-account of an Eligible Account) a segregated trust account that shall be designated as a “ Hedge Counterparty Account ”, in its name, as Indenture Trustee, bearing a designation clearly indicating that such account and all funds deposited therein are held for the exclusive benefit of the applicable Noteholders, over which the Indenture Trustee shall have exclusive control and the sole right of withdrawal, and in which neither the applicable Issuers nor any other Person shall have any legal or beneficial interest. The Hedge Counterparty Accounts may be sub-accounts of the Payment Account. The only permitted withdrawal from or application of funds on deposit in, or otherwise to the credit of, a Hedge Counterparty Account shall be for application to obligations of the applicable Hedge Counterparty to the applicable Issuers under the related Hedge Agreement.

 

(e)                                   In the event a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee becomes aware that a Hedge Counterparty has defaulted in the payment when due of its obligations to the applicable Issuers under the related Hedge Agreement, the Indenture Trustee shall make a demand on such Hedge Counterparty, or any guarantor, if applicable, demanding payment by 12:30 p.m., New York City time, on such date (or by such time on the next succeeding Business Day if such actual knowledge is obtained by such Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee after 11:00 a.m., New York City time). The Indenture Trustee shall give notice to the applicable Noteholders upon the continuing failure by such Hedge Counterparty to perform its obligations during the two Business Days following a demand made by the Indenture Trustee on such Hedge Counterparty.

 

(f)                                    If at any time a Hedge Agreement becomes subject to early termination due to the occurrence thereunder of an event of default or a termination event, the applicable Issuers and the Indenture Trustee shall take such actions (following the expiration of any applicable grace period and after the expiration of the two Business Day period referred to in Section 2.16(e) , as applicable) to enforce the rights of the applicable Issuers and the Indenture Trustee thereunder as may be permitted by the terms of such Hedge Agreement and consistent with the terms hereof, and shall apply the proceeds of any such actions (including, without limitation, the proceeds of the liquidation of any collateral pledged by the related Hedge Counterparty) to enter into a replacement Hedge Agreement on such terms or provide such other substitute arrangement (or forebear from doing either of the foregoing) as provided in the applicable Series Supplement. Any costs attributable to entering into a replacement Hedge Agreement which exceed the aggregate amount of the proceeds of the liquidation of the terminated Hedge Agreement shall constitute Issuer Expenses payable under Section 2.11(b) . In addition, the applicable Issuers will use their best efforts to cause the termination of a Hedge Agreement to become effective simultaneously with the entry into a replacement Hedge Agreement described as aforesaid.

 

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(g)                                   The applicable obligations under a Hedge Agreement must be non-recourse obligations of the applicable Issuers payable only to the extent of available funds in accordance with Section 2.11(b) . In addition, the provisions under each Hedge Agreement shall provide that the related Hedge Counterparty shall not institute against, or join any other person or entity in instituting against, any of the Issuers, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding, or other proceedings under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law (including the U.S. Bankruptcy Code), for two years and 31 days after the last Note issued by the Issuers is paid in full, and that the agreements in such provisions shall survive termination of such Hedge Agreement.

 

Section 2.17                             Tax Treatment of the Notes .

 

The Issuers have entered into this Indenture, and each Class of Notes will be issued, with the intention that, for purposes of any federal, state and local income or franchise tax and any other taxes imposed on or measured by income, such Notes will qualify as indebtedness (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement) upon their issuance for federal income tax purposes. The Issuers, by entering into this Indenture, each Noteholder, by acceptance of its Note, and each Note Owner, by purchasing or otherwise acquiring an Ownership Interest in a Note, agree to treat the Notes and such Ownership Interests for purposes of any federal, state and local income or franchise tax and any other taxes imposed on or measured by income, as indebtedness (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement) upon their issuance for federal income tax purposes.

 

Section 2.18                             DSCR Reserve Account .

 

(a)                                  On or prior to the date hereof, the Indenture Trustee shall establish and maintain at Citibank, N.A. one or more segregated trust accounts (collectively, the “ DSCR Reserve Account ”), in its name, as Indenture Trustee, bearing a designation clearly indicating that such account and all funds deposited therein are held for the exclusive benefit of the Noteholders and the Issuers as their interests may appear. At all times, the DSCR Reserve Account shall be an Eligible Account or a sub-account of an Eligible Account.

 

(b)                                  The Indenture Trustee shall deposit or cause to be deposited in the DSCR Reserve Account during any DSCR Sweep Period the amount allocated for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.11(b) . Except as provided in this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the DSCR Reserve Account. Funds in the DSCR Reserve Account shall not be commingled with any other moneys. All moneys deposited from time to time in the DSCR Reserve Account shall be held by and under the control of the Indenture Trustee in the DSCR Reserve Account for the benefit of the Noteholders and the Issuers as herein provided.

 

(c)                                   All amounts in the DSCR Reserve Account shall remain uninvested.

 

(d)                                  Upon the termination of a DSCR Sweep Period, the Indenture Trustee shall remit such amounts to the Payment Account for application as Available Amount (other than as Unscheduled Proceeds) by the Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11(b) . During an Early Amortization Period, the Indenture Trustee shall apply all amounts on deposit in

 

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the DSCR Reserve Account as Unscheduled Principal Payments and allocate such amounts to all Series in accordance with Section 2.11(b)  on the related Payment Date. On the Rated Final Payment Date of any Class of Notes, the Indenture Trustee shall transfer all amounts on deposit in the DSCR Reserve Account on such date to the Payment Account to be applied in accordance with Section 2.11(b) .

 

Section 2.19                             Representations and Warranties with Respect to the Issuers .

 

Except as otherwise provided in any applicable Series Supplement, each applicable Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the other parties hereto, as of the applicable Series Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                                  Such Issuer is a limited liability company duly created and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has full power, authority and legal right to execute and deliver the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which such Issuer is a party and to perform its obligations under the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

 

(b)                                  The execution and delivery by such Issuer of the Indenture and the performance by such Issuer of its obligations under the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which such Issuer is a party has been duly and validly authorized and directed and does not violate the applicable Limited Liability Company Agreement, nor does such execution, delivery or performance require the authorization, consent or approval of, the giving of notice to, the filing or registration with, or the taking of any other action by, any arbitrator, court or other Governmental Authority or conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of, any provision of any law or regulation governing such Issuer or any order, writ, judgment or decree of any arbitrator, court or other Governmental Authority applicable to such Issuer or any of its assets, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, partnership agreement or other agreement or instrument to which such Issuer is a party or by which such Issuer or any portion of the Collateral is a party or by which such Issuer or all or any portion of the Collateral is bound, which breach or violation would materially adversely affect either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the financial condition of such Issuer or the value of any Property as security for the Notes.

 

(c)                                   Such Issuer has requisite power and authority to own the applicable Properties and Mortgage Loans and to transact the businesses in which it is now engaged. Such Issuer is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it is required to be so qualified in connection with the applicable Properties and Mortgage Loans, its business and operations. Such Issuer possesses all rights, licenses, permits and authorizations, governmental or otherwise, necessary to entitle it to own the applicable Properties and Mortgage Loans and to transact the businesses in which it is now engaged, the failure of which to obtain would result in a material adverse affect on either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the financial condition of such Issuer or the value of any such Property or Mortgage Loans as security for the Notes. The sole business of such Issuer is as set forth in the applicable Limited Liability Company Agreement.

 

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(d)                                  The Indenture and the other Transaction Documents have been duly executed and delivered by such Issuer and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the other parties hereto, constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of such Issuer, enforceable against such Issuer in accordance with the terms hereof, subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (B) general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

(e)                                   Such Issuer has no employee benefit plans and is not required to make any contributions to any Plans.

 

(f)                                    Such Issuer (a) has not entered into the Indenture or any of the other Transaction Documents with the actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor and (b) has received reasonably equivalent value in exchange for its obligations under the Indenture. Giving effect to the applicable Series of Notes, the fair saleable value of all Issuers’ assets exceed and will, immediately following the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, exceed the Issuers’ total liabilities, including, without limitation, subordinated, unliquidated, disputed or contingent liabilities. The fair saleable value of the Issuers’ assets is and will, immediately following the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, be greater than the Issuers’ probable liabilities, including the maximum amount of their contingent liabilities or debts as such debts become absolute and matured. The Issuers’ assets do not and, immediately following the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents will not, constitute unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as conducted or as proposed to be conducted. Such Issuer does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts and liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent liabilities and other commitments) beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts to be payable on or in respect of obligations of such Issuer).

 

(g)                                   Such Issuer is not: (a) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of the 1940 Act; (b) required to be registered under the 1940 Act; (c) relying on Section 3(c)(1) or (3(c)(7) of the 1940 act as a basis for not registering under the 1940 Act; (d) a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of either a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended; or (e) subject to any other federal or state law or regulation which prevents such Issuer from entering into the Indenture; the Indenture is not required to be qualified under the 1939 Act.

 

(h)                                  The Transaction Documents and the applicable Private Placement Memorandum (as defined in the applicable Series Supplement) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make statements contained herein or therein not misleading.

 

(i)                                      The applicable Series of Notes, the Indenture, the other Transaction Documents and the organizational documents of such Issuer are not subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury, nor would the operation of any of the terms of such Series of Notes, the Indenture, any of the other Transaction Documents or the organizational documents of such Issuer, or the exercise of any right

 

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thereunder, render the Indenture unenforceable, in whole or in part, or subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury.

 

(j)                                     The Indenture is in full force and effect and no Event of Default or violation under the Indenture or any of the other Transaction Documents or the organizational documents of such Issuer by any party thereunder has occurred and is continuing.

 

(k)                                  Neither such Issuer nor any of its constituent Persons are contemplating either the filing of a petition by it under any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency laws or the liquidation of all or a major portion of such Issuer’s assets or property, and such Issuer has no knowledge of any Person contemplating the filing of any such petition against it or such constituent Persons.

 

(l)                                      Such Issuer is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445(0(3) of the Code and the related Treasury Regulations, including temporary regulations.

 

(m)                              Such Issuer does not own any asset or property other than the applicable Mortgage Loans, Properties and related Leases.

 

(n)                                  Such Issuer has not incurred any indebtedness, secured or unsecured, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent (including guaranteeing any obligation), that has not been repaid in full, other than (i) the Notes, and (ii) trade and operational debt incurred in the ordinary course of business with trade creditors and in amounts as are normal and reasonable under the circumstances.

 

(o)                                  Such Issuer has not made any loans or advances to any third party (including any Affiliate or constituent party or any Affiliate of any constituent party).

 

(p)                                  Such Issuer has done or caused to be done all things necessary to observe organizational formalities and preserve its existence.

 

(q)                                  Such Issuer has maintained its assets in such a manner that it will not be costly or difficult to segregate, ascertain or identify its individual assets from those of any Affiliate or constituent party or any Affiliate of any constituent party, or any other Person.

 

(r)                                     Such Issuer has not guaranteed, become obligated for, pledged its assets as security for, or held itself out to be responsible for the debts or obligations of any other Person or the decisions or actions respecting the daily business or affairs of any other Person, except for (a) guarantees or pledges from which such Issuer has been released or (b) the Notes.

 

(s)                                    All of the assumptions made in any applicable substantive non-consolidation opinion letter dated the date hereof, delivered by Kutak Rock LLP in connection with the Notes and any subsequent non-consolidation opinion delivered on behalf of such Issuer as required by the terms and conditions of the Indenture (the “ Insolvency Opinion ”), including, but not limited to, any exhibits attached thereto, are true and correct in all material respects. Each Person other than such Issuer, if any, with respect to which an assumption is made in the applicable Insolvency Opinion has complied with all of the assumptions made with respect to it in such Insolvency Opinion.

 

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(t)                                     Upon the issuance of the applicable Series of Notes, the Indenture Trustee has a valid and enforceable first priority perfected lien or perfected security interest, as applicable, in the Collateral, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances.

 

(u)                                  As of the date hereof, each applicable Series Closing Date and at all times throughout the term of the Notes, (i) none of the funds or other assets of such Issuer constitute property of, or are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any Person, entity or government subject to trade restrictions under U.S. law, including but not limited to, the USA PATRIOT Act (including the anti-terrorism provisions thereof), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. Sections 1701, et seq., The Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq., and any Executive Orders or regulations promulgated thereunder, with the result that the investment in such Issuer (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Notes are in violation of law (such person, an “ Embargoed Person ”), (ii) no Embargoed Person has any interest of any nature whatsoever in such Issuer, with the result that the investment in such Issuer (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Notes are in violation of law, and (iii) none of the funds of such Issuer have been derived from any lawful activity with the result that the investment in such Issuer (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Notes are in violation of law.

 

(v)                                  No part of the proceeds of the Notes will be used for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring any “margin stock” within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or for any other purpose which would be inconsistent with such Regulation U or any other Regulations of such Board of Governor’s, or for any purposes prohibited by Legal Requirements or by the terms and conditions of the Indenture or the other Transaction Documents.

 

Section 2.20                             Representations and Warranties With Respect To Properties and Leases .

 

Except as set forth in Schedule I of the applicable Series Supplement, each of the applicable Issuers shall make the following representations and warranties and the representations and warranties set forth in Exhibit A of such Series Supplement, as of the applicable Series Closing Date, Transfer Date, Post-Closing Acquisition Date or Master Lease Addition Date, as applicable, with respect to the Properties and Leases indicated in such Series Supplement or otherwise added to the Collateral Pool by such Issuer in connection with the issuance of any Series of Notes or as Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases, Post-Closing Properties or Additional Master Lease Properties:

 

(a)                                  There are no pending actions, suits or proceedings, arbitrations or governmental investigations against such Issuer or the related Properties, an adverse outcome of which would materially affect (i) such Issuer’s performance under the Notes, the Indenture (including any applicable Series Supplement) or the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, or the use of such Properties for the use currently being made thereof, the operation of such Properties as currently being operated or the value of such Properties or (ii) the collectability or enforceability of the Mortgages with respect to such Properties or the related Leases.

 

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(b)                                  Such Issuer has good, marketable (or with respect to the related Properties located in Texas, indefeasible) and insurable title to each Property and good title to the balance of such Property, and has the full power, authority and right to deed, encumber, mortgage, give, grant, bargain, sell, alienate, setoff, convey, confirm, pledge, assign and hypothecate the same and such Issuer possesses an unencumbered fee estate, or ground lease interest, in each Property and the Improvements thereon (other than the Improvements with respect to a Hybrid Lease) and it owns each Property free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and charges whatsoever except for Permitted Encumbrances and each Mortgage is a valid, enforceable and continuing first lien on and security interest in the applicable Property, subject only to said Permitted Encumbrances.

 

(c)                                   The Permitted Encumbrances do not materially and adversely affect (i) the ability of such Issuer to pay in full the principal and interest on the Notes in a timely manner or (ii) the use of the related Properties for the use currently being made thereof or the operation of such Properties as currently being operated.

 

(d)                                  Upon the execution by such Issuer and the recording of each Mortgage, and upon the proper filing of UCC Financing Statements covering such Issuer’s interest in the “Equipment” (as defined in the Mortgages), if any, the Indenture Trustee will have a valid first lien on the related Properties and a valid security interest in such Issuer’s interest in such Equipment, if any, subject to no liens, charges or encumbrances other than the Permitted Encumbrances.

 

(e)                                   Each Property is covered by an ALTA (or an equivalent form thereof as adopted in the applicable jurisdiction) Title Insurance Policy, in an amount at least equal to the initial Appraised Value of such Property, issued during the 6 months after the date of acquisition thereof. The Title Insurance Policy insures, as of the date of such policy (or any date-down endorsement to such policy), that the related Mortgage is a valid first lien on the fee or leasehold interest in such Property subject only to the Permitted Encumbrances (to the extent stated therein); such Title Insurance Policy is in full force and effect and names the Collateral Agent as the mortgagee of record; such Title Insurance Policy is assignable to assignees of the insured in accordance with its terms. All premiums for the Title Insurance Policy have been paid and no material claims have been made hereunder. The Title Insurance Policy has been issued by a company licensed to issue such policies in the state in which such Property is located.

 

(f)                                    The related Properties have adequate rights of access to public ways and are served by adequate water, sewer, sanitary sewer and storm drain facilities. Except as disclosed in surveys delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with the issuance of the Notes, all public utilities necessary to the continued use and enjoyment of such Properties as presently used and enjoyed are located in the public right-of-way abutting such Property or an adjacent mortgaged property, and all such utilities are connected so as to serve such Properties, directly from such public right-of-way, through such adjacent mortgaged property or through valid easements insured under the Title Insurance Policies. All roads necessary for the current utilization of such Properties have been completed and dedicated to public use and accepted by all Governmental Authorities or are the subject of access easements for the benefit of the applicable Property or an adjacent mortgaged property.

 

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(g)           Except as disclosed in the Title Insurance Policies, to the knowledge of such Issuer, there are no material pending or proposed special or other assessments for public Improvements or otherwise affecting the related Properties, nor, to the knowledge of such Issuer, are there any contemplated Improvements to such Properties that may result in such special or other assessments.

 

(h)           There are no delinquent or unpaid Taxes affecting any Property which are or may become a lien of priority equal to or higher than the lien of the related Mortgage. For purposes of the representation and warranty, Taxes shall not be considered unpaid until the date on which interest and/or penalties would be payable thereon.

 

(i)            Each related Property is free and clear of any mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens or liens in the nature thereof which would materially and adversely affect the value of such Property.

 

(j)            No material Improvements on any Property are located in an area designated as Flood Zone A or Flood Zone V by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or otherwise located in a flood zone area as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a 100 year flood zone or special hazard area, except as may be shown on the surveys delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with the issuance of the Notes, for which Properties such Issuer has caused the Tenant under the related Lease to obtain flood insurance in accordance with the provisions of the Property Management Agreement;

 

(k)           All certifications, permits, licenses and approvals, including, without limitation, certificates of completion and occupancy permits required for the legal use, occupancy and operation of the related Properties (collectively, the “ Licenses ”) currently being operated have been obtained and are in full force and effect except to the extent the failure of any such License to be in full force and effect would not have a material adverse effect on such Issuer or the use and operation of any Property. The related Properties are free of material damage and are in good repair in all material respects, and there is no proceeding pending for the total or material partial condemnation of, or affecting, such Properties, or for the relocation of roadways providing access to any Property.

 

(l)            Except as illustrated on surveys delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with the issuance of the Notes, all of the material Improvements which were included in determining the Appraised Value of each Property lie wholly within the boundaries and building restriction lines of such Property except to the extent such Improvements may encroach upon an adjoining Property, and no improvements on adjoining properties, other than an adjoining Property, encroach materially upon any property, and no easements or other encumbrances upon a Property encroach materially upon any of the Improvements, so as to affect the value or marketability of any Property, except those which are insured against by the Title Insurance Policies. Except as set forth on reports and surveys delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with the issuance of the Notes, all of the Improvements comply with all material requirements of any applicable zoning and subdivision laws and ordinances.

 

(m)          Reserved.

 

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(n)           In connection with the acquisition of each Property, such Issuer inspected or caused to be inspected such Property by (i) appraisal inspection performed by an independent, third party Member of the Appraisal Institute appraiser and (ii) by a property condition engineer or (iii) otherwise as required by STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect; the related Lease File or Loan File, as applicable, contains a survey with respect to such Property, which survey was deemed sufficient to delete the standard title survey exception (to the extent the deletion of such exception is available in the related state); in addition, such survey of such Property has been performed by a duly licensed surveyor or registered professional engineer in the jurisdiction in which such Property is situated, is certified to the Support Provider or the applicable Issuer and their successors and assigns, and the applicable title insurance company, with the signature and seal of a licensed engineer or surveyor affixed thereto and does not fail to reflect any material matter known to such Issuer affecting such Property or the title thereto.

 

(o)           The related Properties are in compliance in all material respects with all Recorded Covenants and all Legal Requirements, including, without limitation, building and zoning ordinances and codes, the failure of which to comply with the same would result in a material adverse effect on either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under the Indenture (including such applicable Series Supplement) and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the financial condition of such Issuer or the value of any related Property as security for the Notes.

 

(p)           No fraudulent acts were committed by STORE Capital or such Issuer during the origination process with respect to each such Lease; and, there has not been committed by such Issuer or any other Person in occupancy of or involved in the operation or use of the related Properties any act or omission affording the federal government or any state or local government the right of forfeiture as against such Properties or any part thereof or any moneys paid in performance of such Issuer’s obligations under any of the Transaction Documents.

 

(q)           Such Issuer is not a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any restriction which might materially and adversely affect such Issuer or any Property, or such Issuer’s business, properties or assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise. Such Issuer is not in default in any material respect in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which such Issuer or any of the related Properties are bound, which default would materially adversely affect either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under the Indenture (including such applicable Series Supplement) and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the financial condition of such Issuer or the value of any related Property as security for the Notes.

 

(r)            All financial data that have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee in respect of the related Properties, including, to such Issuer’s knowledge, any such data relating to Tenants under Leases, (i) are true, complete and correct in all material respects, (ii) accurately represent the financial condition of such Properties as of the date of such reports and (iii) to the extent prepared or audited by an independent certified public accounting firm, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP throughout the periods covered, except as disclosed therein; provided, however, that it is expressly understood by each party hereto that any cost estimates,

 

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projections and other predictions contained in such data are not deemed to be representations of such Issuer. Since the date of such financial statements, there has been no materially adverse change in the financial condition, operations or business of such Issuer from that set forth in said financial statements.

 

(s)            Each Property is comprised of one (1) or more parcels, which constitute a separate tax lot or lots, and does not constitute a portion of any other tax lot not a part of such Property.

 

(t)            The operation of any of the terms of the related Lease, or the exercise of any rights thereunder, does not render the Lease unenforceable, in whole or in part, or subject to any right of rescission, set-off, abatement, diminution, counterclaim or defense.

 

(u)           Such Issuer has obtained and has delivered to the Custodian valid certificates of all insurance policies with respect to each Property owned by such Issuer reflecting the insurance coverages, amounts and other requirements set forth in the Indenture (including such applicable Series Supplement) or any of the other Transaction Documents. To such Issuer’s knowledge, no material pending claims have been made under any such policy, and no Person, including such Issuer, has done, by act or omission, anything which would materially impair the coverage of any such policy.

 

(v)           Reserved.

 

(w)          Except as set forth on a schedule to the applicable Series Supplement: (1) each Property, including, without limitation, all buildings, improvements, parking facilities, sidewalks, storm drainage systems, roofs, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, equipment, elevators, exterior sidings and doors, landscaping, irrigation systems and all structural components, is in good condition, order and repair in all material respects; (2) there exists no structural or other material defects or damages in any Property, whether latent or otherwise; and (3) no insurance company or bonding company has given notice of any defects or inadequacies in any Property, or any part thereof, which would adversely affect the insurability of the same or cause the imposition of extraordinary premiums or charges thereon or of any termination or threatened termination of any policy of insurance or bond.

 

(x)           Except as set forth on a schedule to the applicable Series Supplement, in connection with each Property with respect to which a Lease Guarantor has executed a Lease Guaranty with respect to all payments due under the related Lease:

 

(i)          such Lease Guaranty is in full force and effect and, to such Issuer’s knowledge, there are no defaults by the related Lease Guarantor’s thereunder;

 

(ii)         such Lease Guaranty, on its face, (1) contains no conditions to such payment, other than a notice and right to cure; (2) provides that it is the guaranty of both the performance and payment of the financial obligations of the Tenant under the Lease; and (3) does not provide that the rejection of the Lease in a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Tenant shall affect the related Lease Guarantor’s obligations under such Lease Guaranty; and

 

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(iii)        such Lease Guaranty is binding on the successors and assigns of the related Lease Guarantor and inures to the benefit of the lessor’s successors and assigns; such Lease Guaranty cannot be released or amended without the lessor’s consent or unless a predetermined performance threshold is achieved or a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

 

(y)           Except as set forth on a schedule to the applicable Series Supplement:

 

(i)          the related Properties are not subject to any Leases other than the Leases described in the Owned Property Schedule attached to the applicable Series Supplement and made a part hereof and subleases or assignments thereunder. No Person has any possessory interest in any Property or right to occupy the same except under and pursuant to the provisions of the Leases and subleases or assignments permitted thereunder. The current Leases are in full force and effect and there are no material defaults thereunder by such Issuer or any Tenant. No rent (including security deposits) has been paid more than one (1) month in advance of its due date. All material work to be performed by such Issuer under each Lease has been performed as required and has been accepted by the applicable Tenant, and any payments, free rent, partial rent, rebate of rent or other payments, credits, allowances or abatements required to be given by such Issuer to any Tenant has already been received by such Tenant. There has been no prior sale, transfer or assignment from such Issuer of any Property or Leases in the Collateral or hypothecation or pledge of any Lease or of the rents received therein, except for such hypothecations or pledges that have been released. Except as permitted under the Leases, no Tenant listed on the Owned Property Schedule attached to the applicable Series Supplement has assigned its Lease and no such Tenant holds its leased premises under assignment or sublease. Such Owned Property Schedule to the applicable Series Supplement sets forth a true and correct list of each Property that is subject to a Third Party Purchase Option or an option to terminate such Lease prior to the Rated Final Payment Date, together with the earliest date on which each such option may be exercised;

 

(ii)         the Tenant under each Lease is in possession and paying rent pursuant to the applicable Lease; such Issuer is the owner of the lessor’s interest in each Lease; the Tenant is required to make rental payments as directed by such Issuer, as lessor, and its successors and assigns;

 

(iii)        each Tenant has all material licenses, permits, material agreements, including, but not limited to franchise agreements, if applicable, necessary for the operation and continuance of such Tenant’s business on the related Property; no Tenant is in default of its obligations under any such applicable license, permit or agreement, which default would materially and adversely affect its business operations on the subject Property;

 

(iv)       neither such Issuer nor any Tenant is the subject of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding;

 

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(v)        there are no pending actions, suits or proceedings by or before any court or Governmental Authority against or affecting such Issuer, or, to such Issuer’s knowledge, the related Properties or any Tenant that, if determined adverse to such Issuer or any Property or any Tenant, would materially and adversely affect the value of any Property, the ability of such Issuer to pay principal, interest or any other amounts due under the Notes, or the ability of any Tenant to pay any amounts due under the applicable Lease;

 

(vi)       the obligations of the related Tenant under the Lease, including, but not limited to, the obligation of Tenant to pay rent, are not affected by reason of: (i) any damage to or destruction of any portion of a related Property, except damage to such Property caused by casualty in the last 12 or 24 months of the lease term or substantial damage to the leased property such that the improvements cannot be repaired so as to allow Tenant to conduct a substantial part of its business within a specified time period ranging from 180 days to one (1) year; (ii) any taking of such Property, except a total condemnation and taking of the leased property or a partial condemnation and taking that renders the leased property unsuitable for the continuation of Tenant’s business; (iii) any prohibition, limitation, interruption, cessation, restriction, prevention or interference of Tenant’s use, occupancy or enjoyment of such Property, except with respect to certain abatement rights in connection with casualty and condemnation which may be provided for under the related Lease;

 

(vii)      such Issuer, as landlord under the Lease, does not have any material monetary or non-monetary obligations under the Lease;

 

(viii)     every obligation associated with owning, developing and operating the Property, including, but not limited to, the costs associated with utilities, taxes, insurance, capital and structural improvements, maintenance and repairs is an obligation of Tenant;

 

(ix)       such Issuer, as lessor under the Lease, does not have any material non-monetary obligations under the Lease and has made no representation or warranty under the Lease, the breach of which would result in the abatement of rent, a right of setoff or termination of the Lease;

 

(x)        except as otherwise provided in the related Lease, the Tenant may not assign or sublease the Property without the consent of such Issuer, and in the event the Tenant sublets the leased property, the Tenant remains primarily obligated under the Lease.

 

(xi)       the Tenant has agreed to indemnify such Issuer, as lessor under the Lease, from any claims of any nature relating to the Lease and the related Property other than the lessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, including, without limitation, arising as a result of violations of Environmental Laws resulting from the Tenant’s operation of the property;

 

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(xii)      any obligation or liability imposed by any easement or reciprocal easement agreement is an obligation of Tenant, and such Issuer has no liability to Tenant for performance of the same;

 

(xiii)     the Tenant under a Lease or related ancillary document (which document does not negate other representations and warranties set forth herein) is required to make rental payments to such Issuer, as lessor, and its successor and assigns);

 

(xiv)     pursuant to the terms of each Lease, each Lease is automatically subordinate to the related Mortgage, and to the extent the terms of a Lease do not include such automatic subordination language, the Issuer, as lessor, and related Tenant have executed a subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment agreement;

 

(xv)      except for certain rights of first offer set forth in certain Leases, the Lease is freely assignable by the lessor and its successor and assigns (including, but not limited to, the Indenture Trustee, which acquires title to a Property by foreclosure or otherwise) to any person without the consent of the Tenant, and in the event the lessor’s interest is so assigned, the Tenant is obligated to recognize the assignee as lessor under such Lease, whether under the Lease or by operation of law; and

 

(xvi)     the Tenant has not been released, in whole or in part, from its obligations under the terms of the Lease.

 

(z)           With respect to any Property and Lease originated or acquired after the Series Closing Date, including with respect to any Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases, Post-Closing Properties or Additional Master Lease Properties purchased or substituted by such Issuer from a third party (subject to exceptions scheduled and set forth in the related Purchase and Sale Agreement, if applicable), such Property and Lease are required to be originated or acquired pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Indenture and the Property Management Agreement in accordance with the related underwriting guidelines.

 

(aa)         All transfer taxes, deed stamps, intangible taxes or other amounts in the nature of transfer taxes required to be paid by any Person under applicable Legal Requirements currently in effect in connection with the transfer of the related Properties to such Issuer have been paid. All mortgage, mortgage recording, stamp, intangible or other similar tax required to be paid by any Person under applicable Legal Requirements currently in effect in connection with the execution, delivery, recordation, filing, registration, perfection or enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, the Mortgages, have been paid, and, under current Legal Requirements, each of the Mortgages is enforceable in accordance with their respective terms by the Indenture Trustee (or any subsequent holder thereof).

 

(bb)         To such Issuer’s knowledge, except as disclosed in the environmental reports delivered to the Custodian in connection with the issuance of the Notes, in all material respects: (a) no Property is in violation of any Environmental Laws; (b) no Property is subject to any private or governmental lien or judicial or administrative notice or action or inquiry, investigation or claim relating to Hazardous Substances; (c) no Hazardous Substances are or have

 

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been (including the period prior to such Issuer’s acquisition of each Property) released, discharged, generated, treated, disposed of or stored on, incorporated in, or removed or transported from each Property other than in compliance with all Environmental Laws; and (d) no Hazardous Substances other than Permitted Materials, are present in, on or under any nearby real property which could migrate to or otherwise affect each Property.

 

(cc)         In addition, to such Issuer’s knowledge, no Asbestos is located on any Property except as may have been disclosed in the environmental reports delivered to the Custodian in connection with the issuance of the Notes.

 

(dd)         No condemnation or other similar proceeding has been commenced or, to the knowledge of such Issuer, is threatened or contemplated with respect to all or any portion of the related Properties or for the relocation of roadways providing access to such Properties.

 

(ee)         No portion of the related Properties has been purchased or leased with proceeds of any illegal activity.

 

(ff)          Each Qualified Substitute Property satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Qualified Substitute Property.

 

(gg)         Each Post-Closing Property satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Post-Closing Property.

 

Section 2.21         Representations and Warranties With Respect To Mortgage Loans and Loan Components of Hybrid Leases .

 

Except as set forth in Schedule I of the applicable Series Supplement, each of the applicable Issuers shall make the following representations and warranties and the representations and warranties set forth in Exhibit A of such Series Supplement, as of the applicable Series Closing Date or Transfer Date, with respect to the Mortgage Loans and each loan component of a Hybrid Lease indicated in such Series Supplement or otherwise added to the Collateral Pool by such Issuer in connection with the issuance of any Series of Notes or as Qualified Substitute Loans or, with respect to the related loan component, as Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases, Post-Closing Properties or Additional Master Lease Properties; provided, however, that, references to “Mortgage Loan,” “Loan,” “Loan Documents,” “Loan File,” “Borrower,” “Mortgage,” “Mortgage Note” and any other terms relating to the Mortgage Loans used in this Section 2.21 shall be construed to relate to the loan components of a Hybrid Lease, the related documents, files, borrowers, mortgages, mortgage notes and other related concepts, each, as applicable, each associated with a Hybrid Lease:

 

(a)           Immediately prior to the transfer and assignment of the Mortgage Loan to such Issuer, the Originator had good title to, and was the sole owner and holder of, the Mortgage Loan, free and clear of any and all liens, encumbrances and other interests on, in or to the Mortgage Loan. Such transfer and assignment from the Originator to such Issuer of the Mortgage Loan by collateral assignment and by individual allonges of the Mortgage Notes and assignments of the Mortgages in blank legally and validly assigns all of the Originator’s right, title and ownership of the Mortgage Loan to such Issuer (and, with respect to the Mortgage, to the Collateral Agent) free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance or security interest.

 

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(b)           Such Issuer has full right and authority to own and possess the Mortgage Loan. The entire agreement with the related Originator (whether originated by the Originator or a different originator) is contained in the related Loan Documents and there are no warranties, agreements or options regarding such Mortgage Loan or the related Property not set forth therein. Other than the Loan Documents, there are no agreements between any predecessor in interest in the Mortgage Loan and the Borrower.

 

(c)           The information pertaining to the Mortgage Loan set forth in the mortgage loan schedule attached to the related Purchase and Sale Agreement was true and correct in all material respects as of the related transfer date. The Mortgage Loan was originated or acquired in accordance with, and fully complies with, STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect in all material respects. All documents comprising the Loan File have been delivered to the Custodian, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, with respect to each Mortgage Loan by the Related Series Closing Date. The related Loan File contains all of the documents and instruments required to be contained therein.

 

(d)           Financing Statements have been filed and/or recorded (or, if not filed and/or recorded, have been submitted in proper form for filing and recording), in all public places necessary to perfect a valid first priority security interest in all items of personal property defined as part of the Property and in all cases, subject to a purchase money security interest and to the extent perfection may be effected pursuant to applicable law solely by recording or filing Financing Statements.

 

(e)           With respect to each Loan, the related Mortgage constitutes a valid, legally binding and enforceable first priority lien upon the related Property and a fee or leasehold interest in the improvements located thereon and forming a part thereof, prior to all other liens and encumbrances, except for Permitted Encumbrances. The lien of the Mortgage is insured by a Title Insurance Policy, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company, insuring the originator of the Loan, its successors and assigns, as to the first priority lien of the Mortgage in the original principal amount of the Mortgage Loan after all advances of principal, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances (or, if a Title Insurance Policy has not yet been issued in respect of the Loan, a policy meeting the foregoing description is evidenced by a commitment for title insurance “marked up” (or by “pro-forma” otherwise agreed to in a closing instruction letter countersigned by the title company) as of the closing date of the Loan). Each Title Insurance Policy (or, if it has yet to be issued, the coverage to be provided thereby) is in full force and effect, all premiums thereon have been paid and no material claims have been made thereunder and no claims have been paid thereunder. Neither the Originator nor the applicable Issuer has, by act or omission, done anything that would materially impair the coverage under such Title Insurance Policy. Each Title Insurance Policy contains no exclusion for, or affirmatively insures (except for any Property located in a jurisdiction where such affirmative insurance is not available in which case such exclusion may exist), (a) that the area shown on the survey is the same as the property legally described in the Mortgage and (b) to the extent that the Property consists of two or more adjoining parcels, such parcels are contiguous. Immediately following the transfer and assignment of the Mortgage Loan to the applicable Issuer, such Title Insurance Policy (or, if it has yet to be issued, the coverage to be provided thereby) inures to the benefit of such Issuer without the consent of or notice to the insurer.

 

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(f)            Neither the Originator nor such Issuer has waived any material default, breach, violation or event of acceleration existing under the Mortgage or Mortgage Note.

 

(g)           The Borrower has not waived any material default, breach, violation or event of acceleration by any Tenant existing under a related Lease.

 

(h)           There is no valid offset, defense, counterclaim or right of rescission to the payment or performance obligations of the Loan.

 

(i)            The related Property is free and clear of any damage that would materially and adversely affect its value as security for the Loan. No proceeding for the condemnation of all or any material portion of such Property has been commenced.

 

(j)            An engineering report was prepared in connection with the origination of each Mortgage Loan no more than twelve months prior to the origination by, or transfer to, an Issuer in connection with the Series Closing Date or Related Series Closing Date immediately following such origination, which indicates that each related Property (a) is free and clear of any material damage, (b) is in good repair and condition, (c) to the extent any damage is noted in the report, the related Borrower is required to repair same within a commercially reasonable time frame subject to the terms and provisions of the related Loan, and (d) is free of structural defects, except to the extent of any damage or deficiencies that would not materially and adversely affect the use, operation or value the Mortgage Property. No proceeding for the condemnation of all or any material portion of such Property has been commenced or threatened.

 

(k)           The proceeds of the Mortgage Loan have been fully disbursed and there is no requirement for future advances thereunder. All costs, fees and expenses incurred in making, closing and recording the Loan, including, but not limited to, mortgage recording taxes and recording and filing fees relating to the origination of such Loan, have been paid. Any and all requirements as to completion of any on-site or off-site improvement by the Borrower and as to disbursements of any escrow funds therefor that were to have been complied with have been complied with.

 

(l)            The Borrower under the related Mortgage Note, Mortgage and all other Loan Documents had the power, authority and legal capacity to enter into, execute and deliver the same, and, as applicable, such Mortgage Note, Mortgage and other Loan Documents have been duly authorized, properly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, and each is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the related Borrower, guarantor or other obligor and the maker thereof (subject to any non-recourse provisions contained in any of the foregoing agreements and any applicable state anti-deficiency legislation), enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

(m)          All improvements upon the related Property are insured under insurance policies (as described in a Schedule to the related Purchase and Sale Agreement, if any, entitled the “ Insurance Schedule ”). The Loan Documents require the Borrower to maintain, or cause

 

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any related Tenant to maintain, and the related Lease requires such Tenant to maintain, insurance coverage described on the Insurance Schedule and all insurance required under applicable law, including, without limitation, insurance against loss by hazards with extended coverage in an amount (subject to a customary deductible) at least equal to the full replacement cost of the improvements located on such Property, including without limitation, flood insurance if any portion of the improvements located upon such Property was, at the time of the origination of the Loan, in a flood zone area as identified in the Federal Register by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a 100 year flood zone or special hazard area, and flood insurance was available under the then current guidelines of the Federal Insurance Administration is in effect with a generally acceptable insurance carrier. The Loan Documents require the Borrower to maintain, or to cause any related Tenant to maintain, on the related Property a fire and extended perils insurance policy, in an amount not less than the replacement cost and the amount necessary to avoid the operation of any co-insurance provisions with respect to such Property. All such insurance policies contain a standard “additional insured” clause (or similar clause) naming the Borrower (as landlord under the related Lease), its successors and assigns (including, without limitation, subsequent owners of such Property), as additional insured, and may not be reduced, terminated or canceled without thirty (30) (and, in some cases, ten (10)) days’ prior written notice to the additional insured. In addition, the Mortgage requires the Borrower to (i) cause the holder of the Mortgage to be named as an additional insured mortgagee, and (ii) maintain (or to require any related Tenant to maintain) in respect of the related Property workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable), commercial general liability insurance in amounts generally required by such holder of the Mortgage, and at least 6 months’ rental or business interruption insurance. The related Loan Documents obligate the Borrower to maintain such insurance and, at such Borrower’s failure to do so, authorizes the mortgagee to maintain such insurance at the Borrower’s cost and expense and to seek reimbursement therefor from such Borrower. Each such insurance policy, as applicable, is required to name the holder of the Mortgage as an additional insured or contain a mortgagee endorsement naming the holder of the Mortgage as loss payee and requires prior notice to the holder of the Mortgage of termination or cancellation, and no such notice has been received, including any notice of nonpayment of premiums, that has not been cured. There have been no acts or omissions that would impair the coverage of any such insurance policy or the benefits of the mortgage endorsement. All insurance contemplated in this section is maintained with insurance companies with a General Policy Rating of “A” or better by S&P or “A:VIII” or better by Best’s Insurance Guide and are licensed to do business in the state wherein the Borrower or the Property subject to the policy, as applicable, is located (“ Insurance Rating Requirements ”).

 

(n)           As of the applicable Related Series Closing Date, the related Property was subject to one or more environmental site assessments or reports (or an update of a previously conducted assessment or report) within 12 months prior to such Related Series Closing Date, and neither the Originator nor the applicable Issuer has knowledge of any material and adverse environmental conditions or circumstance affecting such Property that was not disclosed in the related assessment or report(s). There are no material and adverse environmental conditions or circumstances affecting any Property other than, with respect to any adverse environmental condition described in such report, those conditions for which remediation has been completed and, thereafter, to the extent that such report or remediation program is so recommended: (i) a program of annual integrity testing and/or monitoring was recommended and implemented in connection with such Property or an adjacent or neighboring property; (ii) an operations and

 

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maintenance plan or periodic monitoring of such related Property or nearby properties was recommended and implemented; or (iii) a follow-up plan was otherwise required to be taken under CERCLA or under regulations established thereunder from time to time by the Environmental Protection Agency, and such plan has been implemented in the case of (i), (ii) and (iii) above. The Originator determined in accordance with STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect that adequate funding was available for such program or plan, as applicable. The Originator has not taken any action with respect to the Mortgage Loan or the related Property that can subject the applicable Issuer, or its successors and assigns in respect of the Loan, to any liability under CERCLA or any other applicable federal, state or local environmental law, and neither the Originator nor the applicable Issuer has received any actual notice of a material violation of CERCLA or any applicable federal, state or local environmental law with respect to such Property that was not disclosed in the related report. The Mortgage or other Loan Documents require the Borrower (and any related Leases require the related Tenant) to comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. With respect to each Loan, (i)(a) a property condition or engineering report was prepared, if the related Property was constructed prior to 1985, with respect to asbestos-containing materials (“ ACM ”) and (b) if such report disclosed the existence of a material and adverse ACM affecting the related Property, the related Borrower (A) was required to remediate the identified condition prior to closing the Mortgage Loan or provide additional security or establish with the mortgagee a reserve in an amount deemed to be sufficient by the Property Manager, for the remediation of the problem and/or (B) agreed in the Loan Documents to establish an operations and maintenance plan after the closing of the Mortgage Loan that should reasonably be expected to mitigate the environmental risk related to the identified ACM.

 

(o)           The Mortgage Loan is not cross-collateralized or cross-defaulted with any mortgage loan that is not included in the Collateral Pool.

 

(p)           Except by written instruments that are part of the Loan File, recorded or filed in the applicable public office if necessary to maintain the priority of the lien of the related Mortgage, (i) the terms of the Mortgage, Mortgage Note and other Loan Documents have not been impaired, waived altered, modified, satisfied, canceled or subordinated in any material respect, (ii) no related Property or any portion thereof has been released from the lien of the related Mortgage in any manner which materially interferes with the security intended to be provided by such Mortgage or the use, value or operation of such Property, and (iii) neither Borrower nor any guarantor has been released from its obligations under the Loan.

 

(q)           There are no delinquent taxes, ground rents, assessments for improvements or other similar outstanding lienable charges affecting the related Property which are or may become a lien of priority equal to or higher than the lien of the Mortgage. For purposes of this representation and warranty, real property taxes and assessments shall not be considered unpaid until the date on which interest and/or penalties would be payable thereon.

 

(r)            Except for any Mortgage Loan secured by a ground lease, the interest of the Borrower in the related Property consists of a fee simple estate in real property.

 

(s)            Each Mortgage Loan is a whole loan and not a participation interest.

 

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(t)            The assignment of the Mortgage referred to in the Loan File constitutes the legal, valid and binding assignment of such Mortgage from the relevant assignor to the applicable Issuer or to the Collateral Agent. The assignment of leases and rents set forth in the Mortgage or separate from the Mortgage and related to and delivered in connection with each Mortgage Loan establishes and creates a valid, subsisting and, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances, enforceable first priority lien and first priority security interest in the Borrower’s interest in all leases, subleases, licenses or other agreements pursuant to which any person is entitled to occupy, use or possess all or any portion of the real property subject to the Mortgage, and each assignor thereunder has the full right to assign the same. The related assignment of Mortgage or any assignment of leases and rents not included in a Mortgage, executed and delivered in favor of such Issuer is in recordable form and constitutes a legal, valid and binding assignment, sufficient to convey to the assignee named therein all of the assignor’s right, title and interest in, to and under such assignment of leases and rents. No person other than the related Borrower owns any interest in any payment due under such lease or leases that is superior to or of equal priority with the lender’s interest therein. The related Mortgage or related assignment of leases, subject to applicable law, provides that, upon an event of default under the Loan, a receiver will be appointed for the collection of rents or for the related mortgagee to enter into possession to collect the rents or for rents to be paid directly to the mortgagee.

 

(u)           All escrow deposits relating to the Mortgage Loan that are required to be deposited with the related holder of the Mortgage Loan or its agent have been so deposited and there are no deficiencies (subject to any applicable grace or cure periods) in connection therewith, and all such escrows and deposits that are required under the related Loan Documents have been conveyed to the applicable Issuer or its designee and identified as such with appropriate detail. No other escrow amounts have been released except in accordance with the terms and conditions of the related Loan Documents.

 

(v)           As of the date of origination of such Mortgage Loan and, as of the transfer date, as the case may be, the related Property securing such Mortgage Loan was and is free and clear of any mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens or liens in the nature thereof which create a lien prior to that created by the Mortgage, except those which are insured against by the Title Insurance Policy referred to in paragraph (e) above.

 

(w)          As of the date of the origination of the Mortgage Loan, no improvement that was included for the purpose of determining the Appraised Value of the related Property securing such Mortgage Loan at the time of origination of the Mortgage Loan lay outside the boundaries and building restriction lines of such property in any way that would materially and adversely affect the value of such related Property or the ability to operate such Property under the related Lease (unless affirmatively covered by the Title Insurance Policy referred to in paragraph (e) above), and no improvements on adjoining properties encroached upon such Property or any related easements to any material extent.

 

(x)           (i) There exists no material default, breach or event of acceleration under the Mortgage Loan or any of the Loan Documents or the related lease, if any, (ii) there exists no event (other than payments due but not yet delinquent) that, with the passage of time or with notice and the expiration of any grace or cure period, would constitute such a material default, breach or event of acceleration, (iii) no payment on any Mortgage Loan is, or has previously

 

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been during any time owned by the Originator or the applicable Issuer, 30 or more days delinquent, and (iv) no payment on any related lease is or has previously been 30 or more days delinquent; provided, however, that this representation and warranty does not cover any default, breach or event of acceleration that specifically pertains to any matter otherwise covered or addressed by any other representation and warranty made by the applicable Issuer with respect to the Mortgage Loans. No person other than the holder of such Mortgage Loan may declare any event of default under the Mortgage Loan or accelerate any indebtedness under the Loan Documents.

 

(y)           In connection with the origination of each Mortgage Loan, the applicable Issuer inspected or caused to be inspected within twelve months of the applicable Related Series Closing Date the related Property by inspection or otherwise as required in STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect.

 

(z)           Except as set forth in the Series Supplement, the Mortgage Loan contains no equity participation by or shared appreciation rights in the lender or beneficiary under the Mortgage, and does not provide for any contingent or additional interest in the form of participation in the cash flow of the related Property, or for negative amortization.

 

(aa)         No holder of the Mortgage Loan has advanced funds or induced, solicited or knowingly received any advance of funds from a party other than the owner of the related Property, directly or indirectly, for the payment of any amount required by the Mortgage Loan (other than amounts paid by the related Tenant as specifically provided under the related lease). No Originator or any affiliate thereof has any obligation to make any capital contribution to any Borrower under a Mortgage Loan.

 

(bb)         To such Issuer’s knowledge, based on due diligence customarily performed in the origination or acquisition of comparable mortgage loans, as of the date of origination or acquisition of the Mortgage Loans, the related Borrowers, were in compliance with all applicable laws relating to the ownership and operation of the related Properties as they were then operated and were in possession of all material licenses, permits and authorizations required by applicable laws for the ownership and operation of such Properties as they were operated. With respect to Properties that are operated as franchised properties, and except with respect to Mortgage Loans for which the related Tenant is the franchisor, the Tenant of such Property has entered into a legal, valid, and binding franchise agreement and such Tenant has represented in the applicable Lease Documents that, as of the date of origination or acquisition of the Mortgage Loan, there were no defaults under the franchise agreement by such Tenant.

 

(cc)         The origination, servicing and collection practices the related Originator or Issuer used with respect to the Mortgage Loan since such Originator’s origination or, as applicable, Originator’s or Issuer’s acquisition thereof have complied with applicable law in all material respects and are consistent and in accordance with the terms of the related Loan Documents and in accordance with the applicable servicing standard and customary industry standards.

 

(dd)         The Mortgage or Mortgage Note, together with applicable state law, contains customary and enforceable provisions (subject to the exceptions set forth in paragraph

 

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(l) above) such as to render the rights and remedies of the holders thereof adequate for the practical realization against the Property of the principal benefits of the security intended to be provided thereby, including the right of foreclosure under the laws of the state in which such Property is located.

 

(ee)         The Mortgage provides that insurance proceeds and condemnation proceeds will be applied for one of the following purposes: to restore or repair the related Property (the lender (or a trustee appointed by it) having the right to hold and disburse such proceeds as the repair or restoration progresses); to repay the principal of the Mortgage Loan; or to be used as otherwise directed by the holder of such Mortgage.

 

(ff)          There are no actions, suits, legal, arbitration or administrative proceedings or investigations by or before any court or governmental authority or, to such Issuer’s knowledge, pending against or affecting the Borrower or the related Property that, if determined adversely to such Borrower or such Property, would materially and adversely affect (a) title to the Property, (b) the validity or enforceability of the Mortgage, (c) such Borrower’s ability to perform under the related Mortgage Loan, (d) any related guarantor’s ability to perform under the related guaranty, (e) the use, operation or value of the Property, (f) the principal benefit of the security intended to be provided by the Loan Documents, (g) the current ability of the Property to generate net cash flow sufficient to service such Mortgage Loan, or (h) the current principal use of the Property.

 

(gg)         If the Mortgage is a deed of trust, a trustee, duly qualified under applicable law to serve as such, is properly designated and serving under such Mortgage. Except in connection with a trustee’s sale or as otherwise required by applicable law, after default by the Borrower, no fees or expenses are payable to such trustee.

 

(hh)         The Mortgage does not permit the related Property to be encumbered by any lien junior to or of equal priority with the lien of the Mortgage (excluding any lien relating to another Mortgage Loan that is cross collateralized with the Mortgage Loan) without the prior written consent of the holder thereof. There is no mezzanine debt related to the Property.

 

(ii)           The Borrower is not a debtor in any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

 

(jj)           As of the date of origination by the related Originator or acquisition of each Mortgage by such Issuer, as applicable, each Borrower which is not a natural person was duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state of its jurisdiction.

 

(kk)         The Mortgage Loan contains provisions for the acceleration of the payment of the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loan if, without complying with the requirements of the Mortgage Loan, (i) the related Property, or any controlling interest in the Borrower, is directly or indirectly pledged, transferred or sold or (ii) the related Property is encumbered with a subordinate lien or security interest against the related Property.

 

(ll)           The Loan Documents for each of the Mortgage Loans generally provide that the Borrower is to provide periodic financial and operating reports including, without

 

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limitation, annual profit and loss statements, statements of cash flow and other related information that the applicable Issuer reasonably requests from time to time.

 

(mm)      To the applicable Issuer’s actual knowledge, based upon zoning letters, zoning reports, the Title Insurance Policy insuring the lien of the Mortgage, historical use and/or other due diligence customarily performed by the Originator in connection with the origination of the Mortgage Loan, the improvements located on or forming part of the related Property comply in all material respects with applicable zoning laws and ordinances (except to the extent that they may constitute legal non-conforming uses). In the event of casualty or destruction, (a) the Property may be restored or repaired to the full extent necessary to maintain the use of the structure immediately prior to such casualty or destruction, (b) law and ordinance insurance coverage has been obtained for the Property in amounts customarily required by prudent commercial mortgage lenders that provides coverage for additional costs to rebuild and/or repair the property to current applicable laws, zoning ordinances, rules, covenants and restrictions, or (c) the inability to restore the Property to the full extent of the use or structure immediately prior to the casualty would not materially and adversely affect the use, operation or value of such Property.

 

(nn)         Any Property is located within one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

 

(oo)         With respect to a Mortgage Loan secured by a Property located in “seismic zones” 3 or 4, the Borrower or Issuer (or an affiliate of Issuer) has obtained, and is required under the Loan Documents to maintain, earthquake insurance from an insurer in compliance with the Insurance Rating Requirements and in an amount not less than 150% of the probable maximum loss for the related Property with respect to the improvements on and forming a part of such Property, or is required to cause the Tenant to maintain (and the Tenant has obtained) earthquake insurance if such Property is located in any such area.

 

(pp)         The applicable Issuer does not have knowledge of any circumstance or condition with respect to such Mortgage Loan, the related Property, the related Lease or the Borrower’s or the Tenant’s credit standing that can reasonably be expected to cause such Issuer to regard such Mortgage Loan as unacceptable security, cause such Mortgage Loan or the related Lease to become delinquent or have a material adverse effect on the value or marketability of such Mortgage Loan.

 

(qq)         The related Property has adequate rights of access to public rights-of-way and is served by utilities, including, without limitation, adequate water, sewer, electricity, gas, telephone, sanitary sewer, and storm drain facilities. All public utilities necessary to the continued use and enjoyment of such Property as presently used and enjoyed are located in such public rights-of-way abutting such Property or are the subject of access easements for the benefit of such Property, and all such utilities are connected so as to serve such Property without passing over other property or are the subject of access easements for the benefit of such Property. All roads necessary for the full use of such Property for its current purpose have been completed and dedicated to public use and accepted by all governmental authorities or are the subject of access easements for the benefit of such Property. The related Property constitutes one or more separate tax parcels which do not include any property which is not part of the Property or is subject to an

 

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endorsement under the related Title Insurance Policy insuring the Property, or in certain cases, an application has been made to the applicable governing authority for creation of separate tax lots, in which case the Mortgage Loan requires the Borrower to escrow an amount sufficient to pay taxes for the existing tax parcel of which the Property is a part until the separate tax lots are created.

 

(rr)           With respect to any Mortgage Loan where all or a material portion of the Property securing such Mortgage Loan is a leasehold estate, and the related Mortgage does not also encumber the related ground lessor’s fee interest in such Property, based upon the terms of the ground lease and any estoppel letter or other writing received from the ground lessor and included in the related Loan File and, if applicable, the related Mortgage:

 

(i)          The ground lease or a memorandum regarding such ground lease has been duly recorded. The ground lessor has permitted the interest of the related lessee to be encumbered by the related Mortgage. There has been no material change in the terms of the ground lease since its recordation, except by any written instruments which are included in the related Loan File.

 

(ii)         The ground lease may not be amended, modified, canceled or terminated without the prior written consent of the owner of the Mortgage Loan and that any such action without such consent is not binding on the lender, its successors or assigns.

 

(iii)        The ground lease has an original term (or an original term plus one or more optional renewal terms, which, under all circumstances, may be exercised, and is enforceable, by the lender) that extends beyond the stated maturity of the related Mortgage Loan.

 

(iv)       Based on the Title Insurance Policy referenced in paragraph (e) above, the ground leasehold interest is not subject to any liens or encumbrances superior to, or of equal priority with, the Mortgage, subject to permitted encumbrances and liens that encumber the ground lease’s fee interest.

 

(v)        The ground lease is assignable to the lender and its assigns without the consent of the ground lessor thereunder.

 

(vi)       Such Issuer or Originator has not received any written notice of default under or notice of termination of such ground lease. The ground lease is in full force and effect and no default has occurred under the ground lease and there is no existing condition which, but for the passage of time or the giving of notice, would result in a material default under the terms of the ground lease.

 

(vii)      The ground lease or ancillary agreement between the lessor and the lessee requires the lessor to give to the lender written notice of any default, provides that no notice of default or termination is effective unless such notice is given to the lender, and requires that the ground lessor will supply an estoppel.

 

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(viii)     The lender is permitted a reasonable opportunity (including, where necessary, sufficient time to gain possession of the interest of the lessee under the ground lease through legal proceedings, or to take other action so long as the lender is proceeding diligently) to cure any default under the ground lease which is curable after the receipt of notice of any default, before the ground lessor may terminate the ground lease.

 

(ix)       The ground lease does not impose restrictions on subletting that would be viewed as commercially unreasonable by a prudent commercial mortgage lender. The ground lessor is not permitted to disturb the possession, interest or quiet enjoyment of any subtenant of the ground lessee in the relevant portion of the related Property subject to the ground lease for any reason, or in any material manner, which would adversely affect the security provided by the related Mortgage.

 

(x)        Any related insurance proceeds or condemnation award (other than in respect of a total or substantially total loss or taking) is required under the related ground lease to be applied either to the repair or restoration of all or part of the related Property, with the lender or a trustee appointed by it having the right to hold and disburse such proceeds as repair or restoration progresses, or to the payment of the outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loan, together with any accrued interest.

 

(xi)       Any related insurance proceeds, or condemnation award in respect of a total or substantially total loss or taking of the related Property is required to be applied first to the payment of the outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loan, together with any accrued interest (except as provided by applicable law or in cases where a different allocation would not be viewed as commercially unreasonable by any institutional investor, taking into account the relative duration of the ground lease and the related Mortgage and the ratio of the market value of the related Property to the outstanding principal balance of such Mortgage Loan). Pursuant to the related ground lease, until the principal balance and accrued interest are paid in full, neither the lessee nor the ground lessor under the ground lease has an option to terminate or modify the ground lease without the prior written consent of the lender as a result of any casualty or partial condemnation, except to provide for an abatement of the rent.

 

(xii)      Provided that the lender cures any defaults which are susceptible to being cured, the ground lessor has agreed to enter into a new lease upon termination of the ground lease for any reason, including rejection of the ground lease in a bankruptcy proceeding.

 

(ss)          With respect to each Mortgage Loan and any Qualified Substitute Loans or, with respect to the related loan component, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases purchased or substituted by an Issuer from a third party, each Mortgage Loan and the related Property are required to be originated pursuant to the Indenture and the Property Management Agreement in accordance with STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect or in accordance with a Borrower’s, Tenant’s or a different form of document that is otherwise approved by such Issuer on a case by case basis in a manner that provides for such Issuer to receive the substantive

 

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benefits intended to be realized in accordance with STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect.

 

(tt)           None of the Mortgage Loans are construction loans.

 

(uu)         Each Borrower covenants in the Loan Documents that is shall keep all material licenses, permits, franchises, certificates of occupancy, consents, and other approvals necessary for the operation of the Property in full force and effect, and to the applicable Issuer’s knowledge based upon any of a letter from any government authorities or other affirmative investigation of local law compliance consistent with the investigation conducted by such Issuer for similar commercial mortgage loans intended for securitization; all such material licenses, permits, franchises, certificates of occupancy, consents, and other approvals are in effect. The Mortgage Loan requires the related Borrower to be qualified to do business in the jurisdiction in which the related Property is located and for the Borrower and the Property to be in compliance in all material respects with all regulations, zoning and building laws.

 

(vv)         To the extent required under applicable law, as of the related Series Closing Date or as of the date that such entity held the Mortgage Note, each holder of the Mortgage Note was authorized to transact and do business in the jurisdiction in which each related Property is located, or the failure to be so authorized does not materially and adversely affect the enforceability of such Mortgage Loan by the applicable Issuer.

 

(ww)       The Loan Documents for each Mortgage Loan provide that such Mortgage Loan (a) becomes full recourse to the Borrower and guarantor (which is a natural person or persons, or an entity distinct from the Borrower (but may be affiliated with the Borrower) that has assets other than equity in the related Property that are not de minimis) in any of the following events: (i) if any petition for bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution or liquidation pursuant to federal bankruptcy law, or any similar federal or state law, shall be filed by, consented to, or acquiesced in by, the Borrower; (ii) Borrower or guarantor shall have colluded with other creditors to cause an involuntary bankruptcy filing with respect to the Borrower or (iii) transfers of either the Property or equity interests in Borrower made in violation of the Loan Documents; and (b) contains provisions providing for recourse against the Borrower and guarantor (which is a natural person or persons, or an entity distinct from the Borrower (but may be affiliated with the Borrower) that has assets other than equity in the related Property that are not de minimis), for losses and damages sustained in the case of (i) misappropriation of rents, security deposits, insurance proceeds, or condemnation awards; (ii) the Borrower’s fraud or willful misrepresentation; (iii) willful misconduct by the Borrower or guarantor; (iv) breaches of the environmental covenants in the Loan Documents; or (v) commission of material physical waste at the Property.

 

(xx)         With respect to each Mortgage Loan over $20 million, the related special-form all-risk insurance policy and business interruption policy (issued by an insurer meeting the Insurance Rating Requirements) do not specifically exclude Acts of Terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as amended by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (collectively referred to as “ TRIA ”), from coverage, or if such coverage is excluded, it is covered by a separate terrorism insurance policy. With respect to each other Mortgage Loan, the related special all-risk insurance policy and business interruption

 

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policy (issued by an insurer meeting the Insurance Rating Requirements) did not, as of the date of origination of the Mortgage Loan, and, to such Issuer’s knowledge, do not, as of the Related Series Closing Date, specifically exclude Acts of Terrorism, as defined in TRIA, from coverage, or if such coverage is excluded, it is covered by a separate terrorism insurance policy. With respect to each Mortgage Loan, the related Loan Documents do not expressly waive or prohibit the mortgagee from requiring coverage for Acts of Terrorism, as defined in TRIA, or damages related thereto, except to the extent that any right to require such coverage may be limited by availability on commercially reasonable terms.

 

(yy)         Each Mortgage Loan requires the Borrower to be a Single-Purpose Entity for at least as long as the Mortgage Loan is outstanding. Both the Loan Documents and the organizational documents of the Borrower with respect to each Mortgage Loan with a principal balance in excess of $5 million as of the related Series Closing Date provide that the Borrower is a Single-Purpose Entity, and each Mortgage Loan with a principal balance of $20 million or more has a counsel’s opinion regarding non-consolidation of the Borrower. For this purpose, a “Single-Purpose Entity” shall mean an entity, other than an individual, whose organizational documents (or if the Mortgage Loan has a principal balance as of the related Series Closing Date equal to $5 million or less, its organizational documents or the related Loan Documents) provide substantially to the effect that it was formed or organized solely for the purpose of owning and operating one or more of the Properties securing the Mortgage Loans and prohibit it from engaging in any business unrelated to such Property or Properties, and whose organizational documents further provide, or which entity represented in the related Loan Documents, substantially to the effect that it does not have any assets other than those related to its interest in and operation of such Property or Properties, or any indebtedness other than as permitted by the related Mortgage(s) or the other related Loan Documents, that it has its own books and records and accounts separate and apart from those of any other person (other than a Borrower for a Mortgage Loan that is cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with the related Mortgage Loan), and that it holds itself out as a legal entity, separate and apart from any other person or entity.

 

(zz)         Each Mortgage Loan bears interest at a rate that remains fixed throughout the remaining term of such Mortgage Loan, except in the case of ARD loans and situations where default interest is imposed.

 

(aaa)      Prior to the origination date of the related Mortgage Loan, the applicable Originator obtained financial information with respect to the Borrower and the related tenant in accordance with the requirements of STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect.

 

(bbb)      The applicable Originator has obtained an organizational chart or other description of each Borrower which identifies all beneficial controlling owners of the Borrower. Prior to the origination date of the related Mortgage Loan, the applicable Originator reviewed and approved the Borrower in accordance with the requirements of STORE Capital’s underwriting guidelines then in effect.

 

(ccc)       Such Issuer obtained an estoppel from the tenant on the Property within 90 days prior to the origination date of the related Mortgage Loan, (w) confirming the rent payments under the related lease, (x) the term of the related lease, including any extension options, (y) the

 

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related lease is in full force and effect, and (z) there exists no default under such lease, either by the lessee thereunder or by the Borrower, as lessor.

 

(ddd)      The Loan File contains an appraisal of the related Property with an appraisal date within 6 months of the Mortgage Loan origination date, and within 12 months of the related Series Closing Date. The appraisal is signed by an appraiser who is a Member of the Appraisal Institute and, to the best of such Issuer’s knowledge, had no interest, direct or indirect, in the Property or the Borrower or in any loan made on the security thereof, and whose compensation is not affected by the approval or disapproval of the Mortgage Loan. Each appraiser has represented in such appraisal or in a supplemental letter that the appraisal satisfies the requirements of the “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice” as adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.

 

(eee)       Issuer and Originator have complied with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including without limitation the USA Patriot Act of 2001 with respect to the origination of the Mortgage Loan.

 

Section 2.22         Representations and Warranties With Respect to Hybrid Leases .

 

Except as set forth in Schedule I of the applicable Series Supplement, each of the applicable Issuers shall make the following representations and warranties and the representations and warranties set forth in Exhibit A of such Series Supplement, as of the applicable Series Closing Date, Transfer Date or Post-Closing Acquisition Date, with respect to the Hybrid Leases indicated in such Series Supplement or otherwise added to the Collateral Pool by such Issuer in connection with the issuance of any Series of Notes, as Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or as Post-Closing Properties:

 

(a)                           The related Lease and loan agreements provide that such Issuer may exercise its remedies under each related Lease to terminate the related Tenant’s right to access the related Property and assume ownership of, or leasehold estate in, all the Improvements located on such Property without foreclosing on the mortgage related to the loan component of such Hybrid Lease, unless an obligation to foreclose is otherwise imposed by a court of law.

 

(b)                           The related Lease and loan agreements provide that ownership of, or leasehold estate in, the Improvements located on the related Property shall revert to such Issuer upon expiration or early termination of such Lease notwithstanding the terms of the loan agreement with respect to the related loan component or the standing of the related borrower under such loan agreement.

 

(c)                           Any related Lease containing a Third Party Purchase Option shall (i) contain a Third Party Option Price not less than the sum of the Fair Market Values of each Property relating to such Hybrid Lease and (ii) require that the principal balance of the related loan component be paid in full prior to the exercise of such Third Party Purchase Option.

 

(d)           Pursuant to the lease, loan and other operative agreements relating to the IRB Hybrid Lease, including the trust indenture under which the related industrial revenue bond was issued:

 

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(i)          The related Issuer may exercise the rights of the related Tenant and its Affiliates under (A) the ground lease under which the ground lessor is the Governmental Authority that holds the fee interest in the related Property and (B) the trust indenture pursuant to which the related industrial revenue bond is issued;

 

(ii)         the related Tenant or its applicable Affiliate may redeem the related industrial revenue bond at any time prior to its maturity at the discretion of the holder of the related industrial revenue bond; and

 

(iii)        upon the maturity of the related industrial revenue bond, or the earlier redemption of the related industrial revenue bond by the holder of the related industrial revenue bond, fee title to the subject land reverts to the related Issuer and fee title to the improvements reverts to the related Tenant or its applicable Affiliate, each upon the payment under the ground lease with the related Governmental Authority of (i) an amount sufficient to redeem the related industrial revenue bond, which such amounts may be netted against amount payable by such Governmental Authority as issuer of the related industrial revenue bond to the holder of the related industrial revenue bond and (ii) certain nominal administrative fees and expenses.

 

(e)           Each Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease.

 

(f)            Each Post-Closing Property that is subject to a Hybrid Lease satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of Post-Closing Property.

 

ARTICLE III

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

Section 3.01         Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture .

 

This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect except as to (i) any surviving rights herein expressly provided for, including any rights of transfer or exchange of Notes herein expressly provided for, (ii) in the case of clause (1)(B)  below, the rights of the Noteholders hereunder to receive payment of the Outstanding Principal Balance of and interest on the Notes and any other rights of the Noteholders hereunder, and (iii) the provisions of Section 3.02 , when:

 

(1)           either: (A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and (ii) Notes for which payment of money has theretofore been deposited in the Payment Account by the Indenture Trustee and thereafter repaid to the Issuers or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 5.10 ) have been delivered to the Note Registrar for cancellation; or (B) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Note Registrar for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable on the next Payment Date, and in the case of clause (B)(i)  or (B)(ii)  above, cash in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Note Registrar for cancellation or

 

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sufficient to pay the Outstanding Principal Balance thereof and any interest thereon accrued to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and payable) or to the end of the related Accrual Period for the next Payment Date has been deposited with the Indenture Trustee as trust funds in trust for these purposes;

 

(2)           the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable or reasonably expected to become payable by such Issuers to the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager, each of the Rating Agencies, each of the other Persons to which amounts are payable hereunder and each of the Noteholders (in each case, if any);

 

(3)           the Issuers have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate of the applicable Issuer Member (upon which the Indenture Trustee may rely) stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with; and

 

(4)           the Issuers have furnished to the Indenture Trustee a Tax Opinion to the effect that the actions contemplated by this Section 3.01 will not (i) cause any Class of Notes of any Series that was characterized as debt at the time of its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to be characterized other than as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (ii) cause or constitute an event in which any U.S. federal income tax gain or loss would be recognized by any Noteholder or any Issuer;

 

provided , however , that if, at any time after the payment that would have otherwise resulted in the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and such obligations, such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason, effective upon such rescission or return such satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and such obligations shall automatically be deemed never to have occurred and this Indenture and such obligations shall be deemed to be in full force and effect.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Issuers to the Indenture Trustee under Section 5.04 hereof and the obligations of the Indenture Trustee to the Noteholders under Section 3.02 hereof shall survive satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

Section 3.02         Application of Trust Money .

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 2.11 , Section 5.10 and Section 7.01 , all Cash deposited with the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 3.01 shall be held in the Payment Account and applied by the Indenture Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to pay to the Persons entitled thereto the amounts to which such Persons are entitled pursuant to the provisions hereof.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

 

Section 4.01         Events of Default .

 

Event of Default ,” wherever used herein with respect to the Notes of any Series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

 

(a)           unless otherwise specified in the related Series Supplement, the failure of any Issuer to pay Note Interest on any related Notes on any Payment Date and such failure continues unremedied for a period of two (2) Business Days;

 

(b)           the failure of any Issuer to reduce to zero the Outstanding Principal Balance of any related Class of Notes on the applicable Rated Final Payment Date;

 

(c)           (i) any material default in the observance or performance of any material covenant or agreement of the Issuers made in this Indenture or any related Mortgage (other than a covenant or agreement, a default in the observance or performance of which is elsewhere in this Section 4.01 specifically dealt with), which default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after there shall have been given to the Issuers by the Indenture Trustee, or to the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee by the Noteholders holding at least 25% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance, a written notice specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied; (ii) any monetary default by any Issuer under any Transaction Document, other than this Indenture, any Mortgage or any Series of Notes, which monetary default continues beyond any applicable cure period set forth in such Transaction Document, or if no cure period is set forth in such document, such default continues unremedied for a period of five (5) days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to such Issuer by the Indenture Trustee; or (iii) any material default in the observance or performance of any non-monetary covenant or agreement on the part of any Issuer contained in any Transaction Document, other than this Indenture, any Mortgage or any Series of Notes, which continues unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to such Issuer by the Indenture Trustee, provided, however, if such default under this clause (iii) is reasonably susceptible of cure, but not within such thirty (30) day period, then such Issuer may be permitted an additional ninety (90) days to cure such default provided such Issuer diligently and continuously pursues such cure;

 

(d)           (i) the impairment of the validity or effectiveness of this Indenture or the material impairment of the validity or effectiveness of any Mortgage, the subordination of the lien of any such Mortgage, the creation of any lien or other encumbrance on any part of the Collateral Pool in addition to the lien of any such Mortgage or the failure of the lien of any such Mortgages to constitute a valid first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, in each case that has a material adverse effect with respect to the

 

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Collateral Pool and subject to liens expressly permitted under the terms of the Property Management Agreement and the related Mortgages; provided , that if susceptible of cure, no Event of Default shall arise pursuant to this clause (d)  until the continuation of any such default unremedied for a period of 5 days or, with respect to the lien of any Mortgage, 30 days after receipt by the Issuers of notice thereof; or (ii) the creation of any mechanic’s, materialman’s or other lien or encumbrance, other than a Permitted Encumbrance and subject to such Issuer’s right to contest such lien pursuant to Section 9.04(b) , on any part of the Collateral in addition to the lien of any Mortgage, which lien is not removed of record or otherwise insured over to Indenture Trustee’s satisfaction within forty-five (45) days of the filing or recording of such lien;

 

(e)           a material breach of the representations and warranties of any Issuer contained in the Indenture (other than as set forth in Section 2.20, Section 2.21 and Section 2.22) that materially and adversely affects the interests of the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Noteholders, which continues unremedied for a period of five (5) days after the date on which written notice of such breach, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to such Issuer by the Indenture Trustee;

 

(f)            a decree or order of a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction in the premises in an involuntary case under any present or future federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities and reorganization or similar proceedings, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, shall have been entered against any Issuer or Issuer Member and such decree or order shall have remained in force undischarged or unstayed for a period of ninety (90) days;

 

(g)           any Issuer shall voluntarily file a petition for bankruptcy, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or similar proceeding or consent to the appointment of a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities, or similar proceedings of, or relating to, such Issuer or the related Issuer Member or of, or relating to, all or substantially all of the assets of such Issuers or the related Issuer Member;

 

(h)           the Mortgage Loans or Properties are subject to a Collateral Transfer other than as provided in this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement;

 

(i)            any default on the obligations of any Issuer as set forth under any applicable Series Supplement, or any default under any other Transaction Document (that is deemed an “Event of Default under the Indenture” pursuant to the terms of such other Transaction Document); or

 

(j)            with respect to any Series of Notes, any material default by the related Issuer in the observance or performance of the covenants set forth in Section 9.24 of this Indenture, which default shall continue unremedied for a period of two (2) Business Days after the date on which written notice of such breach shall have been given to such Issuer.

 

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Section 4.02         Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment .

 

If an Event of Default (other than with respect to clause (f), clause (g) or clause (j) of the definition thereof) should occur and be continuing, at the written direction of the Requisite Global Majority (which shall have the right, but not the obligation, to direct the Indenture Trustee to accelerate the Notes and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, cause the foreclosure and sale of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool), the Indenture Trustee shall declare all of the Notes to be immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 4.01(f), (g) or (j) occurs, the unpaid Outstanding Principal Balance of such Notes, together with all accrued interest thereon through the date of acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable in full without any declaration or other act on the part of the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder.

 

At any time after such declaration of acceleration has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due in respect of the Notes has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article IV , the Requisite Global Majority may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

 

(a)           the Issuers have paid to or deposited with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

 

(i)          all payments of principal of and interest on the Notes and all other amounts that would, in each case, then be due hereunder or upon the Notes if the Event of Default giving rise to such acceleration had not occurred; and

 

(ii)         all sums paid or advanced by the Indenture Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and counsel; and

 

(b)           all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of the Notes that has become due solely by virtue of such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 4.12 .

 

No such rescission and annulment shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

Section 4.03         Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Indenture Trustee .

 

(a)           If the Issuers fail to pay all amounts due upon an acceleration of the Notes under Section 4.02 forthwith upon demand and such declaration and its consequences shall not have been rescinded and annulled, the Indenture Trustee, in its capacity as Indenture Trustee and as trustee of an express trust, shall, if directed by the Requisite Global Majority (which will have the right, but not the obligation, to direct the Indenture Trustee to cause the foreclosure and sale of the Collateral in the Collateral Pool), institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and enforce the same against the Issuers or any other obligor upon such Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the Collateral, wherever situated, or may institute and prosecute such non-judicial proceedings in lieu of judicial proceedings as are then permitted by applicable law.

 

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(b)           If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee may, in its discretion and in any order, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Noteholders by such appropriate proceedings as the Indenture Trustee shall deem most effective to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein or to enforce any other proper remedy or legal or equitable right vested in the Indenture Trustee by this Indenture or any Mortgage or by law.

 

(c)           In case (x) there shall be pending, relative to the Issuers or any Person having or claiming an interest in the Collateral Pool, proceedings under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, (y) a receiver, assignee, debtor-in-possession or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or shall have taken possession of any Issuer or its property or (z) there shall be pending a comparable judicial proceeding brought by creditors of any Issuer or affecting the property of such Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of or interest on any Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Indenture Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise:

 

(i)            to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, and their respective attorneys, and for reimbursement of all reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, except as a result of willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith of the Indenture Trustee or any predecessor Indenture Trustee, as applicable) and of the Noteholders allowed in such proceedings;

 

(ii)           unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Noteholders in any election of a trustee, a standby trustee or Person performing similar functions in any such proceedings;

 

(iii)          to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Noteholders and of the Indenture Trustee on their and its behalf; and

 

(iv)          to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to any Issuer, its creditors and its property;

 

and any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each of Noteholders to make payments to the Indenture Trustee, and, in the event that the Indenture Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such

 

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Noteholders to pay to the Indenture Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee, each predecessor Indenture Trustee and their respective attorneys, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee except as a result of willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith of the Indenture Trustee or predecessor Indenture Trustee.

 

(d)           Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Indenture Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any related Noteholder or to authorize the Indenture Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Noteholder in any such proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar Person.

 

(e)           In any proceedings brought by the Indenture Trustee (and also any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Indenture Trustee shall be a party), the Indenture Trustee shall be held to represent all the Noteholders, and it shall not be necessary to make any Noteholder a party to any such proceedings.

 

(f)            All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Indenture Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Indenture Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and its counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered, subject to the payment priorities of Section 2.11(b) .

 

Section 4.04         Remedies .

 

If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and the Notes have been declared due and payable pursuant to Section 4.02 and such declaration and its consequences shall not have been rescinded and annulled, the Indenture Trustee shall, at the written direction of the Requisite Global Majority, in addition to performing any tasks as provided in Section 4.03 , do one or more of the following:

 

(a)           institute, or cause to be instituted, Proceedings for the collection of all amounts then payable on or under the Collateral or this Indenture with respect to the Notes, whether by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, of the sums due and unpaid, prosecute such Proceedings, enforce any judgment obtained and collect from the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool the moneys adjudged to be payable;

 

(b)           liquidate, or cause to be liquidated, all or any portion of the Collateral Pool at one or more public or private sales called and conducted in any manner permitted by applicable laws; provided , however , that the Indenture Trustee shall give the Issuers written notice of any private sale called by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.04(b)  at least 10 days prior to the date fixed for such private sale;

 

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(c)           institute, or cause to be instituted, Foreclosure Proceedings with respect to all or part of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool;

 

(d)           exercise, or cause to be exercised, any remedies of a secured party under the UCC;

 

(e)           maintain the lien of this Indenture and the Mortgages over the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool and, in its own name or in the name of the Issuers or otherwise, collect and otherwise receive in accordance with the Property Management Agreement or this Indenture any money or property at any time payable or receivable on account of or in exchange for the Properties and Leases in the Collateral Pool;

 

(f)            take any other appropriate action to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee hereunder; and

 

(g)           exercise, or cause to be exercised, any remedies contained in any Mortgage;

 

provided , however , that the Indenture Trustee shall not, unless required by law, sell or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Collateral Pool following any Event of Default except in accordance with Section 4.15 ; provided , further , that, with respect to instituting any remedies pursuant to this Section 4.04 in any state wherein the law prohibits more than one “judicial action” or “one form of action” to enforce a mortgage obligation, the Indenture Trustee shall enforce any of the Indenture Trustee’s rights hereunder with respect to any Properties in accordance with the directions of the Property Manager.

 

In the event that the Indenture Trustee, following an Event of Default hereunder, institutes Foreclosure Proceedings, the Indenture Trustee shall promptly give a notice to that effect to the Issuers and each Rating Agency.

 

Section 4.05         Application of Money Collected .

 

Any money collected by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be deposited in the Payment Account and, on each Payment Date, shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11 and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of the principal of or interest on the Notes, upon presentation and surrender of the Notes if fully paid.

 

Section 4.06         Limitation on Suits .

 

Except as provided in Section 4.07 , no Noteholder shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

 

(1)           such Noteholder has previously given written notice to the Indenture Trustee of a continuing Event of Default;

 

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(2)           the Requisite Global Majority shall have made written request to the Indenture Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Indenture Trustee hereunder;

 

(3)           such Noteholder has offered to the Indenture Trustee adequate indemnity or security satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

(4)           the Indenture Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity or security has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(5)           an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Noteholders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing itself or themselves of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Noteholders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Noteholders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Noteholders. Subject to the foregoing restrictions, the Noteholders may exercise their rights under this Section 4.06 independently.

 

Section 4.07         Unconditional Right of Noteholders to Receive Principal and Interest .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Note at Maturity shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payments of interest, principal and other amounts then due on such Note (subject to Section 2.11 ) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment (subject to Section 4.06 ), and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Noteholder, unless a non-payment has been cured pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 4.02 . The Issuers shall, however, be subject to only one consolidated lawsuit by the Noteholders, or by the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders, for any one cause of action arising under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 4.08         Restoration of Rights and Remedies .

 

If the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued, waived, rescinded or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Indenture Trustee or to such Noteholder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

Section 4.09         Rights and Remedies Cumulative .

 

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.07 , no right or remedy herein conferred

 

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upon or reserved to the Indenture Trustee or to the Noteholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

Section 4.10         Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

 

No delay or omission of the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Indenture or by law to the Indenture Trustee or to the Noteholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders, as the case may be.

 

Section 4.11         Control by Requisite Global Majority .

 

The Requisite Global Majority shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee under Section 4.04 , or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee (including, without limitation, the exercise of its rights under any Account Control Agreement); provided , that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or involve the Indenture Trustee in personal liability; provided , further , that the Indenture Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Indenture Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Requisite Global Majority will not be required to provide, and the Indenture Trustee will not be required to obtain, a Tax Opinion in the case of a direction by the Requisite Global Majority to the Indenture Trustee, following an Event of Default, to realize upon the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool by liquidating such Collateral or otherwise.

 

Section 4.12         Waiver of Past Defaults .

 

Prior to the acceleration of the Maturity of the Notes, the Requisite Global Majority may waive any past default hereunder and its consequences, except a default:

 

(1)           in the distribution of principal or interest on any Note, for which a waiver shall require the consent of Noteholders holding 100% of the Series Principal Balance of all Notes affected thereby;

 

(2)           in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article VIII cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Note affected thereby, for which a waiver shall require the consent by each such Holder;

 

(3)           depriving the Indenture Trustee of a lien on any part the Collateral, for which a waiver shall require the consent of the Indenture Trustee; or

 

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(4)           depriving the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent of any fees, reimbursement, or indemnification, to which the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent is entitled, for which a waiver shall require the written consent of the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable.

 

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom (and any Early Amortization Period under clause (B) of the definition thereof resulting therefrom) shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon. Any costs or expenses incurred by the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent in connection with such waiver shall be reimbursable to the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, as an Extraordinary Expense from amounts on deposit in the Payment Account.

 

Section 4.13         Undertaking for Costs .

 

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Noteholder and Note Owner by its acceptance of such Note or an Ownership Interest therein shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Indenture Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Indenture Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses based on time expended, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by any Issuer, or to any suit instituted by the Indenture Trustee, or to any suit instituted by any Noteholder or group of Noteholders, holding in the aggregate at least 25% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance, or to any suit instituted by any Noteholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on any Note on or after the Maturity of such Note.

 

Section 4.14         Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws .

 

Each Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim to take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; each Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the exercise of any power herein granted to the Indenture Trustee, but will suffer and permit the exercise of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

Section 4.15         Sale of Collateral .

 

(a)           The power to effect any public or private sale of any portion of the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 4.03 or Section 4.04 shall not be exhausted by any one or more sales as to any portion of the Collateral remaining unsold, but shall continue unimpaired until either the entirety of the Collateral Pool shall have been sold or all amounts payable on the

 

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Notes and under this Indenture with respect thereto shall have been paid. The Indenture Trustee may from time to time postpone any sale by public announcement made at the time and place of such sale. The Indenture Trustee hereby expressly waives its right to any amount fixed by law as compensation for any such sale but such waiver does not apply to any amounts to which the Indenture Trustee is otherwise entitled under Section 5.04 .

 

(b)           Subject to Section 4.15(c) , the Indenture Trustee shall not sell the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 4.03 or Section 4.04 , unless:

 

(i)          the Requisite Global Majority consents to or directs the Indenture Trustee to make the related sales; or

 

(ii)         the proceeds of such liquidation would be greater than or equal to the Aggregate Series Principal Balance.

 

The foregoing provisions of this Section 4.15 shall not preclude or limit the ability of the Indenture Trustee or its designee to purchase all or any portion of the Collateral at any sale, public or private, and the purchase by the Indenture Trustee or its designee of all or any portion of the Collateral at any sale shall not be deemed a sale or disposition thereof for purposes of this Section 4.15(b) .

 

(c)           In the event that any Series of Notes is not fully paid on the applicable Rated Final Payment Date, the applicable Controlling Party shall have the right to require the sale of the Collateral, subject to Section 4.15(b)  and (d) .

 

(d)           In connection with a sale of all or any portion of the Collateral Pool:

 

(i)          any Holder or Holders of Notes may bid for and purchase the property offered for sale, and upon compliance with the terms of sale may hold, retain and possess and dispose of such property, without further accountability, and may, in paying the purchase money therefor, deliver any Outstanding Notes or claims for interest thereon in lieu of cash up to the amount which shall, upon distribution of the net proceeds of such sale, be payable thereon, and such Notes, in case the amounts so payable thereon shall be less than the amount due thereon, shall be returned to the Holders thereof after being appropriately stamped to show such partial payment;

 

(ii)         the Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver, without recourse, an appropriate instrument of conveyance transferring its interest in any portion of the Collateral Pool in connection with a sale thereof;

 

(iii)        the Indenture Trustee is hereby irrevocably appointed the agent and attorney-in-fact of the Issuers to transfer and convey any such Issuer’s interest in any portion of the Collateral Pool in connection with a sale thereof, and to take all action necessary to effect such sale;

 

(iv)        no purchaser or transferee at such a sale shall be bound to ascertain the Indenture Trustee’s authority, inquire into the satisfaction of any conditions precedent or see to the application of any moneys; and

 

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(v)         no purchaser or transferee at such a sale shall have been a prior owner of such Collateral if such prior owner was STORE Capital or an Affiliate thereof.

 

Section 4.16         Action on Notes .

 

The Indenture Trustee’s right to seek and recover judgment on the Notes or under this Indenture shall not be affected by the seeking, obtaining or application of any other relief under or with respect to this Indenture. Neither the lien of the Mortgages and this Indenture nor any rights or remedies of the Indenture Trustee, any Series Enhancer or the Noteholders shall be impaired by the recovery of any judgment by the Indenture Trustee against any Issuer or by the levy of any execution under such judgment upon any portion of the Collateral Pool.

 

ARTICLE V

 

THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

 

Section 5.01         Certain Duties and Responsibilities .

 

The Issuers hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Indenture Trustee, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in place and stead of the Issuers and in the name of the Issuers or in its own name or in the name of a nominee, from time to time in the Indenture Trustee’s discretion, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Indenture, all as set forth in this Section.

 

(a)           The rights, duties and liabilities of the Indenture Trustee in respect of this Indenture shall be as follows:

 

(i)          The Indenture Trustee shall have the full power and authority to do all things not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture that it may deem advisable in order to enforce the provisions hereof or to take any action with respect to a default or an Event of Default hereunder, or to institute, appear in or defend any suit or other proceeding with respect hereto, or to protect the interests of the Noteholders. The Issuers shall prepare and file or cause to be filed, at the applicable Issuers’ expense, a UCC Financing Statement and any continuation statements, describing such Issuers as debtor, the Indenture Trustee as secured party and the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool as the collateral, in all appropriate locations in the State of Delaware promptly following the initial issuance of each Series of Notes, and within six months prior to each fifth anniversary of the original filing. The Indenture Trustee is hereby authorized and obligated to make, at the expense of the applicable Issuers, all required filings and refilings with respect to which the Indenture Trustee receives written direction from an Issuer, necessary to preserve the liens created by the Mortgages and this Indenture as provided therein and herein. The Indenture Trustee shall not be required to take any action to exercise or enforce the trusts hereby created which, in the opinion of the Indenture Trustee, shall be likely to involve expense or liability to the Indenture Trustee, unless the Indenture Trustee shall have received an agreement

 

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satisfactory to it in its reasonable discretion to indemnify it against such liability and expense. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements contained herein, or in any other instruments to be performed or observed by the Issuers.

 

(ii)         Subject to the other provisions of this Article V , the Indenture Trustee, upon receipt of all resolutions, certificates, statements, opinions, reports, documents, orders or other instruments furnished to the Indenture Trustee that are specifically required to be furnished pursuant to any provisions of this Indenture, shall examine them to determine whether they are on their face in the form required by this Indenture to the extent expressly set forth herein. If any such instrument is found on its face not to conform to the requirements of this Indenture in a material manner, the Indenture Trustee shall take such action as it deems appropriate to have the instrument corrected. The Indenture Trustee shall not incur any liability in acting upon any signature, notice, request, consent, certificate, opinion, or other instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine. In administering the trusts hereunder, the Indenture Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder directly or through its agents or attorneys; provided , that it shall remain liable for the acts of all such agents and attorneys. The Indenture Trustee may, at its own expense (except as otherwise provided in Section 5.04 ), consult with counsel, accountants and other professionals to be selected and employed by it, and the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for anything done, suffered or omitted in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of any such Person nor for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Indenture Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.

 

(iii)        The Indenture Trustee shall not, except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(a)(i) , have any duty to make, arrange or ensure the completion of any recording, filing or registration of any instrument or other document (including any UCC Financing Statements), or any amendments or supplements to any of said instruments or to determine if any such instrument or other document is in a form suitable for recording, filing or registration, and the Indenture Trustee shall not have any duty to make, arrange or ensure the completion of the payment of any fees, charges or taxes in connection therewith.

 

(iv)       Whenever in performing its duties hereunder, the Indenture Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Indenture Trustee may, in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Indenture Trustee, rely upon (unless other evidence in respect thereof be specifically prescribed herein) an Officer’s Certificate of any applicable Issuer Member and such Officer’s Certificate shall be full warrant to the Indenture Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it on the faith thereof.

 

(v)        Except in its capacity as successor to the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee shall not have any obligations to see to the payment or discharge of any liens (other than the liens of this Indenture and the Mortgages) upon the Collateral

 

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included in the Collateral Pool, or to see to the application of any payment of the principal of or interest on any Note secured thereby or to the delivery or transfer to any Person of any property released from any such lien, or to give notice to or make demand upon any mortgagor, mortgagee, trustor, beneficiary or other Person for the delivery or transfer of any such property. The Indenture Trustee (and any successor trustee or co-trustee in its individual capacity) nevertheless agrees that it will, at its own cost and expense, promptly take all action as may be necessary to discharge any liens or encumbrances on the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, arising as a result of the Indenture Trustee (or such successor trustee or co-trustee, as the case may be) acting negligently, in bad faith or with willful misconduct in its capacity as Indenture Trustee (or such successor trustee or co-trustee, as the case may be).

 

(vi)       The Indenture Trustee shall not be concerned with or accountable to any Person for the use or application of any deposited moneys or of any property or securities or the proceeds thereof that shall be released or withdrawn in accordance with the provisions hereof or of any property or securities or the proceeds thereof that shall be released from the lien hereof or thereof in accordance with the provisions hereof or thereof and the Indenture Trustee shall not have any liability for the acts of other parties that are not in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

(b)           The rights, duties and liabilities of the Indenture Trustee in respect of the Collateral Pool and this Indenture, in addition to those set forth in Section 5.01(a) , shall be as follows:

 

(i)          except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the Indenture Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Indenture Trustee; and

 

(ii)         the Indenture Trustee may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Indenture Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture or any other Transaction Document, as applicable; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee, the Indenture Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture, to the extent expressly set forth herein.

 

(c)           Subject to Section 4.12 , in case an Event of Default known to the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Notes has occurred and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and the Mortgages, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

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(d)           No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Indenture Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i)          this subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsections (a) , (b)  or (c)  of this Section;

 

(ii)         the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Indenture Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

 

(iii)        the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the directions of any applicable party pursuant to a Transaction Document, the Requisite Global Majority, any Controlling Party or Noteholders of more than 50% (unless a lower or higher percentage of Noteholders is expressly permitted or required to authorize such action hereunder, in which case such lower or higher percentage) of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance, as the case may be, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or exercising or omitting exercise any trust or power conferred upon the Indenture Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Notes; and

 

(iv)       the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice or knowledge of a default in the observance of any covenant contained in Section 9.06 or Article X unless either (i) a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee shall have actual knowledge of such default or (ii) written notice of such default shall have been given by the Issuers or by any Noteholder to and received by a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee. In the absence of receipt of such notice or actual knowledge the Indenture Trustee may conclusively assume that is no default or Event of Default.

 

The Indenture Trustee shall perform the duties and obligations specified to be performed by the Indenture Trustee in the Property Management Agreement and in the other Transaction Documents.

 

Section 5.02         Notice of Defaults .

 

The Indenture Trustee, promptly but not later than two (2) Business Days after a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee acquires actual knowledge of the occurrence of any default under this Indenture, shall notify the Issuers the Noteholders and the Rating Agencies of any such default (a “ Notice of Default ”), unless all such defaults known to the Indenture Trustee shall have been cured before the giving of such notice or unless the same is rescinded and annulled, or waived by the Requisite Global Majority pursuant to Section 4.02 or Section 4.12 . For the purpose of this Section 5.02 , the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice, or direction of the Requisite Global Majority or lapse of time would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

 

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Section 5.03         Certain Rights of Indenture Trustee .

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 5.01 , in connection with this Indenture:

 

(a)           the Indenture Trustee may request and rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties as may be required by such party or parties pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any other Transaction Document, as applicable;

 

(b)           any request or direction of an Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Request or Issuer Order and any resolution of the board of managers of the Issuer Member may be sufficiently evidenced by a Resolution;

 

(c)           whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Indenture Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Indenture Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officer’s Certificate;

 

(d)           the Indenture Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel rendered thereby shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

(e)           reserved;

 

(f)            the Indenture Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Indenture Trustee in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Indenture Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney;

 

(g)           the Indenture Trustee may, at its own expense (except as otherwise provided in Section 5.04 ), execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys of the Indenture Trustee; provided , that it shall remain liable for the acts of all such attorneys and agents;

 

(h)           the Indenture Trustee shall not be required to provide any surety or bond of any kind in connection with the execution or performance of its duties hereunder;

 

(i)            except with respect to the representations made by it in Section 5.06 , the Indenture Trustee shall not make any representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture;

 

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(j)            the Indenture Trustee shall not at any time have any responsibility or liability with respect to the legality, validity or enforceability of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool other than its failure to act in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement;

 

(k)           The Indenture Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by this Indenture or any other Transaction Document, as applicable, or to institute, conduct or defend any litigation hereunder or in relation hereto at the request, order or direction of any of the Noteholders, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Noteholders shall have offered to the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby (which in the case of the Requisite Global Majority will be deemed to be satisfied by a letter agreement with respect to such costs from such Noteholders); nothing contained herein shall, however, relieve the Indenture Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee shall have actual knowledge, and such Event of Default having not been cured, to exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs;

 

(l)            The Indenture Trustee shall not be personally liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or the rights and powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

 

(m)          The right of the Indenture Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty, and the Indenture Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its own negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act;

 

(n)           The Indenture Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability for the performance of any of its duties hereunder or the exercise of any of its rights or powers if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not assured to it;

 

(o)           The right of the Indenture Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty, and Indenture Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act;

 

(p)           To help the U.S. government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When an account is opened, the Indenture Trustee shall ask for information that will allow the Indenture Trustee to identify relevant parties. The other parties hereto hereby acknowledge such information disclosure requirements and agree to comply with all such information disclosure requests from time to time from the Indenture Trustee;

 

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(q)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any and all email communications (both text and attachments) by or from the Indenture Trustee that the Indenture Trustee deems to contain confidential, proprietary, and/or sensitive information may be encrypted. The recipient (the “ Email Recipient ”) of the encrypted email communication will be required to complete a registration process. Instructions on how to register and/or retrieve an encrypted message will be included in the first secure email sent by the Indenture Trustee to the Email Recipient. Additional information and assistance on using the encryption technology can be found at Citibank’s Secure Email website at www.citi.com/citi/citizen/privacy.htm or by calling (866) 535-2504 (in the U.S.) or (904) 954-6181; and

 

(r)            The Indenture Trustee shall have the right to require that any directions, instructions or notices provided to it by any Noteholder be signed by an Authorized Person (as hereinafter defined), be provided on corporate letterhead, be notarized or contain a medallion signature guarantee, or contain such other evidence as may be reasonably requested by the Indenture Trustee to establish the identity and/or signatures thereon. The identity of such Authorized Persons, as well as their specimen signatures, title, telephone number and e-mail address, shall be delivered to the Indenture Trustee in a list of authorized signers form acceptable to the Indenture Trustee and shall remain in effect until the applicable party, or an entity acting on its behalf, notifies the Indenture Trustee of any change thereto (the person(s) so designated from time to time, the “ Authorized Persons ”).

 

Section 5.04         Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnification .

 

(a)           Subject to Section 5.04(b) , the applicable Issuers hereby agree:

 

(1)           to pay or cause to be paid to the Indenture Trustee, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, monthly, the related Indenture Trustee Fee as compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); and

 

(2)           to reimburse, indemnify or cause to be indemnified and hold harmless the Indenture Trustee and its directors, officers, employees, agents, Affiliates and Control Persons for any loss, liability, claim, expense or disbursements (including without limitation costs and expenses of litigation, and of investigation, reasonable counsel fees, damages, judgments and amounts paid in settlement): (A) incurred in connection with any act (including any actions taken by the Indenture Trustee or its agents pursuant to Article IV ) or omission on the part of the Indenture Trustee with respect to this Indenture (and the transactions contemplated in connection herewith), any other Transaction Documents, the Collateral Pool (including but not limited to protecting its interest in such Collateral or collecting any amount payable thereunder or in enforcing its rights with respect to such Collateral, whether or not any legal proceeding is commenced hereunder or under the Mortgages) or the Notes (in each case, other than any loss, liability or expense incurred by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of the Indenture Trustee’s obligations or duties under this Indenture); (B) arising out of or in any way relating to any one or

 

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more of the following: (i) any accident, injury to or death of persons or loss of or damage to property occurring in, on or about any Property or any part thereof or on the adjoining sidewalks, curbs, adjacent property or adjacent parking areas, streets or ways; (ii) any use, non-use or condition in, on or about any Property or any part thereof or on the adjoining sidewalks, curbs, adjacent property or adjacent parking areas, streets or ways; (iii) performance of any labor or services or the furnishing of any materials or other property in respect of any Property or any part thereof; and (iv) any failure of any Property to be in compliance with any Applicable Laws; or (C) arising out of or in any way relating to any tax on the making and/or recording of any Mortgage.

 

With respect to any third party claim:

 

(i)          the Indenture Trustee shall give the Issuers written notice thereof promptly after the Indenture Trustee shall have knowledge thereof;

 

(ii)         while maintaining control over its own defense, the Indenture Trustee shall cooperate and consult fully with the Issuers in preparing such defense; and

 

(iii)        notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.04(a) , the Indenture Trustee shall not be entitled to reimbursement out of the Payment Account for settlement of any such claim by the Indenture Trustee entered into without the prior written consent of the applicable Issuers, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

The provisions of this Section 5.04(a)  shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation or termination of the Indenture Trustee.

 

Each of the Authenticating Agents, the Note Registrar and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to all limitations on liability, rights of reimbursement and indemnities that the Indenture Trustee is entitled to under this Indenture.

 

The Indenture Trustee agrees to fully perform its duties under this Indenture notwithstanding any failure on the part of any of the Issuers to make any payments, reimbursements or indemnifications to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 5.04(a) ; provided , however , that (subject to Sections 5.04(b)  and 5.04(c) ) nothing in this Section 5.04 shall be construed to limit the exercise by the Indenture Trustee of any right or remedy permitted under this Indenture in the event of any such Issuer’s failure to pay any sums due the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 5.04 .

 

(b)           The obligations of the Issuers set forth in Section 5.04(a)  are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuers and will be payable only from the Collateral Pool. The Indenture Trustee hereby agrees that it has no rights or claims against the Issuers directly and shall only look to the Collateral Pool to satisfy any Issuer’s obligations under Section 5.04(a) . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.03 , the Indenture Trustee hereby agrees not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of any Issuer.

 

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(c)                                   The Indenture Trustee shall not institute any proceeding seeking the enforcement of any lien against the Collateral Pool unless (i) such proceeding is in connection with a proceeding in accordance with Article IV hereof for enforcement of the lien of the Mortgages and this Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders after the occurrence of an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default due solely to a breach of this Section 5.04 ) and a resulting declaration of acceleration of such Notes that has not been rescinded and annulled, or (ii) such proceeding does not and will not result in or cause a sale or other disposition of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool.

 

Section 5.05                             Corporate Indenture Trustee Required; Eligibility .

 

The Issuers hereby agree that there shall at all times be an Indenture Trustee hereunder which shall be a bank (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act) organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $100,000,000, and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority, the long-term unsecured debt of which is rated not lower than “A-” by S&P and the short-term debt of which is rated not lower than “A-1” by S&P, or another institution the retention of which satisfies the Rating Condition. If such bank publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the applicable supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of such bank shall be deemed to be its combined capital, surplus and undivided profits as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Indenture Trustee shall at all times meet the requirements of Section 26(a)(1) of the 1940 Act and shall in no event be an Affiliate of any Issuer or an Affiliate of any Person involved in the organization or operation of any Issuer or be directly or indirectly controlled by any Issuer. If at any time a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee becomes aware that the Indenture Trustee has ceased to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Indenture Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

 

Section 5.06                             Authorization of Indenture Trustee .

 

The Indenture Trustee represents and warrants as to itself: that it is duly authorized under applicable federal law, its charter and its by-laws to execute and deliver this Indenture, and to perform its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, that (assuming it is enforceable against the other parties hereto) this Indenture constitutes its valid and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with the Indenture’s terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws and general principles of equity), that it is duly authorized to accept the Grant to it of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool and is authorized to authenticate any Series of Notes issued pursuant to the applicable Series Supplement, and that all corporate action necessary or required therefor has been duly and effectively taken or obtained and all federal and state governmental consents and approvals required with respect thereto have been obtained.

 

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Section 5.07                             Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business .

 

Any corporation, bank, trust company or association into which the Indenture Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation, bank, trust company or association resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Indenture Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation, bank, trust company or association succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Indenture Trustee, shall be the successor of the Indenture Trustee hereunder; provided , that such corporation, bank, trust company or association shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.

 

Section 5.08                             Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

 

(a)                                  No resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and no appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until (i) the acceptance of appointment by the successor Indenture Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.09 , (ii) payment to the predecessor Indenture Trustee of all unpaid fees and expenses and (iii) the Rating Condition is satisfied.

 

(b)                                  Subject to Section 5.08(a) , the Indenture Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Notes by the Requisite Global Majority and notice of such action by the Noteholders shall be delivered to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and the Rating Agencies.

 

(c)                                   If at any time:

 

(i)                              the Indenture Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 5.05 , or the representations of the Indenture Trustee in Section 5.06 shall prove to be untrue in any material respect, and the Indenture Trustee shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer Member or the Noteholders of 10% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance; or

 

(ii)                           the Indenture Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Indenture Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Indenture Trustee or its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;

 

then, in either such case, (i) the Issuer Member, may, by written notice, remove the Indenture Trustee, or (ii) subject to Section 4.13 , any Noteholder may, on its own behalf and on behalf of all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.

 

(d)                                  If the Indenture Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Indenture Trustee for any reason (including removal), the Issuer Member, on behalf of the Issuers, with the consent of the Requisite Global Majority, shall promptly appoint a successor Indenture Trustee, who shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 5.09 . If, within 60 days after such resignation, or incapacity, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Indenture Trustee shall not have been appointed by the Issuer Member, on behalf of the Issuers, and shall not have accepted such appointment in

 

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accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.09 , then a successor Indenture Trustee shall be appointed by act of the Requisite Global Majority delivered to the Issuers and the retiring Indenture Trustee, and the successor Indenture Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.09 , become the successor Indenture Trustee with respect to the Notes. If the Indenture Trustee shall resign pursuant to this Section 5.08 , then such resigning Indenture Trustee must pay all costs and expenses associated with the transfer of its duties. If the Indenture Trustee shall be removed pursuant to this Section 5.08 , then the party requesting such removal of the Indenture Trustee shall pay all costs and expenses associated with the transfer of its duties.

 

If, within 120 days after such resignation, removal or incapacity, or the occurrence of such vacancy, no successor Indenture Trustee shall have been so appointed and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 5.09 , the resigning Indenture Trustee may, on its own behalf, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.

 

(e)                                   The Issuers shall give notice of any resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee by giving notice of such event to the Rating Agencies and the Noteholders. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Indenture Trustee and the address of its corporate trust office.

 

Section 5.09                             Acceptance of Appointment by Successor .

 

In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Indenture Trustee, the successor Indenture Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuers and to the retiring Indenture Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Indenture Trustee shall become effective and such successor Indenture Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Indenture Trustee; but, on the request of the Issuer Member or the successor Indenture Trustee, such retiring Indenture Trustee shall, upon payment of its fees, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Indenture Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Indenture Trustee, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Indenture Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Indenture Trustee hereunder, and shall take such action as may be requested by the Issuer Member to provide for the appropriate interest in the Collateral Pool (including, without limitation, the Mortgages) to be vested in such successor Indenture Trustee, but shall not be responsible for the recording of such documents and instruments as may be necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

 

Upon request of any such successor Indenture Trustee, the Issuers shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Indenture Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in this Section.

 

No successor Indenture Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Indenture Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

 

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Section 5.10                             Unclaimed Funds .

 

The Indenture Trustee is required to hold any payments received by it with respect to the Notes that are not paid to the Noteholders in trust for the Noteholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the expiration of three years following the Final Payment Date for any Class of Notes of any Series any moneys set aside in accordance with Section 2.11(b)  for payment of principal, interest and other amounts on such Notes remaining unclaimed by any lawful owner thereof, and, to the extent required by applicable law, any accrued interest thereon shall be remitted to the applicable Issuers, as their interest may appear, to be held in trust by such Issuers for the benefit of the applicable Noteholder until distributed in accordance with applicable law, and all liability of the Indenture Trustee with respect to such money shall thereupon cease; provided , that the Indenture Trustee, before being required to make any such remittance, may, at the expense of the applicable Noteholder, payable out of such unclaimed funds, to the extent permitted by applicable law, and otherwise at the expense of the applicable Issuers payable out of the Collateral Pool, cause to be published at least once but not more than three times in two newspapers in the English language customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in New York, New York, a notice to the effect that such moneys remain unclaimed and have not been applied for the purpose for which they were deposited, and that after a date specified therein, which shall be not less than 30 days after the date of first publication of said notice, any unclaimed balance of such moneys then remaining in the hands of the Indenture Trustee will be paid to the applicable Issuers upon their written directions to be held in trust for the benefit of the applicable Noteholder until distributed in accordance with applicable law. Any successor to an Issuer through merger, consolidation or otherwise or any recipient of substantially all the assets of an Issuer in a liquidation of such Issuer shall remain liable for the amount of any unclaimed balance paid to such Issuer pursuant to this Section 5.10 .

 

Section 5.11                             Illegal Acts .

 

No provision of this Indenture or any amendment or supplement hereto shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Indenture Trustee to do any act in the performance of its duties hereunder or to exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it, which under any present or future law shall be unlawful, or which shall be beyond the corporate powers, authorization or qualification of the Indenture Trustee.

 

Section 5.12                             Communications by the Indenture Trustee .

 

The Indenture Trustee, if any principal of or interest on any Notes due and payable hereunder is not paid, shall send to the applicable Issuers, within one (1) Business Day after the Maturity thereof, a written demand for payment thereon.

 

Section 5.13                             Separate Indenture Trustees and Co-Trustees .

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, at any time, for the purpose of meeting legal requirements applicable to it in the performance of its duties hereunder, the Indenture Trustee shall have the power to, and shall execute and deliver all instruments to, appoint one or more Persons to act as separate trustees or co-trustees hereunder, jointly with the Indenture Trustee, of any portion of the Collateral Pool subject to this Indenture,

 

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and any such Persons shall be such separate trustee or co-trustee, with such powers and duties consistent with this Indenture as shall be specified in the instrument appointing such Person but without thereby releasing the Indenture Trustee from any of its duties hereunder. If the Indenture Trustee shall request the Issuers to do so, the Issuers shall join with the Indenture Trustee in the execution of such instrument, but the Indenture Trustee shall have the power to make such appointment without making such request. A separate trustee or co-trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 5.13 need not meet the eligibility requirements of Section 5.05 .

 

(b)                                  Every separate trustee and co-trustee shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

(i)                              the rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon such separate or co-trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Indenture Trustee and such separate or co-trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the appointing instrument, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed any nonresident trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such separate trustee or co-trustee at the direction of the Indenture Trustee;

 

(ii)                           all powers, duties, obligations and rights conferred upon the Indenture Trustee, in respect of the custody of all cash deposited hereunder shall be exercised solely by the Indenture Trustee; and

 

(iii)                        the Indenture Trustee may at any time by written instrument accept the resignation of or remove any such separate trustee or co-trustee, and, upon the request of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers shall join with the Indenture Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to make effective such resignation or removal, but the Indenture Trustee shall have the power to accept such resignation or to make such removal without making such request. A successor to a separate trustee or co-trustee so resigning or removed may be appointed in the manner otherwise provided herein.

 

(c)                                   Such separate trustee or co-trustee, upon acceptance of such trust, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in such instruments, jointly with the Indenture Trustee, and the Indenture Trustee shall take such action as may be necessary to provide for (i) the appropriate interest in the Collateral Pool to be vested in such separate trustee or co-trustee, and (ii) the execution and delivery of any transfer documentation or bond powers that may be necessary to give effect to the transfer of the lien of this Indenture and the Mortgages to the co-trustee. Any separate trustee or co-trustee may, at any time, by written instrument constitute the Indenture Trustee, its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent permitted by law, do all acts and things and exercise all discretion authorized or permitted by it, for and on behalf of it and in its name. If any separate trustee or co-trustee shall be dissolved, become incapable of acting, resign, be removed or die, all the estates, property, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of said separate trustee or co-trustee, so far as permitted by law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Indenture Trustee, without the appointment of a successor to

 

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said separate trustee or co-trustee, until the appointment of a successor to said separate trustee or co-trustee is necessary as provided in this Indenture.

 

(d)                                  Any notice, request or other writing, by or on behalf of any Noteholder, delivered to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to all separate trustees and co-trustees.

 

(e)                                   Although co-trustees may be jointly liable, no co-trustee or separate trustee shall be severally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Indenture Trustee or any other such trustee hereunder.

 

(f)                                    No appointment of a separate trustee or co-trustee pursuant to this Section 5.13 shall relieve the Indenture Trustee of any of its obligations, duties or responsibilities hereunder in any way or to any degree.

 

Section 5.14                             Communications with the Rating Agency .

 

The Indenture Trustee will transmit a copy of each statement, notice or other document required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to this Indenture via email to the applicable Rating Agency’s website(s) set forth in the applicable Series Supplements contemporaneously with its posting or delivery of such statement, notice or other document to each such Rating Agency, as the case may be. Except as expressly provided in this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall not have any oral or written communications regarding the terms and provisions of the Transaction Documents or of the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder with any applicable Rating Agency without the prior written consent of the Support Provider.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

REPORTS TO NOTEHOLDERS

 

Section 6.01                             Reports to Noteholders and Others .

 

(a)                                  Based on information with respect to the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases provided to the Indenture Trustee by the Property Manager and the Special Servicer pursuant to the Property Management Agreement (and the Indenture Trustee’s calculations based on such information and the Indenture Trustee’s records with respect to the Notes), the Indenture Trustee shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and make available either in electronic format or by first class mail on each Payment Date, or as soon thereafter as is practicable, to the Issuers, the Initial Purchasers, the Rating Agencies, each Noteholder and any other Person upon the direction of any Issuer a statement in respect of the payments made on such Payment Date setting forth the information set forth in Exhibit B hereto (the “ Trustee Report ”). The Indenture Trustee shall promptly make each Trustee Report available via the Indenture Trustee’s internet website to any Noteholder, Note Owner or prospective investor upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee from such person of a certification in the form of Exhibit E-1 or E-2 attached hereto, as applicable, and to the Issuers, designees of the Issuers, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager, any Sub-Manager, the Rating Agencies and the Initial Purchasers. The Indenture Trustee’s internet website will be located at

 

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“http://www.sf.citidirect.com” or at such other address as the Indenture Trustee shall notify the parties hereto from time to time. For assistance with the Indenture Trustee’s internet website, Noteholders may call (800) 422-2066.

 

In connection with providing access to the Indenture Trustee’s internet website, the Indenture Trustee shall require registration and the acceptance of a disclaimer as well as the delivery of a request for information, substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 or Exhibit E-2 , as applicable. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for having disseminated information in accordance with this Indenture.

 

The Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to rely on and shall not be responsible for the content or accuracy of any information provided by third parties for purposes of preparing the Trustee Report and may affix thereto any disclaimer it deems appropriate in its reasonable discretion (without suggesting liability on the part of any other party hereto).

 

(b)                                  Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each calendar year (but in no event more than 60 days following the end of such calendar year), the Indenture Trustee shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and make available either in electronic format or by first class mail to each Person who at any time during the calendar year was a Noteholder (i) a statement containing the aggregate amount of principal and interest payments on the Notes for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof during which such person was a Noteholder and (ii) such other customary information as the Indenture Trustee deems necessary or desirable for Noteholders to prepare their federal, state and local income tax returns including, without limitation (and to the extent provided to it by the Issuers which shall so cause such information to be provided), the amount of original issue discount accrued on the Notes, if applicable. The obligations of the Indenture Trustee in the immediately preceding sentence shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable information has been provided by the Indenture Trustee.

 

Section 6.02                             Certain Communications with the Rating Agencies .

 

Upon request by any Rating Agency, the Indenture Trustee shall make available or send, in the case of all material items, and shall endeavor to make available or send, in the case of all other items, a copy of each supplement, notice, certificate, request, demand, financial statement and amortization schedule sent by it or received by it pursuant to or in connection with this Indenture or the Collateral Pool or any part thereof, other than statements of the Indenture Trustee’s fees and expenses sent by it to the Issuers and any other communications of a similar and solely administrative nature in the Indenture Trustee’s sole opinion, to such Rating Agency.

 

Section 6.03                             Access to Certain Information .

 

(a)                                  The Indenture Trustee shall afford to the Noteholders, the Issuers, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager, the OTS, the FDIC and any other banking or insurance regulatory authority that may exercise authority over any Noteholder, access to any documentation regarding the Collateral Pool within its control; provided, however, to the extent STORE Capital delivers any operating statements or other financial information to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01(c)(B) or Section 4.01(d)(v) of the Property

 

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Management Agreement (and such statements or information are designated in writing (by email or otherwise) by STORE Capital to the Indenture Trustee as confidential), the Indenture Trustee shall not disseminate any such information to any Noteholder unless such Noteholder executes a confidentiality agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F. Any such confidentiality agreement executed by a Noteholder shall apply to all future disclosures of operating statements and other financial information delivered by STORE Capital to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01(c)(B) or Section 4.01(d)(v) of the Property Management Agreement and provided to such Noteholder by the Indenture Trustee under this Section 6.03(a). Such access shall be afforded without charge but only upon reasonable prior written request and during normal business hours at the offices of the Indenture Trustee designated by it.

 

(b)                                  The Indenture Trustee shall maintain at its office primarily responsible for administration of the Collateral Pool and shall deliver to the Issuers, the Rating Agencies and, subject to the succeeding paragraph, any Noteholder or Note Owner or Person identified to the Indenture Trustee as a prospective transferee of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein (at the reasonable request and, except for the Rating Agencies, expense of the requesting party), copies of the following items (to the extent that such items have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee or the Indenture Trustee can cause such items to be delivered to it without unreasonable burden or expense): (i) any private placement memorandum or disclosure document relating to the applicable Notes, in the form most recently provided to the Indenture Trustee by the applicable Issuers or by any Person designated by such Issuers; (ii) this Indenture, the Limited Liability Company Agreements, the Property Management Agreement and any amendments hereto or thereto; (iii) all reports prepared by, and all reports delivered to, the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager in such capacities since the Initial Closing Date; (iv) all Officer’s Certificates delivered by the Property Manager and the Special Servicer since the Initial Closing Date pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Property Management Agreement and all Officer’s Certificates delivered by the Issuer Member since the Initial Closing Date pursuant to Section 9.07 ; (v) all accountants’ reports caused to be delivered by the Property Manager and the Special Servicer since the Initial Closing Date pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Property Management Agreement; (vi) all Determination Date Reports, Special Servicer Reports and Modified Collateral Detail and Realized Loss Reports (each, as defined in the Property Management Agreement) since the Initial Closing Date prepared pursuant to Section 4.01 of the Property Management Agreement; (vii) the Lease Files and Loan Files, including any and all modifications, waivers and amendments of the terms of each Lease and Mortgage Loan, as applicable, entered into or consented to by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer and delivered to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 3.16(c) of the Property Management Agreement or otherwise; and (viii) any and all Officer’s Certificates and other evidence to support the Property Manager’s or the Special Servicer’s, as the case may be, determination that any Advance was or, if made, would be a Nonrecoverable Advance. The Indenture Trustee shall make available copies of any and all of the foregoing items upon written request of any party set forth in the previous sentence. However, the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to require of such party the payment of a sum sufficient to cover the reasonable costs and expenses of providing such copies as are requested by such party.

 

If requested by any Noteholder, the Indenture Trustee (to the extent it is able to obtain such information from the Property Manager) shall provide: (i) the most recent inspection

 

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report prepared by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in respect of each Property pursuant to Section 3.10 of the Property Management Agreement; (ii) the most recent available documentation and information collected by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer pursuant to Article IV of the Property Management Agreement, together with the accompanying written reports to be prepared by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, pursuant to Article IV of the Property Management Agreement; and (iii) any and all notices and reports with respect to any Property as to which environmental testing is contemplated by Section 10.08 .

 

The Indenture Trustee will make available, upon reasonable advance notice and at the expense of the requesting party, copies of the above items to any Noteholder or Note Owner and to prospective purchasers of Notes; provided , that, as a condition to making such items available, the Indenture Trustee shall require (a) in the case of Noteholders or Note Owners, a confirmation executed by the requesting Person substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 hereto generally to the effect that such Person is a Noteholder or Note Owner, is requesting the information solely for use in evaluating such Person’s investment in the related Notes and will otherwise keep such information confidential and (b) in the case of a prospective purchaser, confirmation executed by the requesting Person and such Person’s prospective transferor substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 hereto generally to the effect that such Person is a prospective purchaser of Notes, is requesting the information solely for use in evaluating a possible investment in such Notes and will otherwise keep such information confidential.

 

(c)                                   The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any dissemination of information made in accordance with Section 6.03(a)  or (b) .

 

(d)                                  Each Issuer shall permit agents, representatives and employees of the Indenture Trustee to inspect the Properties or any part thereof at reasonable hours upon reasonable advance notice, subject to the applicable Leases.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

REDEMPTION; SERIES ENHANCEMENT

 

Section 7.01                             Redemption of the Notes .

 

(a)                                  Subject to Section 7.01(b), on any Business Day after July 2015, the Issuers may, at their option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Notes, in whole or in part, to be allocated pro rata among all Series and Class of Notes on any Business Day (such date, the “ Redemption Date ”) in an amount equal to (i) the Applicable Paydown Percentage with respect to the then outstanding Aggregate Series Principal Balance, plus all accrued and unpaid interest (including any Post-ARD Additional Interest) thereon, (ii) all amounts outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if any ((i), (ii) and (iii), the “ Redemption Amount ”), any such amounts deposited pursuant to clauses (i) and (iii) above to be allocated pro rata among all Series and Class of Notes by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Redemption Date, which such notice will include the Applicable

 

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Paydown Percentage of the Notes to be purchased on such Redemption Date, and the parties to whom payments are owed, and the respective amounts thereof, under clause (ii) of the definition of Redemption Amount. In the event such option is exercised, the Issuers shall deposit in the Collection Account not later than the related Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the Redemption Amount. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under clause (i) of the definition of Redemption Amount, pro rata, to the Noteholders of each Series based on the respective Outstanding Principal Balances of each such Series, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under clause (i) of the definition of Redemption Amount and amounts set forth under clause (iii) of the definition of Redemption Amount to the Noteholders of each Series in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; (2) pay all amounts set forth under clause (ii) of the definition of Redemption Amount to each applicable party as set forth in the notice of redemption provided by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 7.01(a); and (3) with respect to a purchase of all of the Outstanding Notes under this Section 7.01(a), release or cause to be released to the Issuers the Lease Files and the Loan Files for the Properties, the Leases and the Mortgage Loans specified in the applicable redemption notice and execute all assignments, endorsements and other instruments furnished to it by the Issuers without recourse, as shall be necessary to effectuate transfer of the Notes, the Mortgages, the Mortgage Loans and the Leases to the Issuers or their respective designees.

 

(b)                                  In addition to the right of redemption set forth in Section 7.01(a), the Notes of each Series shall be subject to mandatory or optional redemption as provided in the applicable Series Supplement.

 

Section 7.02                             Series Enhancement .

 

To manage risk between the Collateral Pool and the Notes of any Series, the applicable Issuers, on or before the related Series Closing Date, may enter into one or more types of Series Enhancement with respect to such Series of Notes, and may from time to time thereafter enter into additional Series Enhancements, in each case so long as the Rating Condition is satisfied. The Series Supplement with respect to such Series of Notes shall specify the form of Series Enhancement and Series Enhancer, if any, and any additional terms with respect thereto.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES; AMENDMENTS

 

Section 8.01                             Supplemental Indentures or Amendments Without Consent of Noteholders .

 

Without the consent of any Noteholder, but upon 10 days’ prior written notice to the Rating Agencies, the parties to each agreement listed below, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, or one or more amendments hereto or to the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, any Guaranty, any Mortgage or any other Transaction Documents, as applicable, for any of the following purposes:

 

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(1)                                  to correct any typographical error or cure any ambiguity herein or in the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, any Guaranty, any Mortgage or any other Transaction Document;

 

(2)                                  to cause any provision herein or in the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, any Guaranty, any Mortgage or any other Transaction Document to conform or be consistent with or in furtherance of the statements set forth in the applicable Private Placement Memorandum (as defined in the applicable Series Supplement) or to correct or supplement any provisions herein or therein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein or therein, as applicable;

 

(3)                                  to amend or supplement a provision, or to supplement any provisions herein or in the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, any Guaranty, any Mortgage or any other Transaction Document; provided, that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders in any material respect; provided, that if the Rating Condition is satisfied, any such action shall be deemed not to materially adversely affect the interests of any Noteholder;

 

(4)                                  to institute or modify any procedures relating to compliance with Rule 17g-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

(5)                                  to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to the Indenture Trustee so long as the interests of the Noteholders would not be adversely affected in any material respect;

 

(6)                                  to correct any manifestly incorrect description, or amplify the description, of any property subject to the lien of the Mortgages or this Indenture;

 

(7)                                  to modify the Indenture, the Property Management Agreement, any Mortgage, any Guaranty or any other Transaction Documents as required or made necessary by any change in applicable law, so long as the interests of the Noteholders would not be adversely affected in any material respect; provided, that if the Rating Condition is satisfied, any such action shall be deemed not to materially adversely affect the interests of any Noteholder;

 

(8)                                  to add to the covenants of any Issuer, or any other party for the benefit of the Noteholders, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon any Issuer under this Indenture, the Property Management Agreement or any Guaranty;

 

(9)                                  to add any additional Events of Default hereunder or Servicer Replacement Events (as defined in the Property Management Agreement) under the Property Management Agreement; provided, that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders in any material respect; provided, that if the Rating Condition is satisfied, any such action shall be deemed not to materially adversely affect the interests of any Noteholder; or

 

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(10)                           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor Indenture Trustee, Collateral Agent, Custodian, Property Manager, Special Servicer or Back-Up Manager.

 

No such supplemental indenture or amendment shall be effective unless the Indenture Trustee shall have first received a Tax Opinion to the effect that such amendment (x) will not adversely affect the tax characterization of the Class of Notes of any outstanding Series that was characterized as debt at the time of its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (y) will not cause any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly-traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and (z) will not cause or constitute an event in which any U.S. federal income tax gain or loss would be recognized by any Noteholder or any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series.

 

Without the consent of any Noteholder, but upon 10 days’ prior written notice to the Rating Agencies, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more amendments to any Account Control Agreement.

 

Section 8.02                             Supplemental Indentures With Consent .

 

With the consent of the Controlling Party of each Series with Notes Outstanding, and 10 days’ prior written notice to the Rating Agencies, the parties to the agreements listed below may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, or one or more amendments hereto or to the Notes, the Property Management Agreement, any Mortgage, any Guaranty or any other Transaction Document for the purpose of adding any provisions hereto or thereto, changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions hereof or thereof or modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders hereunder or thereunder; provided , that no such supplemental indenture or amendment shall be effective unless the Indenture Trustee shall have first received a Tax Opinion to the effect that such amendment will (x) will not adversely affect the tax characterization of the Class of Notes of any outstanding Series that was characterized as debt at the time of its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (y) will not cause any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly-traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and (z) will not cause or constitute an event in which any U.S. federal income tax gain or loss would be recognized by any Noteholder or any of the Issuers of any outstanding Series; and provided , further , that no such supplemental indenture or amendment may, without the consent of the Noteholders of 100% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance of the Outstanding Notes affected thereby:

 

(1)                                  change a Rated Final Payment Date or the Payment Date of any principal, interest or other amount on any Note;

 

(2)                                  reduce the Outstanding Principal Balance of a Note, the applicable Note Rate or the applicable Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate (if any);

 

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(3)                                  authorize the Indenture Trustee to agree to delay the timing of, or reduce the payments to be made on or in respect of, the Mortgage Loans, the Properties or the Leases, except as provided in this Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement;

 

(4)                                  change the coin or currency in which the principal of any Note or interest thereon is payable;

 

(5)                                  impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after a Rated Final Payment Date;

 

(6)                                  reduce the percentage of the then Aggregate Series Principal Balance, the consent of whose Holders is required for any supplemental indenture or amendment, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of defaults under this Indenture and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or for any other reason under this Indenture;

 

(7)                                  change any obligation of the Issuers to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes set forth in this Indenture;

 

(8)                                  except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, in the Property Management Agreement or in any Mortgage, deprive the Indenture Trustee of the benefit of a first priority security interest in the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool;

 

(9)                                  modify Section 2.11 ; or

 

(10)                           release from the lien of any Mortgage and this Indenture (except as specifically permitted under this Indenture, the Property Management Agreement or the related Mortgage) all or any portion of the Collateral Pool.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Noteholders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, none of the above-referenced Transaction Documents may be amended without the consent of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager, as applicable, if such person would be materially adversely affected by such amendment, regardless of whether any such person is a party to such agreement.

 

Section 8.03                             Delivery of Supplements and Amendments .

 

Promptly after the execution by the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee (and any other party, if required) of any supplemental indenture or amendment pursuant to the provisions hereof, the Indenture Trustee, at the expense of the Issuers, payable out of the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 5.04 , shall furnish a notice setting forth in general terms the substance of

 

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such supplemental indenture or amendment to the Rating Agencies and to each Noteholder at the address for such Noteholder set forth in the Note Register.

 

Section 8.04                             Series Supplements .

 

(a)                                  For purposes of this Article VIII , a Series Supplement executed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04(c)  shall not be considered an amendment or supplemental indenture for the purposes of this Article VIII . Accordingly, any Series Supplement executed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04(c)  may amend, modify or supplement this Indenture and the Issuers and the other parties thereto may amend, modify or supplement any of the Mortgages, and any other of the Transaction Documents in connection with any such New Issuance, in each case without the consent of the Noteholders; provided , that no such Series Supplement may, without the consent of each Noteholder holding 100% of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance of the Outstanding Notes affected thereby:

 

(1)                                  change the Rated Final Payment Date, or the Payment Date of any principal, interest or other amount on any such Note, or reduce the Outstanding Principal Balance thereof, the Note Rate thereon or the applicable Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate thereon (if any), or change the coin or currency in which the principal of any Note or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Rated Final Payment Date thereof;

 

(2)                                  reduce the percentage of the then Aggregate Series Principal Balance, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such Series Supplement, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or for any other reason under this Indenture (including for actions taken by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 );

 

(3)                                  change any obligation of the Issuers to maintain an office or agency in the places and for the purposes set forth in this Indenture;

 

(4)                                  except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, in the Property Management Agreement or in any Mortgage, deprive any Noteholder of the benefit of a valid first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool;

 

(5)                                  release from the lien of the Mortgages or this Indenture (except as specifically permitted under this Indenture, the Property Management Agreement or the related Mortgage) all or any portion of the Collateral Pool;

 

(6)                                  modify the definition of Noteholder; or

 

(7)                                  modify this Section 8.04 .

 

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Section 8.05                             Execution of Supplemental Indentures, Etc .

 

In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture or amendment permitted by this Article or in accepting the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture or in giving any consent to any modification of any Mortgage Loan or any Lease pursuant to this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive, at the applicable Issuers’ expense payable out of the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 5.04 , and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture, amendment or modification is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and each Series Supplement. The Indenture Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture or amendment or consent to any such modification which affects the Indenture Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

COVENANTS; WARRANTIES

 

Section 9.01                             Maintenance of Office or Agency .

 

The Issuers shall maintain or cause to be maintained an office or agency in the continental United States where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.

 

Section 9.02                             Existence and Good Standing .

 

Subject to Section 9.08 , the Issuers shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect their existence, rights, licenses, permits and corporate franchises and comply in all material respects with all Legal Requirements applicable to them and the Properties. There shall never be committed by any Issuer or any other Person in occupancy of or involved with the operation or use of any Properties any act or omission affording any Governmental Authority the right of forfeiture as against any Property or any part thereof or any moneys paid in performance of such Issuer’s obligations under any of the Transaction Documents. The Issuers hereby covenant and agree not to commit, permit or suffer to exist any act or omission affording such right of forfeiture. The Issuers shall at all times maintain, preserve and protect, or cause to be maintained, preserved and protected, all franchises and trade names and preserve all the remainder of its property required for the conduct of its business and shall keep (or cause to be kept) the applicable Properties in good working order and repair, and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all reasonably necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereto. The Issuers shall keep (or cause the Tenants under each applicable Lease to keep) the Properties insured at all times by financially sound and reputable insurers, to such extent and against such risks, and maintain liability and such other insurance, as is more fully provided in this Indenture and the Property Management Agreement.

 

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Section 9.03                             Payment of Taxes and Other Claims .

 

(a)                                  Each Issuer shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, all applicable taxes, assessments and governmental charges and claims (the “ Taxes ”) levied or imposed upon such Issuer or upon the income, profits or property of such Issuer, or shown to be due on the tax returns filed by such Issuer, except as set forth in Section 9.03(b) ; provided, that such failure to pay or discharge will not cause a forfeiture of, or a lien (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) to encumber, any property included in the Collateral. Upon the written direction of Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee is authorized to pay out of the Payment Account, prior to making payments on the Notes, any such Taxes which, if not paid, would cause a forfeiture or sale of, or a lien (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) to encumber, any property included in the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  After prior written notice to the Indenture Trustee, any Issuer, at its own expense, may in good faith contest by appropriate legal proceeding, promptly initiated and conducted in good faith and with due diligence, the amount or validity or application in whole or in part of any applicable Taxes; provided, that: (i) no Event of Default has occurred and remains uncured; (ii) such proceeding shall not be precluded by, and be conducted in accordance with the provisions of, any other instrument to which such Issuer is subject and shall not constitute a default thereunder and such proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable statutes, laws and ordinances; (iii) no applicable Property nor any part thereof or interest therein will be in danger of being sold, forfeited, terminated, canceled or lost; (iv) such Issuer shall promptly upon final determination thereof pay, or cause to be paid, the amount of any such Taxes, together with all costs, interest and penalties which may be payable in connection therewith; (v) such proceeding shall suspend the collection of such contested Taxes from the applicable Property; and (vi) such Issuer shall furnish such security and/or reserves as may be required in the proceeding, or as may be reasonably requested by the Indenture Trustee or as required in accordance with GAAP, to insure the payment of any such Taxes, together with all interest and penalties thereon; provided, that the Indenture Trustee shall not require such Issuer to post additional security if a contest is being conducted by a Tenant under an applicable Lease (even if such Issuer has joined in such proceeding to accommodate such Tenant’s contest) if such contest is conducted in accordance with such Lease and the related Tenant has provided such security as such Issuer may be entitled to require under such Lease. The Indenture Trustee may transfer any such cash deposit or part thereof held by the Indenture Trustee to the claimant entitled thereto at any time when, in the judgment of the Indenture Trustee, the entitlement of such claimant is established.

 

Section 9.04                             Validity of the Notes; Title to the Collateral; Lien .

 

(a)                                  Each Issuer represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that such Issuer is duly authorized under applicable law and the related Limited Liability Company Agreement to create and issue the Notes, to pledge the applicable Collateral included in the Collateral Pool to the Indenture Trustee, to execute and deliver this Indenture, the other documents referred to herein to which it is a party and all instruments included in the Collateral Pool which it has executed and delivered, and that all partnership, limited liability company, corporate or trust action and governmental consents, authorizations and approvals necessary or required therefor have been duly and effectively taken or obtained. The Notes, when issued, will be, and this Indenture and such other documents are, valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuers enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject only to bankruptcy, reorganization,

 

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insolvency and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law).

 

(b)                                  Each Issuer represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that (i) such Issuer has good title to, and is the sole owner of, each Mortgage Loan, Property and Lease, as applicable, and all other applicable Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance or security interest other than Permitted Encumbrances and the liens created hereby and under the related Mortgages, (ii) this Indenture creates a valid and continuing security interest in each such item of the Collateral Pool in which a security interest may be created under Article 9 of the UCC in favor of the Indenture Trustee, which security interest is prior to all other liens, encumbrances and security interests, subject only to exceptions permitted in this Indenture, in the Property Management Agreement and in the related Mortgages, and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from such Issuer, subject only to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law), (iii) each Mortgage creates a valid lien upon the Mortgage Loans, Property and Lease, as applicable, specified therein, which lien is prior to all other liens, encumbrances and security interests, subject only to exceptions permitted in this Indenture, in the Property Management Agreement and in such Mortgage, and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from such Issuer, subject only to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law), (iv) the assignment of rents contained in each related Mortgage (or in a separate document, if required by the local jurisdiction) constitutes the legal, valid, binding and enforceable assignment of such Issuer’s rights in each related Mortgage Loan or Lease, as applicable, subject only to exceptions permitted in this Indenture, in the Property Management Agreement and in such Mortgage or separate document and to bankruptcy reorganization, insolvency and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law), and (v) such Issuer has received all consents and approvals required by the terms of the applicable Collateral to Grant such Collateral included in the Collateral Pool to the Indenture Trustee as provided herein and in the related Mortgages.

 

(c)                                   The Issuers have caused the filing of appropriate financing statements with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in order to perfect the security interests in the Collateral granted to the Indenture Trustee hereunder, to the extent such security interests may be perfected by such filing.

 

(d)                                  Other than the lien and security interest Granted to the Indenture Trustee hereunder and under the Mortgages (and as otherwise permitted in the Property Management Agreement or this Indenture) and with respect to the interests of STORE SPE Warehouse, LLC under the Master Loan Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2011, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as borrower, and STORE SPE Warehouse Funding, LLC, as lender, which such interests have been assigned to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, the Issuers have not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool. The Issuers have not authorized the filing of and are

 

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not aware of any financing statements against any such Issuer that include a description of collateral covering the Collateral other than any financing statements filed in favor of the Indenture Trustee. The Issuers are not aware of any judgment or tax lien filings against any such Issuer.

 

(e)                                   The Issuers shall ensure that all cash and investment property at any time owned by the Issuers and held as part of the Collateral Pool is deposited and maintained in the Collection Account, Lockbox Transfer Account, Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account, Payment Account, DSCR Reserve Account, Release Account, Hedge Counterparty Accounts or any other account subject to an Account Control Agreement. Each such account shall be maintained in the name of the Indenture Trustee, and the Issuers shall not consent to the bank or securities intermediary maintaining any such account complying with instructions or entitlement orders of any Person other than the Property Manager in accordance with the Property Management Agreement or the Indenture Trustee. If any such account is not held at a depository institution that is the same as the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers will cause the bank or securities intermediary maintaining the Collection Account, Release Account, Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account, Payment Account, DSCR Reserve Account or any other account held as part of the Collateral Pool, to execute and deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Account Control Agreement with respect to such account.

 

(f)                                    The Issuers represent and warrant that the Indenture is not required to be qualified under the 1939 Act and that no Issuer is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act.

 

Section 9.05                             Protection of Collateral Pool .

 

The Issuers, and, to the extent directed by the Issuers or the Requisite Global Majority, the Indenture Trustee, will from time to time execute and deliver all such amendments and supplements hereto (subject to Sections 8.01 and 8.02 ) and all such financing statements, continuation statements, instruments of further assurance and other instruments ( provided, however , that the Indenture Trustee will not be obligated to prepare or file any such supplements, statements or other instruments), and will take such other action necessary or advisable to:

 

(a)                                  Grant more effectively all or any portion of the Collateral Pool;

 

(b)                                  maintain or preserve the lien (and the priority thereof) of the Mortgages and this Indenture or carry out more effectively the purposes hereof;

 

(c)                                   perfect, publish notice of, or protect the validity of any Grant made or to be made by or in the Mortgages or this Indenture;

 

(d)                                  subject to the Property Management Agreement, enforce any of the Mortgage Loans or Leases included in the Collateral Pool; or

 

(e)                                   preserve and defend title to the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool and the rights of the Indenture Trustee in such Collateral against the claims of all Persons and parties.

 

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Each of the Issuers hereby designates the Indenture Trustee, its agent and attorney-in-fact, to execute and deliver any financing statement, continuation statement or other instrument required pursuant to this Section 9.05 ; provided , that, subject to and consistent with Section 5.01 , the Indenture Trustee will not be obligated to prepare or file any such statements or instruments.

 

Section 9.06                             Covenants .

 

(a)                                  For so long as the Notes of any Series are outstanding, no Issuer shall:

 

(i)                              cause or permit any Collateral Transfer of a legal or beneficial interest in any Mortgage Loan, Property, Lease or any part thereof or any legal or beneficial interest therein or any other part of the Collateral Pool, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement;

 

(ii)                           dissolve or liquidate in whole or in part, except as provided in Section 9.08 ;

 

(iii)                        engage, directly or indirectly, in any business other than that arising out of the issuance of the Notes and the actions contemplated or required to be performed under this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement;

 

(iv)                       incur, create or assume any indebtedness for borrowed money other than the Notes or otherwise pursuant to this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement, other than the Revolving Loan Agreement between the Issuers and STORE Capital;

 

(v)                          voluntarily file a petition for bankruptcy or reorganization, make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or commence any similar proceeding;

 

(vi)                       change its state of organization, name, identity or organizational status, or otherwise amend its Limited Liability Company Agreement, without notifying the Indenture Trustee of such change in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such change and, in the case of a change in such Issuer’s organizational status or any such amendment, without first obtaining the prior written consent of the Indenture Trustee and satisfying the Rating Condition;

 

(vii)                    withdraw or direct any party to withdraw any funds from the Lockbox Transfer Account or the Collection Account, other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or the Property Management Agreement;

 

(viii)                 engage in any business or activity other than as permitted under the related Limited Liability Company Agreement and this Indenture;

 

(ix)                       except as contemplated by the Transaction Documents, commingle its funds or assets with those of any other Person and shall not participate in any cash management system with any other Person;

 

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(x)                          pledge its assets to or for the benefit of any other Person other than with respect to loans secured by the Property or the Mortgage Loans and no such pledge remains outstanding except to the Indenture Trustee, for the benefit of the Noteholders to secure the Notes;

 

(xi)                       other than capital contributions and distributions permitted under the terms of its organizational documents, enter into or be a party to, any transaction with any of its partners, members, shareholders or Affiliates except in the ordinary course of its business and on terms which are commercially reasonable terms comparable to those of an arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated third party;

 

(xii)                    indemnify its partners, officers, directors or members, as the case may be, in each case unless such an obligation or indemnification is fully subordinated to the Notes and shall not constitute a claim against it in the event that its cash flow is insufficient to pay the Notes;

 

(xiii)                 other than with respect to a pledge or financing under a repurchase transaction of the related Issuer Interests, cause or permit a voluntary or involuntary sale, transfer, exchange, encumbrance, pledge or assignment or any other transfer or disposition of (directly, voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, and whether for consideration or of record) any of the ownership interests in such Issuer or the related Issuer Member; or

 

(xiv)                without the consent the Requisite Global Majority, be, become or hold itself out (or permit itself to be held out) as being liable for the debts or other obligations of any other Person, or hold out its credit (or permit its credit to be held out) as being available to satisfy the obligation of any other Person; except for (A) debts or other obligations secured by the Collateral and assumed in its entirety by such Issuer at the time it acquired the related Collateral, and (B) the Notes.

 

(b)                                  For so long as the Notes of any Series are outstanding, each Issuer covenants, that:

 

(i)                              it shall be organized solely for the purpose of acquiring, developing, owning, holding, selling, leasing, transferring, exchanging, managing and operating the related Property and Mortgage Loans, entering into and performing its obligations under the Transaction Documents and transacting lawful business that is incident, necessary and appropriate to accomplish the foregoing;

 

(ii)                           it shall not have any assets other than the Properties and Mortgage Loans, the related Leases and personal property necessary or incidental to its ownership and operation of such Property and Mortgage Loans;

 

(iii)                        (A) it shall be structured as a single member, bankruptcy-remote, special purpose Delaware limited liability company consistent with the requirements of each applicable Rating Agency and (B) it shall have at least one Independent Director and an independent “Springing Member” if the Issuer Member is dissolved or is otherwise no longer a member of such Issuer;

 

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(iv)                       it (A) shall maintain its financial statements, accounting records and other entity documents separate from those of any other Person; (B) show, in its financial statements, its asset and liabilities separate and apart from those of any other Person; and (C) shall not permit its assets to be listed as assets on the financial statement of any of its Affiliates except as required by GAAP; provided, however, that any such consolidated financial statement contains a note indicating that its separate assets and credit are not available to pay the debts of such Affiliate and that its liabilities do not constitute obligations of the consolidated entity;

 

(v)                          it shall cause the related Issuer Member to provide the Indenture Trustee with thirty (30) days prior written notice prior to the removal of the Independent Director of such Issuer;

 

(vi)                       it shall have a Limited Liability Company Agreement that provides that such Issuer will not take any Material Action without the affirmative vote of an Independent Director of itself;

 

(vii)                    it shall maintain an arm’s-length relationship with each of its Affiliates, not enter into any contract or agreement or amendment thereof with any of its Affiliates, unless the terms are commercially reasonable, intrinsically fair and substantially similar to those that would be available on an arm’s-length basis with third parties, and transact all business with its Affiliates pursuant to enforceable agreements with material terms established at the inception that will not be amendable except with the consent of each of the parties to such agreement;

 

(viii)                 to the extent that any Issuer leases premises from an Affiliate, such Issuer shall pay appropriate, fair and reasonable compensation or rental to the lessor; or

 

(ix)                       so long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, any legal proceedings to collect rent, principal or interest or other income from the Properties and Mortgage Loans, or to oust or dispossess a Tenant or other Person from a Property or foreclose on a Mortgage Loan, shall be brought only in the name of the related Issuer and at such Issuer’s expense. So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the applicable Issuer shall execute all Leases and Mortgage Loans, service contracts and other contracts, including amendments thereto. So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the Property Manager shall not bind any Issuer in respect of any term or condition of any such Lease, Mortgage Loan or contract except in Leases, Mortgage Loans or other contracts that are executed by the applicable Issuer.

 

Section 9.07               Statement as to Compliance .

 

Each Issuer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee and to each Rating Agency, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year commencing with 2013, an Officer’s Certificate of the related Issuer Member on behalf of such Issuer stating that, in the course of the performance by the officer executing such Officer’s Certificate of such officer’s present duties as an officer of such Issuer, such officer would normally obtain knowledge or have made due

 

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inquiry of employees of such Issuer and such Issuer’s Affiliates as to the existence of any condition or event which would constitute an Event of Default after notice or lapse of time or both and that to the best of the officer’s knowledge, (a) such Issuer has fulfilled all of its obligations under this Indenture in all material respects throughout such year, or, if there has been an Event of Default in the fulfillment of any such obligation in any material respect, specifying each such default known to such officer and the nature and status thereof, and (b) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and no condition or event that would constitute an Event of Default after notice or lapse of time or both has occurred, or, if such an event has occurred and is continuing, specifying each such event known to such officer and the nature and status thereof.

 

Section 9.08               Issuers May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms .

 

(a)                    For so long as the Notes of any Series are outstanding, no Issuer may consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey or transfer all or substantially all of the applicable Collateral Pool to any Person (other than as provided in the Transaction Documents) without the consent of the Requisite Global Majority, unless:

 

(i)                                               t he Person (if other than any such Issuer) formed by or surviving such consolidation or merger or that acquires by conveyance or transfer the Collateral Pool (the “ Successor Person ”) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof, shall have expressly assumed by written instrument, and executed and delivered such written instrument to the Indenture Trustee, the obligation (to the same extent as such Issuer was so obligated) to make payments of principal, interest and other amounts, as applicable, on all of the applicable Notes and the obligation to perform every covenant of this Indenture on the part of such Issuer to be performed or observed, all as provided herein;

 

(ii)                                                 at the time of, and immediately after giving effect to, such transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or Early Amortization Period shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(iii)                                              the Indenture Trustee shall have received written confirmation that the Rating Condition is satisfied;

 

(iv)                                             any such Issuer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that, such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer complies with and satisfies all conditions precedent set forth in this Article IX ;

 

(v)                                                the Successor Person shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that (1) the Successor Person has good and marketable title to the applicable Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, free and clear of any lien, security interest or charge other than the lien and security interest of the related Mortgages and this Indenture and any other lien permitted hereby, and (2) immediately following the event which causes the Successor Person to become the Successor Person, the Indenture Trustee continues to have a perfected security interest in such Collateral

 

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included in the Collateral Pool to the extent a security interest may be created and perfected under Article 9 of the UCC and a valid, first priority lien (subject to Permitted Encumbrances) in the related Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases; and

 

(vi)                                             the Successor Person shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that, with respect to a Successor Person that is a corporation, partnership or trust: such Successor Person shall be duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which such Successor Person is organized; that the Successor Person has sufficient power and authority to assume the obligations set forth in clause (i)  above and to execute and deliver an indenture supplement hereto for the purpose of assuming such obligation; that the Successor Person has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance of any indenture supplement and that such supplemental indenture is a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Successor Person, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject only to bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditor’s rights generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law); and that, immediately following the event which causes the Successor Person to become the Successor Person, the Indenture Trustee continues to have a perfected security interest in the applicable Collateral included in the Collateral Pool to the extent a security interest may be created and perfected under Article 9 of the UCC.

 

(b)                    Upon any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of all or substantially all of the Collateral Pool, the Successor Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, an Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Successor Person had been named as an Issuer herein. In the event of any such conveyance or transfer of the Collateral Pool permitted by this Section 9.08 , the Person named as an “Issuer” in the first paragraph of this Indenture, or any successor that shall theretofore have become such in the manner prescribed in this Article and that has thereafter effected such a conveyance or transfer, may be dissolved, wound up and liquidated at any time thereafter, and such Person thereafter shall be released from its liabilities as obligor and maker on all of the then Outstanding Notes and from its obligations under this Indenture.

 

Section 9.09               Litigation . Each Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Indenture Trustee of any litigation or governmental proceedings pending against such Issuer which might materially and adversely affect such Issuer’s condition (financial or otherwise) or business or any Property.

 

Section 9.10               Notice of Default . Each Issuer shall promptly advise the Indenture Trustee in writing of any material adverse change in such Issuer’s condition, financial or otherwise not otherwise reported, or of the occurrence of any material Event of Default of which such Issuer has knowledge.

 

Section 9.11               Cooperate in Legal Proceedings . Each Issuer shall cooperate fully with the Indenture Trustee with respect to any proceedings before any court, board or other Governmental Authority which may in any way affect the rights of the Indenture Trustee hereunder or any rights obtained by the Indenture Trustee under any of the other Transaction

 

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Documents and, in connection therewith, permit the Indenture Trustee, at its election, to participate in any such proceedings.

 

Section 9.12               Insurance Benefits . Each Issuer shall cooperate with the Indenture Trustee in obtaining for the Indenture Trustee the benefits of any proceeds of the insurance policies lawfully or equitably payable in connection with any applicable Property, subject to the rights of Tenants under the applicable Leases and the terms of the Property Management Agreement, and the Indenture Trustee shall be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) out of such insurance proceeds.

 

Section 9.13               Costs of Enforcement . In the event (a) that any Mortgage encumbering any Property is foreclosed in whole or in part or that any such Mortgage is put into the hands of an attorney for collection, suit, action or foreclosure, (b) of the foreclosure of any mortgage prior to or subsequent to any Mortgage encumbering any Property in which proceeding the Indenture Trustee is made a party, or (c) of the bankruptcy, insolvency, rehabilitation or other similar proceeding in respect of any Issuer or related Issuer Member or an assignment by such Issuer or related Issuer Member for the benefit of its creditors, such Issuer, its successors or assigns, shall be chargeable with and agrees to pay all reasonable costs of collection and defense, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred by the Indenture Trustee or such Issuer in connection therewith and in connection with any appellate proceeding or post-judgment action involved therein, together with all required service or use taxes.

 

Section 9.14               Performance of Issuers’ Duties by the Related Issuer Member . The duties of each Issuer will be performed on behalf of such Issuer by its Board of Managers or the related Issuer Member pursuant to the applicable Limited Liability Company Agreement.

 

Section 9.15               Further Acts, etc . Each Issuer will, at such Issuer’s expense, and without expense to the Indenture Trustee, do, execute, acknowledge and deliver all and every such further acts, deeds, conveyances, mortgages, assignments, notices of assignment, UCC Financing Statements or continuation statements, transfers and assurances as the Indenture Trustee shall, from time to time, reasonably require, for the better assuring, conveying, assigning, transferring, and confirming unto the Indenture Trustee the property and rights hereby deeded, mortgaged, given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated, offset, conveyed, confirmed, pledged, assigned and hypothecated or intended now or hereafter so to be, or which such Issuer may be or may hereafter become bound to convey or assign to the Indenture Trustee, or for carrying out the intention or facilitating the performance of the terms of this Indenture or for filing, registering or recording this Indenture. Each Issuer will promptly execute and deliver and hereby authorizes the Indenture Trustee to execute in the name of such Issuer or without the signature of such Issuer to the extent the Indenture Trustee may lawfully do so, one or more financing statements or other instruments, to evidence more effectively the security interest of the Indenture Trustee in the Properties or the Mortgage Loans. Upon foreclosure, the appointment of a receiver or any other relevant action, each such Issuer will, at the cost of such Issuer and without expense to the Indenture Trustee, cooperate fully and completely to effect the assignment or transfer of any license, permit, agreement or any other right necessary or useful to the operation of the Properties. Each Issuer grants to the Indenture Trustee an irrevocable power of attorney coupled with an interest for the purpose of exercising and perfecting any and all rights and remedies

 

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available to the Indenture Trustee at law and in equity, including, without limitation, such rights and remedies available to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section.

 

Section 9.16               Recording of Mortgages, etc . Each Issuer forthwith upon the execution and delivery of this Indenture and thereafter, from time to time, will cause the applicable Mortgages, and any security instrument creating a lien or security interest or evidencing the lien thereof upon the related Properties and each instrument of further assurance to be filed, registered or recorded in such manner and in such places as may be required by any present or future law in order to publish notice of and fully to protect the lien or security interest upon, and the interest of the Indenture Trustee in, such Properties. Each Issuer will pay all filing, registration or recording fees, and all expenses incident to the preparation, execution and acknowledgment of the applicable Mortgages, any Mortgages supplemental thereto, any security instrument with respect to the related Properties and any instrument of further assurance, and all federal, state, county and municipal, taxes, duties, imposts, assessments and charges arising out of or in connection with the execution and delivery of such Mortgages, any Mortgages supplemental thereto, any security instrument with respect to such Properties or any instrument of further assurance, except where prohibited by law so to do. Each Issuer shall hold harmless and indemnify the Indenture Trustee, its successors and assigns, against any liability incurred by reason of the imposition of any tax on the making and recording of the applicable Mortgages.

 

Section 9.17               Treatment of the Notes as Debt for Tax Purposes . Each Issuer shall, and shall cause the Indenture Trustee to, treat each Series of Notes as indebtedness for all federal and state income tax purposes upon its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and each Noteholder, by its acceptance of a Note, agrees to treat each Series of Notes as indebtedness for all federal and state income tax purposes and agrees not to take any position on its books or tax returns inconsistent therewith upon its issuance for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Section 9.18               Payment of Debts . Each Issuer will remain solvent and such Issuer will pay its debts and liabilities (including, as applicable, shared personnel and overhead expenses) from its assets as the same shall become due.

 

Section 9.19               Single-Purpose Status . Each Issuer will do all things necessary to observe organizational formalities and preserve its existence, and such Issuer will not, nor will such Issuer permit the applicable Issuer Member to, amend, modify or otherwise change the certificate of formation, limited liability agreement, articles of incorporation and bylaws, operating agreement, certificate of organization, trust or other organizational documents of such Issuer in any manner that would affect the status of such Issuer or Issuer Member as a single-purpose, bankruptcy-remote entity, without (i) the prior written consent of the Requisite Global Majority, in its sole discretion, and (ii) the satisfaction of the Rating Condition.

 

Section 9.20               Separateness of Each Issuer . Each Issuer will be, and at all times will hold itself out to the public as, a legal entity separate and distinct from any other entity (including any Affiliate of such Issuer), shall correct any known misunderstanding regarding its status as a separate entity, shall conduct business in its own name, shall not identify itself or any of its Affiliates as a division or part of the other and shall maintain and utilize separate stationery, invoices and checks.

 

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Section 9.21               Capitalization of the Issuers . Each Issuer shall maintain adequate capital for the normal obligations reasonably foreseeable in a business of its size and character and in light of its contemplated business operations.

 

Section 9.22               Maintenance of Assets . Each Issuer will maintain its assets in such a manner that it will not be costly or difficult to segregate, ascertain or identify its individual assets from those of any Affiliate or constituent party or any Affiliate of any constituent party, or any other Person.

 

Section 9.23               Compliance with Representations and Warranties . Each Issuer Member shall be a limited liability company whose sole assets are its interest in the Issuers and such Issuer Member will at all times comply, and will cause the Issuers to comply, with each of the applicable representations, warranties, and covenants contained in this Indenture (including any Series Supplement) as if such representation, warranty or covenant was made directly by such Issuer Member.

 

Section 9.24               Independent Directors . Each Issuer shall at all times cause there to be at least one (1) duly appointed director or one (1) duly appointed manager (an “ Independent Director ”) of such Issuer:

 

(1)          who is a natural person;

 

(2)          who shall not have been at the time of such individual’s appointment, and shall not be at any time while serving as a director of such Issuer, and has not been at any time during the preceding five (5) years (i) a shareholder of, or an officer, director (with the exception of serving as the Independent Director of such Issuer), attorney, counsel, partner or employee of, such Issuer or any Affiliate of any of them, (ii) a customer of, or supplier to, such Issuer or any Affiliate thereof, (iii) a Person controlling or under common control with any such shareholder, partner, supplier or customer or (iv) a member of the immediate family of any such shareholder, officer, director, partner, employee, supplier or customer;

 

(3)          who has prior experience as an independent director or manager for a corporation or limited liability company whose charter documents required the unanimous consent of all independent directors or managers thereof before such corporation or limited liability company could consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it or could file a petition seeking relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy; and

 

(4)          who has at least three (3) years of employment experience with one or more entities that provide, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, advisory, management or placement services to issuers of securitization or structured finance instruments, agreements or securities.

 

As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies or activities of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(I)        an individual that otherwise satisfies the foregoing shall not be disqualified from serving as an Independent Director of an Issuer if such individual, at or prior to the time of initial appointment, or at any time while serving as an Independent Director of such Issuer :

 

(i)         is an Independent Director of a “special purpose entity” affiliated with the related Issuer (for purposes of this paragraph, a “special purpose entity” is an entity whose organizational documents contain restrictions on its activities and impose requirements intended to preserve separateness that are substantially similar to those of such Issuer and provided, inter alia, that it: (a) is organized for the limited purpose of owning and operating one or more properties or being an owner of one or more other entities that are so organized; (b) has restrictions on its ability to incur indebtedness, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate, merge and/or sell assets; (c) may not file voluntarily a bankruptcy petition on its own behalf or on behalf of an entity in which it has an ownership interest without the consent of its independent director; and (d) shall conduct itself and cause any entity in which it has an ownership interest to conduct itself in accordance with certain “separateness covenants,” including, but not limited to, the maintenance of its and such entity’s books, records, bank accounts and assets separate from those of any other person or entity);

 

(ii)      is employed by a company that provides independent director or manager services to corporations and limited liability companies, which company (either directly or through an affiliated entity) provides corporate registration or other services to such Issuer or any affiliate thereof; and

 

(II)       such Issuer shall be entitled to pay reasonable fees to the Independent Director for his or her services as a director thereof.

 

Section 9.25               Employees . Each Issuer shall pay its own liabilities and expenses, including, without limitation, the salaries of its own employees, if any, out of its own funds and assets and maintain a sufficient number of employees if any are required in light of its contemplated business operations.

 

Section 9.26               Assumptions in Insolvency Opinion . Each Issuer shall conduct its business so that the assumptions made with respect to such Issuer in any non-consolidation Opinion of Counsel, dated the date of the applicable Series Supplement, delivered in connection with the Notes and any subsequent non-consolidation opinion delivered on behalf of such Issuer as required by the terms and conditions of this Indenture (an “ Insolvency Opinion ”) shall be true and correct in all respects. Each Affiliate of the Issuers, if any, with respect to which an assumption is made in a related Insolvency Opinion will comply with all of the assumptions made with respect to it in such Insolvency Opinion.

 

Section 9.27               Performance by the Issuers . (a) Each Issuer shall observe, perform and satisfy all the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of, and shall pay when due all applicable costs, fees and expenses to the extent required under, the Transaction Documents executed and delivered by, or applicable to, such Issuer.

 

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(b)                                  Each Issuer shall in a timely manner observe, perform, enforce and fulfill each and every covenant, term and provision of each Transaction Document executed and delivered by, or applicable to, such Issuer, or recorded instrument affecting or pertaining to the applicable Properties, to the extent the failure to observe or perform the same would materially and adversely affect such Issuer’s interest in such Properties, and shall not enter into or otherwise suffer or permit any amendment, waiver, supplement, termination or other modification of any Transaction Document executed and delivered by, or applicable to, such Issuer except in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof and hereof.

 

Section 9.28               Use of Proceeds . The Issuers shall use the proceeds of the Notes to (a) repay and discharge, or cause to be repaid and discharged, any existing loans relating to the Properties, (b) pay costs and expenses incurred in connection with the closing of any transaction contemplated by this Indenture, (c) fund any working capital requirements of the Properties, (d) distribute the balance, if any, to their respective partners or equity holders, (e) to acquire Post-Closing Properties as described herein and (f) as otherwise provided in the related Series Supplement.

 

Section 9.29               Other Rights, etc. It is agreed that the risk of loss or damage to any Property is on the Issuers, and the Indenture Trustee shall have no liability whatsoever for decline in value of the Property or for failure to determine whether insurance in force is adequate as to the amount of risks insured.

 

Section 9.30               Books and Records . The Issuers will maintain all of their respective books, records, financial statements and bank accounts separate from those of its Affiliates and any constituent party and file its own tax returns (provided that each such Issuer’s financial statements and tax returns may be prepared on a consolidated basis with other entities provided that such consolidated financial statements and tax returns indicate the separate existence of such Issuer and its assets and liabilities). The Issuers shall maintain their respective books, records, resolutions and agreements as official records.

 

Section 9.31               Overhead Expenses . The Issuers shall allocate fairly and reasonably overhead expenses, if any, that are shared with an Affiliate, including paying for office space and services performed by any employee of an Affiliate.

 

Section 9.32               Embargoed Persons . Each Issuer has performed and shall perform reasonable due diligence to insure that at all times throughout the term of the Notes, (a) none of the funds or other assets of such Issuer constitute property of, or are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any Embargoed Person; (b) no Embargoed Person has any interest of any nature whatsoever in such Issuer, with the result that the investment in such Issuer (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Notes are in violation of law; and (c) none of the funds of such Issuer, have been derived from, or are the proceeds of, any unlawful activity, including money laundering, terrorism or terrorism activities, with the result that the investment in such Issuer (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Notes are in violation of law, or may cause any of the related Properties to be subject to forfeiture or seizure.

 

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ARTICLE X

 

COVENANTS REGARDING PROPERTIES

 

Section 10.01        General .

 

The Issuers will be required to maintain and manage, or cause the Property Manger to maintain and manage, each of its related Properties in accordance with the terms and provisions set forth in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Section 10.02        Insurance .

 

The Issuers will be required to maintain, or cause to be maintained, insurance of the types and amounts set forth in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Section 10.03        Mortgage Loans, Leases and Rents .

 

With respect to each Property, the related Issuer (i) shall observe and perform all the obligations imposed upon the Borrower under the related Mortgage Loan or the lessor under the related Lease and shall not do or permit to be done anything to impair materially the value of Mortgage Loan, Property or related Lease as security, (ii) shall promptly send copies to the Indenture Trustee of all notices of event of default which such Issuer shall send or receive under the Mortgage Loans and Leases, (iii) shall notify the Indenture Trustee in writing of any material change in the status of any tenancy at such Property, including, without limitation, the vacating, surrender or going dark of any Tenant, even if such action is expressly permitted by the terms of such Tenant’s Lease, (iv) shall, consistent with the Property Management Agreement, enforce all of the material terms, covenants and conditions contained in the Mortgage Loans upon the part of the Borrower and the Leases upon the part of the Tenant, as applicable, thereunder to be observed or performed (including, without limitation, collecting financial information from each Borrower or Tenant), (v) shall not execute any assignment of the Borrower’s interest in the Mortgage Loan or the monthly Loan Payments or the lessor’s interest in the Lease or the Monthly Lease Payments except as permitted under the Property Management Agreement, and (vi) shall not consent to any assignment of or subletting under a Lease not in accordance with its terms or as permitted under the Property Management Agreement. No Issuer shall agree to any material modification of a Mortgage Loan or Lease except in accordance with the terms of the Property Management Agreement.

 

Section 10.04        Compliance With Laws .

 

With respect to each Property:

 

(a)                                  The related Issuer shall promptly comply, or cause the Tenants to comply, in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws, orders, ordinances, governmental rules and regulations or court orders affecting such Property, or the use thereof (“ Applicable Laws ”), currently existing or enacted in the future.

 

(b)                                  The Issuers shall give prompt notice to the Indenture Trustee of the receipt by any such Issuer of any written governmental agency notice related to a violation of any

 

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Applicable Laws and of the commencement of any governmental agency proceedings or investigations which relate to compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

(c)                                   After prior written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the related Issuer, at its own expense, may contest by appropriate legal proceeding, promptly initiated and conducted in good faith and with due diligence, the Applicable Laws affecting any Property; provided , that (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any Mortgage or this Indenture, (ii) such Issuer is not prohibited from doing so under the provisions of any Mortgage Loan or Lease and any other mortgage, deed of trust or deed to secure debt affecting the related Mortgage Property, (iii) such proceeding shall not be prohibited under, and shall be conducted in accordance with, the Property Management Agreement, (iv) none of such Property, any part thereof or interest therein, any of the related Borrowers, the Tenants or occupants thereof, or such Issuer shall be affected in any materially adverse way as a result of such proceeding, (v) non-compliance with the Applicable Laws shall not impose criminal liability on such Issuer or civil or criminal liability on the Indenture Trustee, and (vi) such Issuer shall have furnished to the Indenture Trustee all other items reasonably requested by the Indenture Trustee.

 

Section 10.05        Estoppel Certificates .

 

The Issuers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee, promptly upon request but in no event later than twenty (20) days following such request, duly executed estoppel certificates from any one or more Borrowers or Tenants as required by the Property Management Agreement and the Mortgage Loan or Lease, as applicable, attesting to such facts regarding the Mortgage Loan or Lease, as applicable, as the Property Manager may require in accordance with the Property Management Agreement.

 

Section 10.06        Other Rights, Etc .

 

It is agreed that the risk of loss or damage to a Property is on the related Issuer, and the Indenture Trustee shall have no liability whatsoever for decline in value of such Property, for failure to maintain insurance policies, or for failure to determine whether insurance in force is adequate as to the amount of risks insured. Possession by the Indenture Trustee shall not be deemed an election of judicial relief, if any such possession is requested or obtained, with respect to any Mortgage Loan or Property or any other Collateral included in the Collateral Pool and not in the Indenture Trustee’s possession.

 

Section 10.07        Right to Release Any Portion of the Collateral Pool .

 

The Indenture Trustee shall not release any portion of the Collateral Pool except as expressly set forth in the terms and provisions of the Property Management Agreement, the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents and shall release such portion without, as to the remainder of such Collateral, in any way impairing or affecting the lien or priority of this Indenture, or improving the position of any subordinate lienholder with respect thereto, except to the extent that the obligations hereunder shall have been reduced by the actual monetary consideration, if any, received by the Indenture Trustee for such release, and may accept by assignment, pledge or otherwise any other property in place thereof, all in accordance with the

 

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terms hereof and of the Property Management Agreement. This Indenture shall continue as a lien and security interest in the remaining portion of the Collateral Pool to which it applies.

 

Section 10.08        Environmental Covenants .

 

(a)                                  So long as the Issuers own or are in possession of each Property, the Issuers shall keep or cause each Property to be kept free from Hazardous Substances other than Permitted Materials and in compliance with any and all local, state, federal or other Governmental Authority, statute, ordinance, code, order, decree, law, rule or regulation pertaining to or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning environmental regulation, contamination or clean-up including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended (“ CERCLA ”), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (“ RCRA ”), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, as amended, the Hazardous Substances Transportation Act, as amended, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, the Clean Water Act, as amended, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Toxic Substance Control Act, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, any state super-lien and environmental statutes and all rules and regulations adopted in respect to the foregoing laws whether presently in force or coming into being and/or effectiveness hereafter (collectively, “ Environmental Laws ”).

 

(b)                                  The Issuers shall protect, indemnify, and hold harmless the Indenture Trustee from and against all liabilities, obligations, claims, demands, damages, penalties, causes of action, losses, fines, costs and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements), imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against the Indenture Trustee by reason of (i) the presence, disposal, escape, seepage, leakage, spillage, discharge, emission, release, or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance or Asbestos on, from or affecting any Properties or other real properties owned by an Issuer at any time since the initial formation of such Issuer; (ii) any personal injury (including wrongful death) or property damage (real or personal) arising out of or related to such Hazardous Substance or Asbestos; (iii) any lawsuit brought or threatened, settlement reached, or government order relating to such Hazardous Substance or Asbestos; and (iv) any violation of Environmental Laws, including, without limitation, the costs and expenses of any Remedial Work, reasonable attorney and consultant fees and disbursements, investigation and laboratory fees, court costs, and litigation expenses.

 

(c)                                   The Issuers shall, within six (6) months of each Series Closing Date (or such longer time as may reasonably be required to complete the same with diligent effort by the applicable Issuers, in light of the Legal Requirements and Governmental Authorities involved), deliver evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Property Manager establishing that such Issuers have performed and paid or caused the Tenants or Borrowers, as applicable, to perform and pay for the work set forth in exhibits to the applicable Series Supplement, if any, all in accordance with all Environmental Laws.

 

(d)                                  The Issuers shall not install Asbestos in any Property and, upon discovery of any Asbestos in any Property, shall, to the extent permitted under the related Lease and at the Issuers’ sole expense, cause an operations and maintenance program to be established with respect to such Asbestos. The Issuers shall in all instances comply with, and ensure compliance

 

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by all occupants of each Property with, all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations with respect to Asbestos, and shall keep each Property free and clear of any liens imposed pursuant to such laws, ordinances, rules or regulations. In the event that the Issuers receives any written notice or advice from any governmental agency or any source whatsoever with respect to Asbestos on, affecting or installed on any Property, the Issuers shall promptly notify the Property Manager and the Indenture Trustee. The obligations and liabilities of the Issuers under this Section 10.08(d) shall survive any termination, satisfaction, or assignment of this Indenture and the exercise by the Indenture Trustee of any of its rights or remedies hereunder, including but not limited to, the acquisition of any Property by foreclosure or a conveyance in lieu of foreclosure.

 

Section 10.09        Handicapped Access . (a) The Issuers agree that the Properties shall at all times strictly comply in all material respects to the extent applicable with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (if applicable), all state and local laws and ordinances related to handicapped access and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant thereto including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (collectively, “ Access Laws ”). The Issuers agree to give prompt notice to the Indenture Trustee of the receipt by any Issuer of any complaints related to material violation of any Access Laws and of the commencement of any proceedings or investigations which relate to compliance with applicable Access Laws.

 

Section 10.10        Preservation of Title . Subject to any Permitted Encumbrances, the Issuers shall forever warrant, defend and preserve such title and the validity and priority of the lien of any Mortgage and the other Transaction Documents and shall forever warrant and defend the same to the Indenture Trustee against the claims of all Persons whomsoever.

 

Section 10.11        Maintenance and Use of Properties . The Properties shall be maintained in accordance with the terms of the Leases and the Property Management Agreement.

 

Section 10.12        Access to Properties . The Issuers shall permit the agents, representatives and employees of the Indenture Trustee to inspect the Properties or any part thereof at reasonable hours upon reasonable advance notice, subject to the Leases.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

COSTS

 

Section 11.01        Performance at the Issuers’ Expense .

 

The Issuers acknowledge and confirm that the Indenture Trustee shall impose certain administrative processing fees in connection with the release or substitution of any Mortgage Loan or Property (the occurrence of any of the above shall be called an “ Event ”), which fees are payable to the Indenture Trustee under the Property Management Agreement as an Extraordinary Expense. The Issuers further acknowledge and confirm that they shall be responsible for the payment of all costs of reappraisal of any Property or any part thereof, whether required by law, regulation or any Governmental Authority. The Issuers hereby

 

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acknowledge and agree to pay, immediately, upon demand, all such fees (as the same may be reasonably increased or decreased from time to time), and any additional fees of a similar type or nature which may reasonably be imposed by the Indenture Trustee from time to time, upon the occurrence of any Event or otherwise, in accordance with the priorities set forth herein and in the Property Management Agreement. Wherever it is provided for herein that an Issuer pay any costs and expenses, such costs and expenses shall include, but not be limited to, all reasonable legal fees and disbursements of the Indenture Trustee in accordance with the priorities set forth herein.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 12.01        Execution Counterparts .

 

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

Section 12.02        Compliance Certificates and Opinions, Etc .

 

Upon any application or request by an Issuer to the Indenture Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, such Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that, in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

 

Section 12.03        Form of Documents Delivered to Indenture Trustee .

 

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

 

Any certificate or opinion of an Authorized Officer of an Issuer or Issuer Member may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate of an Authorized Officer or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of an Issuer or Issuer Member stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of such Issuer or Issuer Member, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

 

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Whenever this Indenture requires that a document or instrument (other than any Note) be delivered in substantially the form attached hereto as an exhibit, modifications and additions to and deletions from any such exhibit reflected in such document or instrument as delivered hereunder shall not impair the validity or acceptability of such document or instrument (nor shall any Person be entitled to reject such document or instrument as a result thereof) to the extent that such modifications, additions or deletions are approved by the Issuers and are made in a manner consistent with applicable law (including changes thereto).

 

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

 

Whenever in this Indenture, in connection with any application or certificate or report to the Indenture Trustee, it is provided that any Person shall deliver any document as a condition of the granting of such application, or as evidence of such Person’s compliance with any term hereof, it is intended that the truth and accuracy, at the time of the granting of such application or at the effective date of such certificate or report (as the case may be), of the facts and opinions stated in such document shall in such case be conditions precedent to the right of such Person to have such application granted or to the sufficiency of such certificate or report. The foregoing shall not, however, be construed to affect the Indenture Trustee’s right to rely upon the truth and accuracy of any statement or opinion contained in any such document as provided in Article V .

 

Section 12.04        No Oral Change .

 

This Indenture, and any provisions hereof, may not be modified, amended, waived, extended, changed, discharged or terminated orally or by any act or failure to act on the part of any Issuer, Issuer Member or the Indenture Trustee, but only by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any modification, amendment, waiver, extension, change, discharge or termination is sought and otherwise in accordance herewith.

 

Section 12.05        Acts of Noteholders .

 

(a)                                  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by the Noteholders of any Class of any Series or in their entirety may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Noteholders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing; and except as herein otherwise expressly provided such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Indenture Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the applicable Issuers. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “ Act ” or “ Acts ” of the Noteholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 5.01 ) conclusive in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers if made in the manner provided in this Section. With respect to authorization to be given or taken by Noteholders, the Indenture Trustee shall be authorized to follow the written directions or the vote of Noteholders of Notes representing more than 50% of the Aggregate

 

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Series Principal Balance (or Outstanding Notes of the affected Class, if applicable), unless any greater or lesser percentage is required by the terms hereunder.

 

(b)                                  The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any manner that the Indenture Trustee deems sufficient.

 

(c)                                   The Series, Class, Outstanding Principal Balance and serial numbers of Notes held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Note Register.

 

(d)                                  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, declaration, waiver or other act of any Noteholder shall bind every future Noteholder of the same Note and the Noteholder of every Note issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, suffered or omitted to be done by the Indenture Trustee or the applicable Issuers in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

 

Section 12.06        Computation of Percentage of Noteholders .

 

Unless otherwise specified herein, whenever this Indenture states that any action may be taken by a specified percentage of the Noteholders or the Noteholders of any Class, such statement shall mean that such action may be taken by the Noteholders of such specified percentage of the Aggregate Series Principal Balance or of such Class of Notes, respectively.

 

Section 12.07        Notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and Certain Other Persons .

 

Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to: (i) in the case of any Issuer to STORE Master Funding I, LLC, 8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255, Attention: Secretary or to such other address as provided in the applicable Series Supplement, as applicable; (ii) in the case of the Indenture Trustee, Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, 14 th Floor, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding, facsimile number: (212) 816-5527; and (iii) with respect to any applicable Series, in the case of any Series Enhancer or Rating Agency, the address of such Series Enhancer or Rating Agency as provided in the applicable Series Supplement, or, as to each such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

Section 12.08        Notices to Noteholders; Notification Requirements and Waiver .

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Noteholders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid to each Noteholder affected by such event, at its address as it appears on the Note Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Noteholders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice nor any defect in any notice so mailed to any particular Noteholder

 

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shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Noteholders, and any notice that is delivered or mailed in the manner herein provided shall conclusively be presumed to have been duly given.

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by any Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Noteholders shall be filed with the Indenture Trustee but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such a waiver.

 

In case, by reason of the suspension of regular courier and mail service as a result of a strike, work stoppage or similar activity, it shall be impractical to mail notice of any event to Noteholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.

 

Where this Indenture provides for notice to the Rating Agencies, failure to give any such notice shall not affect any other rights or obligations created hereunder, and shall not under any circumstance constitute a default or Event of Default.

 

Section 12.09        Successors and Assigns .

 

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Issuers shall bind their successors and permitted assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

Section 12.10        Interest Charges; Waivers .

 

This Indenture is subject to the express condition that at no time shall any Issuer be obligated or required to pay interest hereunder at a rate which could subject the Indenture Trustee to either civil or criminal liability as a result of being in excess of the maximum interest rate which such Issuer is permitted by applicable law to contract or agree to pay. If by the terms of this Indenture, any Issuer is at any time required or obligated to pay interest hereunder at a rate in excess of such maximum rate, such rate shall be deemed to be immediately reduced to such maximum rate and all previous payments in excess of the maximum rate shall be deemed to have been payments in reduction of principal and not on account of the interest due hereunder.

 

The Issuers expressly waives presentment, demand, diligence, protest and all notices of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Indenture, except for notices expressly provided for in this Indenture, the Mortgages or the Notes.

 

Section 12.11        Severability Clause .

 

In case any provision of this Indenture or of the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall, to the extent permitted by law, not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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Section 12.12        Governing Law .

 

(a)                                  THIS INDENTURE AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES).

 

(b)                                  Any action or proceeding against any of the parties hereto relating in any way to this Indenture or any Note or the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool may be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the borough of Manhattan or of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and each of the Issuers irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. The Issuers hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to remove any such action or proceeding by reason of improper venue or inconvenient forum. As long as any of the Notes remain Outstanding, service of process upon any Issuer shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed in every respect effective service in any such legal action or proceeding.

 

Section 12.13        Effect of Headings and Table of Contents .

 

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

Section 12.14        Benefits of Indenture .

 

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the Noteholders, the Series Enhancers, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and any other party secured hereunder or named as a beneficiary of any provision hereof, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

Section 12.15        Trust Obligation .

 

No recourse may be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Issuers on the Notes or under this Indenture or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or therewith, against (i) any Issuer, any Issuer Member, the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer, each in its individual capacity, (ii) any owner of a beneficial interest in an Issuer or Issuer Member or (iii) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, agent or Control Person of an Issuer, an Issuer Member, the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer in its individual capacity, any holder of a beneficial interest in an Issuer or of any successor or assignee of an Issuer, an Issuer Member, the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer, each in its individual capacity, except as any such Person may have expressly agreed (it being understood that none of any Issuer Member, the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer has any such obligations in its individual capacity).

 

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Section 12.16        Inspection .

 

Each Issuer agrees that, on reasonable prior notice, it will permit any representative of the Indenture Trustee, during such Issuer’s normal business hours, to examine all the books of account, records, reports, and other papers of such Issuer, to make copies and extracts therefrom and to discuss such Issuer’s affairs, finances and accounts relating to such Issuer with the officers of STORE Capital on behalf of such Issuer and such Issuer’s employees and independent public accounting firm, all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested. The Indenture Trustee shall and shall cause its representatives to hold in confidence all such information except to the extent disclosure may be required by law (and all reasonable applications for confidential treatment are unavailing) or the Indenture Trustee may reasonably determine that such disclosure is consistent with its obligations hereunder.

 

Section 12.17        Method of Payment .

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.11(b) , all amounts payable or to be remitted pursuant to this Indenture shall be paid or remitted or caused to be paid or remitted in immediately available funds by wire transfer to an account specified in writing by the recipient thereof.

 

Section 12.18        Limitation on Liability of the Issuers and Issuer Member .

 

None of the Issuers, Issuer Member, or any of the directors, managers, officers, employees, agents or Control Persons of any Issuer or Issuer Member, shall be under any liability to the Noteholders for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of any action in good faith pursuant to this Agreement, or for errors in judgment. The Issuers, Issuer Member and any director, manager, officer, employee or agent of any Issuer or Issuer Member, may rely in good faith on any document of any kind which, prima facie , is properly executed and submitted by any Person respecting any matters arising hereunder. No Issuer or Issuer Member shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action unless such action is related to its duties under this Indenture and which in its opinion does not involve it in any expenses or liability; provided, however , that any such Issuer or Issuer Member may in its discretion undertake any such action which it may deem necessary or desirable with respect to this Indenture and the rights and duties of the parties hereto and the interests of the Noteholders hereunder.

 

Section 12.19        Acquisition of Post-Closing Properties and the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account .

 

(a) The Indenture Trustee shall establish and maintain a non-interest bearing, segregated account in the name of the Indenture Trustee at Citibank, N.A. for the deposit and retention of designated proceeds from the sale of the Notes for the purpose of purchasing Post-Closing Properties (the “ Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account ”). On each Series Closing Date, the Indenture Trustee will deposit or cause to be deposited into the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account the related Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Amount. The Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account will constitute an “Eligible Account” within the meaning of the Indenture. The funds held in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account may be held as cash. In accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall have

 

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exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account. Funds in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account shall not be commingled with any other moneys.

 

(b)                                  No later than one (1) Business Day prior to a proposed Post-Closing Acquisition Date, the Issuers shall provide written notice in the form of Exhibit G-4 attached hereto (“ Post-Closing Acquisition Notice ”) to the Indenture Trustee, with a copy to the Property Manager and the Custodian, of the Issuers’ intent to acquire one or more Post-Closing Properties. Such notice shall include the following with respect to each such Post-Closing Property: (i) the proposed Post-Acquisition Closing Date; (ii) the expected purchase price; (iii) the requested Post-Closing Acquisition Remittance Amount; (iv) wire instructions for the account of the related Issuer or its designee into which the Indenture Trustee shall deposit the Post-Closing Acquisition Remittance Amount; and (v) all of the information contained in the Owned Property Schedule. Subject to the satisfaction of the Post-Closing Acquisition Conditions, on each Post-Closing Acquisition Date, the Indenture Trustee shall transfer to the account designated by the Issuer in the related Post-Closing Acquisition Notice, from the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account, the Post-Closing Acquisition Remittance Amount.

 

(c)                                   If (A) a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee obtains actual knowledge (either through notice or otherwise) of the occurrence of an Early Amortization Period, the Indenture Trustee shall deposit all amounts on deposit in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account into the Collection Account as Unscheduled Proceeds to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the following Payment Date or (B) with respect to any Series of Notes, any portion of the related Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Amount remains on deposit in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account as of the related Post-Closing Acquisition Deadline, the Indenture Trustee shall add such amount to the Series Available Amount for the related Series of Notes and such amount shall be applied as an Unscheduled Principal Payment in accordance with the Priority of Payments for the related Series of Notes (any such amounts set forth in clauses (A) and (B) above, the “ Post-Closing Acquisition Unused Proceeds ”).

 

Section 12.20        Addition of Properties to Master Leases .

 

From time to time after the Series Closing Date, on any Business Day upon which the Master Lease Conditions are satisfied, any Issuer may acquire one or more Additional Master Lease Properties from a Tenant under a Lease or Master Lease that is already included in the Collateral Pool.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC, a Delaware limited

 

liability company, as an Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC, a Delaware limited

 

liability company, as an Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC, a Delaware limited

 

liability company, as an Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC, a Delaware limited

 

liability company, as an Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC, a Delaware limited

 

liability company, as an Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely

 

as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

) ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

On this 1 day of May 2014, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett and acknowledged himself to me to be the Executive Vice Pres of Store Capital, and that as such officer, being duly authorized to do so pursuant to such entity’s by-laws or a resolution of its board of directors, executed and acknowledged the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of such entity by him as such officer as his free and voluntary act and deed and the free and voluntary act and deed of said entity.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

 

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF NEW YORK

)

 

) ss.:

COUNTY OF NEW YORK

)

 

On this 1 st  day of May 2014, before me, the undersigned officer, personally appeared John Hannon and acknowledged himself to me to be the Vice President of Citibank N.A., and that as such officer, being duly authorized to do so pursuant to such entity’s by-laws or a resolution of its board of directors, executed and acknowledged the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of such entity by him as such officer as his free and voluntary act and deed and the free and voluntary act and deed of said entity.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

 

 

 

/s/ Noreen Santos

 

Notary Public

 

NOTARIAL SEAL

 

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture - STORE 2014-1

 


 

EXHIBIT A-1

 

FORM OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTE

 

144A NOTE

 

SERIES [ ], CLASS [ ] NOTE

 

Note Rate: [      ]%

Aggregate Series Principal Balance as of the

 

Series Closing Date: $[                 ]

 

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate: [      ]%

Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class

 

[    ] Notes as of the Series Closing Date:

 

$[           ]

 

 

 

Initial Principal Balance of this Class [      ]

 

Note: $[                ]

 

 

Series Closing Date: [      ], 201[   ]

CUSIP No.

 

 

First Payment Date: [      ], 201[    ]

ISIN No.

 

 

Issuer(s): [STORE]

Property Manager and Special Servicer:

 

[                                 ]

 

 

Indenture Trustee:

Rated Final Payment Date: [                                 ]

Citibank, N.A.

 

 

 

Note No.

 

 

A-1-1



 

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THE NOTE REGISTRAR OR ANY AGENT THEREOF FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR DISTRIBUTION, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE &CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS IN THE UNITED STATES OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE REOFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY THIS LEGEND. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO THE INITIAL TRANSFER OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE BY ANY ISSUER OR THE INITIAL PURCHASERS TO AN AFFILIATE OF ANY ISSUER, THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, AND EACH PERSON WHO ACQUIRES A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH INTEREST, REPRESENTS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT REOFFER, RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND EXCEPT (A) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, WHOM THE SELLER HAS INFORMED, IN EACH CASE, THAT THE REOFFER, RESALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PURCHASER DELIVERS ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS AS THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE; OR (B) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS” TO NON-US PERSONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY.

 

A-1-2



 

THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ACCEPTING THIS NOTE, AND EACH BENEFICIAL OWNER BY PURCHASING OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRING A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE, EACH AGREES TO TREAT THIS NOTE AND SUCH BENEFICIAL INTEREST FOR PURPOSES OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME OR FRANCHISE TAXES AND ANY OTHER TAXES IMPOSED ON OR MEASURED BY INCOME, AS INDEBTEDNESS AND TO REPORT THIS NOTE AND SUCH BENEFICIAL INTEREST ON ALL APPLICABLE TAX RETURNS IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH SUCH TREATMENT.

 

[CERTAIN PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THIS NOTE WILL BE SUBORDINATE TO PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CLASS [    ] NOTES AS AND TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.](1)

 

REDUCTIONS OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE MAY BE MADE MONTHLY AS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE HEREOF AT ANY TIME MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE.

 

THE NOTES ARE SOLELY OBLIGATIONS OF THE ISSUERS AND DO NOT REPRESENT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THE PROPERTY MANAGER, THE SUPPORT PROVIDER, THE SPECIAL SERVICER, THE BACK-UP MANAGER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. THE NOTES ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY. EACH NOTE IS ONE OF A SERIES OF NOTES, ALL OF WHICH ARE PAYABLE SOLELY FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE COLLATERAL POOL. ADDITIONAL SERIES OF NOTES SECURED PRO RATA BY THE COLLATERAL POOL MAY ALSO BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD MAKE AN INVESTMENT DECISION BASED UPON AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE COLLATERAL POOL.

 


(1)   Include only in subordinate Classes of Notes, if any.

 

A-1-3



 

The Issuers, each a Delaware limited liability company, for value received, hereby promise to pay to Cede & Co. or its registered assigns, upon presentation and surrender of this Note (this “ Note ”), the principal sum of up to [                                           ] United States dollars ($[                          ]) on the Rated Final Payment Date referred to above, together with interest hereon from time to time in the amounts and at the times specified in the Indenture referred to below.

 

This Note is one of a series of Net-Lease Mortgage Notes (collectively, the “ Notes ”) issued by the Issuers (each, a “ Class ”) pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated on or about May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding V ”, and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-3 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-3 Supplement ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III, STORE Master Funding IV and the Indenture Trustee and as further supplemented by the Series 2014-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2014-1 Supplement ” together with the Master Indenture, the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement and any other supplements to the Master Indenture (each, as may be amended from time to time, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, between the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee, and will be payable solely from the assets of the Issuers (individually, the “ Collateral ” and, collectively, the “ Collateral Pool ”). To the extent not defined herein, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meanings assigned in the Indenture. This Note is issued under and is subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture, to which Indenture the Holder of this Note by virtue of the acceptance hereof assents and by which such Holder is bound.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, payments of any interest, principal and other amounts payable on this Note shall be made on the Class of Notes to which this Note belongs, pro rata among the Notes of such Class based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balance, on the 20th day of each calendar month or, if any such day is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding Business Day (each, a “ Payment Date ”), commencing on the first Payment Date specified above, to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the related Record Date. All payments made under the Indenture on this Note will be made by the Indenture Trustee by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account

 

A-1-4



 

of the Person entitled thereto at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities therefor, if such Noteholder shall have provided the Indenture Trustee with wiring instructions prior to the related Record Date (which wiring instructions may be in the form of a standing order applicable to all subsequent payments), or otherwise by check mailed to the address of such Noteholder as it appears in the Note Register as of the related Record Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the final payment on this Note on the Final Payment Date will be made in like manner, but only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the offices of the Indenture Trustee or such other location specified in the notice to the Holder hereof of such final payment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no payments will be made with respect to a Note that has previously been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence or, with limited exception, that should have been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence.

 

The Notes are limited in right of payment to certain distributions on the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases and the other Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, all as more specifically set forth herein and in the Indenture.

 

Any payment to the Holder of this Note in reduction of the Outstanding Principal Balance hereof is binding on such Holder and all future Holders of this Note and any Note issued upon the transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such payment is made upon this Note.

 

The Class of Notes to which this Note belongs are issuable in fully registered form only without coupons in minimum denominations specified in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations of a like Percentage Interest, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

No transfer of this Note or any interest herein may be made unless that transfer is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and effective registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws, or is made in a transaction that does not require such registration or qualification. No person is obligated to register or qualify any of the Notes under the Securities Act or any other securities law or to take any action not otherwise required under the Indenture to permit the transfer of any Note or interest therein without registration or qualification.

 

If this Note or any Class of Notes is directly or indirectly owned by a Person such that such Note or Class of Notes is not properly treated as issued and outstanding for federal income tax purposes (a “ Transfer-Restricted Note ”), then such Transfer-Restricted Note may be sold or transferred to any Person if (a) the Note Registrar has received on the date of such sale or transfer an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel knowledgeable in the tax aspects of securitization to the effect that at the time of such sale or transfer (1) such Transfer-Restricted Note is treated as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes and (2) such sale or transfer does not cause any Issuer to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or (b) (1) the sum of the number of beneficial owners of the Transfer-Restricted Notes and the equity interests of all Issuers does not exceed the 95-Person Limit for U.S. federal income tax purposes after the proposed sale or transfer, (2)

 

A-1-5



 

the Transfer-Restricted Notes are in physical form and (3) the Note Transfer Restrictions, as defined in the Indenture, shall have been complied with.

 

Each transferee of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed that either (i) such transferee is not, and is not purchasing such Note on behalf of, as a fiduciary of, as trustee of, or with the assets of, a Plan or (ii)(A) such Note is rated investment grade or better as of the date of the purchase, (B) such transferee believes that such Note is properly treated as indebtedness without substantial equity features for purposes of Department of Labor Regulations, as modified by ERISA, and agrees to so treat such Note and (C) such transferee’s acquisition and continued holding of such Note or Ownership Interest therein will not give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or any law materially similar to Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA).

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Note Register upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the offices of the Note Registrar, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in the form satisfactory to the Note Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations evidencing the same Aggregate Series Principal Balance will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

No service charge will be imposed for any transfer or exchange of this Note, but the Indenture Trustee or the Note Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of this Note.

 

The Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and any agent thereof may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and none of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar or any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

The Indenture, the Property Management Agreement and the Notes are subject to amendment, including by supplemental indenture, from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, including in circumstances which do not require the consent of any or all Noteholders.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Indenture Trustee, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid for any purpose.

 

The registered Holder hereof, by its acceptance hereof, agrees that it will look solely to the Collateral Pool (to the extent of its rights therein) for payments hereunder.

 

The Indenture Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Note (other than as to its signature set forth hereon below).

 

A-1-6



 

This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (including Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, but otherwise without regard to conflict of laws principles).

 

A-1-7



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed by the Issuers.

 

Dated: [                      ]

 

 

[STORE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Class [        ] Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-1-8


 

ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

(please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)

 

the within Net-Lease Mortgage Note and hereby authorize(s) the registration of transfer of such Note to assignee on the Note Register.

 

I (we) further direct the Note Registrar to issue a new Net-Lease Mortgage Note of a like Outstanding Principal Balance and Class to the above named assignee and deliver such Note to the following address:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature by or on behalf of Assignor

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

 

The Assignee should include the following for purposes of payment:

 

Payments shall, if permitted, be made by wire transfer or otherwise, in immediately available funds, to                                                                               for the account of                                                                                                  .                                                                                                                                                                           Payments made by check (such check to be made payable to                                                     ) and all applicable statements and notices should be mailed to                                                      .

 

This information is provided by                                               , the Assignee named above, or                                                      , as its agent.

 

A-1-9



 

EXHIBIT A-2

 

FORM OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTE

 

[TEMPORARY] [PERMANENT] REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

 

SERIES [     ], CLASS [    ] NOTE

 

Note Rate: [       ]%

Aggregate Series Principal Balance as of the Series Closing Date: $[                 ]

 

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate: [        ]%

Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class [     ] Notes as of the Series Closing Date: $[         ]

 

 

 

Initial Principal Balance of this Class [     ] Note: $[             ]

 

 

 

CUSIP No.

 

 

Series Closing Date: [          ], 201[    ]

ISIN No.

 

 

First Payment Date: [          ], 201[    ]

Property Manager and Special Servicer:

 

 

 

 

Issuer(s): [STORE]

Rated Final Payment Date: [                 ]

 

 

Indenture Trustee:

 

Citibank, N.A.

 

 

 

Note No.

 

 

A-2-1



 

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THE NOTE REGISTRAR OR ANY AGENT THEREOF FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR DISTRIBUTION, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE &CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS IN THE UNITED STATES OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE REOFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY THIS LEGEND. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO THE INITIAL TRANSFER OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE BY ANY ISSUER OR THE INITIAL PURCHASERS TO AN AFFILIATE OF ANY ISSUER, THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, AND EACH PERSON WHO ACQUIRES A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH INTEREST, REPRESENTS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT REOFFER, RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND EXCEPT (A) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, WHOM THE SELLER HAS INFORMED, IN EACH CASE, THAT THE REOFFER, RESALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PURCHASER DELIVERS ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS AS THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE; OR (B) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS” TO NON-US PERSONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITORY.

 

A-2-2



 

[THIS NOTE IS A TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE FOR PURPOSES OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, WHICH IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR A PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE.]

 

THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ACCEPTING THIS NOTE, AND EACH BENEFICIAL OWNER BY PURCHASING OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRING A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE, EACH AGREES TO TREAT THIS NOTE AND SUCH BENEFICIAL INTEREST FOR PURPOSES OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME OR FRANCHISE TAXES AND ANY OTHER TAXES IMPOSED ON OR MEASURED BY INCOME, AS INDEBTEDNESS AND TO REPORT THIS NOTE AND SUCH BENEFICIAL INTEREST ON ALL APPLICABLE TAX RETURNS IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH SUCH TREATMENT.

 

[CERTAIN PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THIS NOTE WILL BE SUBORDINATE TO PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CLASS [ ] NOTES AS AND TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.](1)

 

REDUCTIONS OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE MAY BE MADE MONTHLY AS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE HEREOF AT ANY TIME MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE.

 

THE NOTES ARE SOLELY OBLIGATIONS OF THE ISSUERS AND DO NOT REPRESENT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THE PROPERTY MANAGER, THE SUPPORT PROVIDER, THE SPECIAL SERVICER, THE BACK-UP MANAGER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. THE NOTES ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY. EACH NOTE IS ONE OF A SERIES OF NOTES, ALL OF WHICH ARE PAYABLE SOLELY FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE COLLATERAL POOL. ADDITIONAL SERIES OF NOTES SECURED PRO RATA BY THE COLLATERAL POOL MAY ALSO BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD MAKE AN INVESTMENT DECISION BASED UPON AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE COLLATERAL POOL.

 


(1)            Include only in subordinate Classes of Notes, if any.

 

A-2-3



 

The Issuers, each a Delaware limited liability company, for value received, hereby promise to pay to Cede & Co. or its registered assigns, upon presentation and surrender of this Note (this “ Note ”), the principal sum of up to [                                ] United States dollars ($[                  ]) on the Rated Final Payment Date referred to above, together with interest hereon from time to time in the amounts and at the times specified in the Indenture referred to below.

 

This Note is one of a series of Net-Lease Mortgage Notes (collectively, the “ Notes ”) issued by the Issuers (each, a “ Class ”) pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated on or about May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding V ”, and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-3 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-3 Supplement ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III, STORE Master Funding IV and the Indenture Trustee and as further supplemented by the Series 2014-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2014-1 Supplement ” together with the Master Indenture, the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement and any other supplements to the Master Indenture (each, as may be amended from time to time, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, between the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee, and will be payable solely from the assets of the Issuers (individually, the “ Collateral ” and, collectively, the “ Collateral Pool ”). To the extent not defined herein, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meanings assigned in the Indenture. This Note is issued under and is subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture, to which Indenture the Holder of this Note by virtue of the acceptance hereof assents and by which such Holder is bound.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, payments of any interest, principal and other amounts payable on this Note shall be made on the Class of Notes to which this Note belongs, pro rata among the Notes of such Class based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balance, on the 20th day of each calendar month or, if any such day is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding Business Day (each, a “ Payment Date ”), commencing on the first Payment Date specified above, to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the related Record Date. All payments made under the Indenture on this Note will be made by the Indenture Trustee by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account

 

A-2-4



 

of the Person entitled thereto at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities therefor, if such Noteholder shall have provided the Indenture Trustee with wiring instructions prior to the related Record Date (which wiring instructions may be in the form of a standing order applicable to all subsequent payments), or otherwise by check mailed to the address of such Noteholder as it appears in the Note Register as of the related Record Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the final payment on this Note on the Final Payment Date will be made in like manner, but only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the offices of the Indenture Trustee or such other location specified in the notice to the Holder hereof of such final payment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no payments will be made with respect to a Note that has previously been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence or, with limited exception, that should have been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence.

 

The Notes are limited in right of payment to certain distributions on the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases and the other Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, all as more specifically set forth herein and in the Indenture.

 

Any payment to the Holder of this Note in reduction of the Outstanding Principal Balance hereof is binding on such Holder and all future Holders of this Note and any Note issued upon the transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such payment is made upon this Note.

 

The Class of Notes to which this Note belongs are issuable in fully registered form only without coupons in minimum denominations specified in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations of a like Percentage Interest, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

No transfer of this Note or any interest herein may be made unless that transfer is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and effective registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws, or is made in a transaction that does not require such registration or qualification. No person is obligated to register or qualify any of the Notes under the Securities Act or any other securities law or to take any action not otherwise required under the Indenture to permit the transfer of any Note or interest therein without registration or qualification.

 

If this Note or any Class of Notes is directly or indirectly owned by a Person such that such Note or Class of Notes is not properly treated as issued and outstanding for federal income tax purposes (a “ Transfer-Restricted Note ”), then such Transfer-Restricted Note may be sold or transferred to any Person if (a) the Note Registrar has received on the date of such sale or transfer an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel knowledgeable in the tax aspects of securitization to the effect that at the time of such sale or transfer (1) such Transfer-Restricted Note is treated as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes and (2) such sale or transfer does not cause any Issuer to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or (b) (1) the sum of the number of beneficial owners of the Transfer-Restricted Notes and the equity interests of all Issuers does not exceed the 95-Person Limit for U.S. federal income tax purposes after the proposed sale or transfer, (2)

 

A-2-5



 

the Transfer-Restricted Notes are in physical form and (3) the Note Transfer Restrictions, as defined in the Indenture, shall have been complied with.

 

Each transferee of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed that either (i) such transferee is not, and is not purchasing such Note on behalf of, as a fiduciary of, as trustee of, or with the assets of, a Plan or (ii)(A) such Note is rated investment grade or better as of the date of the purchase, (B) such transferee believes that such Note is properly treated as indebtedness without substantial equity features for purposes of Department of Labor Regulations, as modified by ERISA, and agrees to so treat such Note and (C) such transferee’s acquisition and continued holding of such Note or Ownership Interest therein will not give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or any law materially similar to Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA).

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Note Register upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the offices of the Note Registrar, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in the form satisfactory to the Note Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations evidencing the same Aggregate Series Principal Balance will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

No service charge will be imposed for any transfer or exchange of this Note, but the Indenture Trustee or the Note Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of this Note.

 

[After such time as the Restricted Period shall have terminated, and subject to the receipt by the Indenture Trustee of a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-4 to the Indenture, beneficial interests in this Note may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of beneficial interest in the Permanent Regulation S Global Note. Upon any exchange of any beneficial interest in this Note for a beneficial interest in the Permanent Regulation S Global Note, (i) this Note shall be endorsed by the Indenture Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced hereby, whereupon the principal amount of this Note shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed and (ii) the Permanent Regulation S Global Note shall be endorsed by the Indenture Trustee to reflect the increase of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of the Permanent Regulation S Global Note shall be increased for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.]

 

The Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and any agent thereof may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and none of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar or any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

The Indenture, the Property Management Agreement and the Notes are subject to amendment, including by supplemental indenture, from time to time in accordance with the

 

A-2-6



 

terms thereof, including in circumstances which do not require the consent of any or all Noteholders.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Indenture Trustee, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid for any purpose.

 

The registered Holder hereof, by its acceptance hereof, agrees that it will look solely to the Collateral Pool (to the extent of its rights therein) for payments hereunder.

 

The Indenture Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Note (other than as to its signature set forth hereon below).

 

This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (including Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, but otherwise without regard to conflict of laws principles).

 

A-2-7


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed by the Issuers.

 

Dated: [                  ]

 

 

[STORE]

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Class [            ] Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely in its capacity as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-2-8



 

ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

(please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)

 

the within Net-Lease Mortgage Note and hereby authorize(s) the registration of transfer of such Note to assignee on the Note Register.

 

I (we) further direct the Note Registrar to issue a new Net-Lease Mortgage Note of a like Outstanding Principal Balance and Class to the above named assignee and deliver such Note to the following address:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature by or on behalf of Assignor

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

 

The Assignee should include the following for purposes of payment:

 

Payments shall, if permitted, be made by wire transfer or otherwise, in immediately available funds, to                                                                            for the account of                                                                                                 .                                                                                     Payments made by check (such check to be made payable to                                                            ) and all applicable statements and notices should be mailed to                                                                      .

 

This information is provided by                                                    , the Assignee named above, or                                                  ,as its agent.

 

A-2-9



 

EXHIBIT A-3

 

FORM OF DEFINITIVE NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTE

 

DEFINITIVE NOTE

 

SERIES [    ], CLASS [     ] NOTE

 

Note Rate: [      ]%

Aggregate Series Principal Balance as of the Series Closing Date: $[                     ]

 

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate: [      ]%

Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class [   ] Notes as of the Series Closing Date: $[        ]

 

 

 

Initial Principal Balance of this Class [    ] Note: $[                       ]

 

 

Series Closing Date: [        ], 201[   ]

CUSIP No.

 

 

First Payment Date: [        ], 201[   ]

ISIN No.

 

 

Issuer(s): [STORE]

Property Manager and Special Servicer:

 

 

 

 

Indenture Trustee:

Rated Final Payment Date: [                         ]

Citibank, N.A.

 

 

 

Note No.

 

 

A-3-1



 

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS IN THE UNITED STATES OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION, AND MAY NOT BE REOFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY THIS LEGEND. EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO THE INITIAL TRANSFER OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE BY ANY ISSUER OR THE INITIAL PURCHASERS TO AN AFFILIATE OF ANY ISSUER, OR WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSFER OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE TO ANY ISSUER OR AN AFFILIATE OF ANY ISSUER THAT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPHS (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR”), THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE, REPRESENTS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT REOFFER, RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND EXCEPT (A) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER, WHOM THE SELLER HAS INFORMED, IN EACH CASE, THAT THE REOFFER, RESALE, PLEDGE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PURCHASER DELIVERS ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS AS THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE; OR (B) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS” TO NON-US PERSONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PURCHASER DELIVERS ALL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS AS THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE.

 

THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY ACCEPTING THIS NOTE, AGREES TO TREAT THIS NOTE FOR PURPOSES OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL INCOME OR FRANCHISE TAXES AND ANY OTHER TAXES IMPOSED ON OR MEASURED BY INCOME, AS INDEBTEDNESS AND TO REPORT THIS NOTE ON ALL APPLICABLE TAX RETURNS IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH SUCH TREATMENT.

 

[CERTAIN PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THIS NOTE WILL BE SUBORDINATE TO PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CLASS [ ] NOTES AS AND TO THE EXTENT DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.](1)

 


(1)        Include only in subordinate Classes of Notes, if any.

 

A-3-2



 

REDUCTIONS OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE MAY BE MADE MONTHLY AS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN. ACCORDINGLY, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE HEREOF AT ANY TIME MAY BE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SHOWN ABOVE.

 

THE NOTES ARE SOLELY OBLIGATIONS OF THE ISSUERS AND DO NOT REPRESENT OBLIGATIONS OF ANY OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE, THE PROPERTY MANAGER, THE SUPPORT PROVIDER, THE SPECIAL SERVICER, THE BACK-UP MANAGER, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. THE NOTES ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY. EACH NOTE IS ONE OF A SERIES OF NOTES, ALL OF WHICH ARE PAYABLE SOLELY FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE COLLATERAL POOL. ADDITIONAL SERIES OF NOTES SECURED PRO RATA BY THE COLLATERAL POOL MAY ALSO BE ISSUED IN THE FUTURE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD MAKE AN INVESTMENT DECISION BASED UPON AN ANALYSIS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE COLLATERAL POOL.

 

A-3-3



 

The Issuers, each a Delaware limited liability company, for value received, hereby promise to pay to [                                    ] or its registered assigns, upon presentation and surrender of this Note (this “ Note ”), the principal sum of up to [                                                ] United States dollars ($[                                 ]) on the Rated Final Payment Date referred to above, together with interest hereon from time to time in the amounts and at the times specified in the Indenture referred to below.

 

This Note is one of a series of Net-Lease Mortgage Notes (collectively, the “ Notes ”) issued by the Issuers (each, a “ Class ”) pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated on or about May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (as an issuer “ STORE Master Funding V ”, and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-3 Supplement (the “ Series 2013-3 Supplement ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III, STORE Master Funding IV and the Indenture Trustee and as further supplemented by the Series 2014-1 Supplement (the “ Series 2014-1 Supplement ” together with the Master Indenture, the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement and any other supplements to the Master Indenture (each, as may be amended from time to time, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, between the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee, and will be payable solely from the assets of the Issuers (individually, the “ Collateral ” and, collectively, the “ Collateral Pool ”). To the extent not defined herein, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meanings assigned in the Indenture. This Note is issued under and is subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture, to which Indenture the Holder of this Note by virtue of the acceptance hereof assents and by which such Holder is bound.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, payments of any interest, principal and other amounts payable on this Note shall be made on the Class of Notes to which this Note belongs, pro rata among the Notes of such Class based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balance, on the 20th day of each calendar month or, if any such day is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding Business Day (each, a “ Payment Date ”), commencing on the first Payment Date specified above, to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the related Record Date. All payments made under the Indenture on this Note will be made by the Indenture Trustee by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account

 

A-3-4



 

of the Person entitled thereto at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities therefor, if such Noteholder shall have provided the Indenture Trustee with wiring instructions prior to the related Record Date (which wiring instructions may be in the form of a standing order applicable to all subsequent payments), or otherwise by check mailed to the address of such Noteholder as it appears in the Note Register as of the related Record Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the final payment on this Note on the Final Payment Date will be made in like manner, but only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the offices of the Indenture Trustee or such other location specified in the notice to the Holder hereof of such final payment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no payments will be made with respect to a Note that has previously been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence or, with limited exception, that should have been surrendered as contemplated by the preceding sentence.

 

The Notes are limited in right of payment to certain distributions on the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases and the other Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, all as more specifically set forth herein and in the Indenture.

 

Any payment to the Holder of this Note in reduction of the Outstanding Principal Balance hereof is binding on such Holder and all future Holders of this Note and any Note issued upon the transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such payment is made upon this Note.

 

The Class of Notes to which this Note belongs are issuable in fully registered form only without coupons in minimum denominations specified in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations of a like Percentage Interest, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

 

No transfer of this Note or any interest herein may be made unless that transfer is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and effective registration or qualification under applicable state securities laws, or is made in a transaction that does not require such registration or qualification. No person is obligated to register or qualify any of the Notes under the Securities Act or any other securities law or to take any action not otherwise required under the Indenture to permit the transfer of any Note or interest therein without registration or qualification.

 

If this Note or any Class of Notes is directly or indirectly owned by a Person such that such Note or Class of Notes is not properly treated as issued and outstanding for federal income tax purposes (a “ Transfer-Restricted Note ”), then such Transfer-Restricted Note may be sold or transferred to any Person if (a) the Note Registrar has received on the date of such sale or transfer an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel knowledgeable in the tax aspects of securitization to the effect that at the time of such sale or transfer (1) such Transfer-Restricted Note is treated as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes and (2) such sale or transfer does not cause any Issuer to be treated as an association that is taxable as a corporation, a publicly traded partnership that is taxable as a corporation or a taxable mortgage pool that is taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or (b) (1) the sum of the number of beneficial owners of the Transfer-Restricted Notes and the equity interests of all Issuers does not exceed the 95-Person Limit for U.S. federal income tax purposes after the proposed sale or transfer, (2)

 

A-3-5



 

the Transfer-Restricted Notes are in physical form and (3) the Note Transfer Restrictions, as defined in the Indenture, shall have been complied with.

 

Each transferee of a Note or an Ownership Interest therein shall represent, warrant and agree that either (i) such transferee is not, and is not purchasing such Note on behalf of, as a fiduciary of, as trustee of, or with the assets of, a Plan or (ii)(A) such Note is rated investment grade or better as of the date of the purchase, (B) such transferee believes that such Note is properly treated as indebtedness without substantial equity features for purposes of Department of Labor Regulations, as modified by ERISA, and agrees to so treat such Note and (C) such transferee’s acquisition and continued holding of such Note or Ownership Interest therein will not give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or any law materially similar to Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA).

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Note Register upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the offices of the Note Registrar, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in the form satisfactory to the Note Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of the same Class in authorized denominations evidencing the same Aggregate Series Principal Balance will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

No service charge will be imposed for any transfer or exchange of this Note, but the Indenture Trustee or the Note Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of this Note.

 

The Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar and any agent thereof may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and none of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Note Registrar or any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

The Indenture, the Property Management Agreement and the Notes are subject to amendment, including by supplemental indenture, from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, including in circumstances which do not require the consent of any or all Noteholders.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Note Registrar, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid for any purpose.

 

The registered Holder hereof, by its acceptance hereof, agrees that it will look solely to the Collateral Pool (to the extent of its rights therein) for payments hereunder.

 

The Indenture Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Note (other than as to its signature set forth hereon below).

 

A-3-6



 

This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (including Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, but otherwise without regard to conflict of laws principles).

 

A-3-7


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed by the Issuers.

 

Dated: [                      ]

 

 

[STORE]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Class [        ] Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely in its capacity as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

A-3-8



 

ASSIGNMENT

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

(please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)

 

the within Net-Lease Mortgage Note and hereby authorize(s) the registration of transfer of such Note to assignee on the Note Register.

 

I (we) further direct the Note Registrar to issue a new Net-Lease Mortgage Note of a like Outstanding Principal Balance and Class to the above named assignee and deliver such Note to the following address:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature by or on behalf of Assignor

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS

 

The Assignee should include the following for purposes of payment:

 

Payments shall, if permitted, be made by wire transfer or otherwise, in immediately available funds, to                                                                      for the account of                                                                                                 .                                                                                 Payments made by check (such check to be made payable to                                                            ) and all applicable statements and notices should be mailed to                                                           .

 

This information is provided by                                                          , the Assignee named above, or                                                          , as its agent.

 

A-3-9



 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF TRUSTEE REPORT

 

B-1



 

EXHIBIT C-1

 

FORM OF TRANSFEROR CERTIFICATE

FOR TRANSFERS OF DEFINITIVE NOTES

 

 

[ Date ]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re: STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[ ]-[ ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the transfer by                             (the “ Transferor ”) to                             (the “ Transferee ”) of Class [      ] Notes having an Initial Principal Balance as of [                 ], 2014 (the “ Closing Date ”) of $[                   ] (the “ Transferred Notes ”). The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated on or about May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[ ]-[ ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture. The Transferor hereby certifies, represents and warrants to you, as Note Registrar, and for the benefit of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Transferee, that:

 

1.                                       The Transferor is the lawful owner of the Transferred Notes with the full right to transfer such Notes free from any and all claims and encumbrances whatsoever.

 

2.                                       Neither the Transferor nor anyone acting on its behalf has (a) offered, transferred, pledged, sold or otherwise disposed of any Note, any interest in any Note or any other similar security to any person in any manner, (b) solicited any offer to buy or accept a transfer, pledge or other disposition of any Note, any interest in any Note or any other similar security from any person in any manner, (c) otherwise approached or negotiated with respect to any Note, any interest in any Note or any other similar security with any person in any manner, (d) made any general solicitation by means of general advertising or in any other manner, or (e) taken any other action, which (in the case of any of the acts described in clauses (a)  through (e)  hereof) would constitute a distribution

 

C-1-1



 

of any Note under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or would render the disposition of any Note a violation of Section 5 of the Securities Act or any state securities laws, or would require registration or qualification of any Note pursuant to the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

 

[3.                              The Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor in this matter reasonably believe that the Transferee is a Non-U.S. Person that is not acquiring the Transferred Notes for the account or benefit of any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S) and is acquiring the Transferred Notes in an offshore transaction.]

 

[3.                              The Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor in this matter reasonably believe that the Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act (a “ Qualified Institutional Buyer ”) purchasing for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer. In determining whether the Transferee is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, the Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor in this matter have relied upon the following method(s) of establishing the Transferee’s ownership and discretionary investments of securities (check one or more):

 

o                                     (a)                                  The Transferee’s most recent publicly available financial statements, which statements present the information as of a date within 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Transferred Note in the case of a U.S. purchaser and within 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign purchaser; or

 

o                                     (b)                                  The most recent publicly available information appearing in documents filed by the Transferee with the SEC or another United States federal, state, or local governmental agency or self-regulatory organization, or with a foreign governmental agency or self-regulatory organization, which information is as of a date within 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Transferred Note in the case of a U.S. purchaser and within 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign purchaser; or

 

o                                     (c)                                   The most recent publicly available information appearing in a recognized securities manual, which information is as of a date within 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Transferred Note in the case of a U.S. purchaser and within 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign purchaser; or

 

o                                     (d)                                  A certification by the chief financial officer, a person fulfilling an equivalent function, or other executive officer of the Transferee, specifying the amount of securities owned and invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee as of a specific date on or since the close of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year, or, in the case of a Transferee that is a member of a “family of investment companies”, as that term is defined in

 

C-1-2



 

Rule 144A, a certification by an executive officer of the investment adviser specifying the amount of securities owned by the “family of investment companies” as of a specific date on or since the close of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year.]

 

[3. The Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor in this matter reasonably believe that, with respect to the initial transfer of the Transferred Note by the [insert applicable Issuer[s]] or the Initial Purchasers, the Transferee is an Affiliate of the [insert applicable Issuer[s]].]

 

[3. The Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor in this matter reasonably believe that the Transferee is an Affiliate of [insert applicable Issuer[s]] and is an “Accredited Investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) (1), (2), (3) or (7) of the Securities Act.]

 

4.                                       The Transferor and any person acting on behalf of the Transferor understand that in determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and invested on a discretionary basis by an entity for purposes of establishing whether such entity is a Qualified Institutional Buyer:

 

(a)                                  the following instruments and interests shall be excluded: securities of issuers that are affiliated with the Transferee; securities that are part of an unsold allotment to or subscription by the Transferee, if the Transferee is a dealer; securities of issuers that are part of the Transferee’s “family of investment companies”, if the Transferee is a registered investment company; bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit; loan participations; repurchase agreements; securities owned but subject to a repurchase agreement; and currency, interest rate and commodity swaps;

 

(b)                                  the aggregate value of the securities shall be the cost of such securities, except where the entity reports its securities holdings in its financial statements on the basis of their market value, and no current information with respect to the cost of those securities has been published, in which case the securities may be valued at market;

 

(c)                                   securities owned by subsidiaries of the entity that are consolidated with the entity in its financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles may be included if the investments of such subsidiaries are managed under the direction of the entity, except that, unless the entity is a reporting company under Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, securities owned by such subsidiaries may not be included if the entity itself is a majority-

 

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owned subsidiary that would be included in the consolidated financial statements of another enterprise.

 

5.                                       [The Transferor or a person acting on its behalf has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the Transferee is aware that the Transferor is relying on the exemption from the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act provided by [Rule 144A][Regulation S].]

 

6.                                       The Transferor or a person acting on its behalf has furnished, or caused to be furnished, to the Transferee all information regarding (a) the Transferred Notes and payments thereon, (b) the nature and performance of the Mortgage Loans, the Leases and the Properties, (c) the Indenture and the Collateral, and (d) any credit enhancement mechanism associated with the Transferred Notes, that the Transferee has requested.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

(Transferor)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

C-1-4


 

EXHIBIT C-2

 

FORM OF TRANSFEREE CERTIFICATE

FOR TRANSFERS OF DEFINITIVE NOTES

 

[ Date ]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re:                              STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[       ]-[    ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the transfer by                    (the “ Transferor ”) to               (the “ Transferee ”) of Class [       ] Notes (the “ Transferred Notes ”) having an Initial Principal Balance as of [            ], 2014 (the “ Closing Date ”) of $[                 ]. The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated on or about May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[     ]-[    ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. The Transferee hereby certifies, represents and warrants to you, as Note Registrar, and for the benefit of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Transferor, that:

 

1.                                       The Transferee understands that (a) the Transferred Notes have not been and will not be registered or qualified under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or any state securities law, (b) none of the Issuer[s] or the Indenture Trustee is required to so register or qualify the Transferred Notes, (c) the Transferred Notes may be resold only if registered and qualified pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act or any state securities law, or if an exemption from such registration and qualification is available, (d) the Indenture contains restrictions regarding the transfer of the Transferred Notes and (e) the Transferred Notes will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.

 

2.                                       The Transferee is acquiring the Transferred Notes for its own account for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof in any manner that would violate the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws.

 

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3.                                       The Transferee is (a) a Non-U.S. Person, is not acquiring the Notes or interests therein for the account or benefit of any U.S. Person (as that term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) and is acquiring the Transferred Notes in an offshore transaction; or (b) a “qualified institutional buyer” (a “ Qualified Institutional Buyer ”) as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act and has completed one of the forms of certification to that effect attached hereto as Annex 1 and Annex 2 ; or (c) with respect to the initial transfer of the Transferred Note by the [insert applicable Issuer[s]] or the Initial Purchasers, an Affiliate of the [insert applicable Issuer[s]]; or (d) an Affiliate of [insert applicable Issuer[s]] and an “Accredited Investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a) (1), (2), (3) or (7) of the Securities Act. Other than with respect to the Transfer of a Definitive Note to an Issuer or an Affiliate of an Issuer that is an Accredited Investor, the Transferee is aware that the sale to it of the Transferred Notes is being made in reliance on Rule 144A or pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act, as applicable. The Transferee is acquiring the Transferred Notes for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer, the account of an Accredited Investor or another Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction, and understands that such Transferred Notes may be resold, pledged or transferred only (i) to a person reasonably believed to be a Qualified Institutional Buyer that purchases for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, or (ii) pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act. The Transferee is (a) a substantial, sophisticated institutional investor having such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, and, in particular, in such matters related to securities similar to the Transferred Notes, such that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investment in the Transferred Notes, and (b) able to bear the economic risks of such an investment.

 

4.                                       The Transferee has reviewed and understands the restrictions on transfer of the Transferred Notes and acknowledges that such transfer restrictions may adversely affect the liquidity of the Transferred Notes.

 

5.                                       The Transferee understands that each Noteholder, by virtue of its acceptance thereof, assents to, and agrees to be bound by, the terms, provisions and conditions of the Indenture, including those relating to the transfer restrictions.

 

6.                                       The Transferee understands that the information contained in the Memorandum (as defined below) and all such additional information, as well as all information to be received by the Transferee as a Noteholder, is confidential and agrees to keep such information confidential (a) by not disclosing any such information other than to a person who needs to know such information and who has agreed to keep such information confidential and (b) by not using any such information other than for the purpose of evaluating an investment in the Transferred Notes; provided, however , that any such information may be disclosed as required by applicable law if the Issuers are given written notice of such requirement sufficient to enable the Issuers to seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy in advance of disclosure.

 

7.                                       The Transferee has been furnished with, and has had an opportunity to review (a) a copy of the Private Placement Memorandum dated [           ], 20[      ], relating to the Transferred Notes (the “ Memorandum ”), (b) a copy of the Indenture and the Transferred Notes

 

C-2-2



 

and (c) such other information concerning the Transferred Notes and payments thereon, the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases and the other Collateral and the Issuer[s] and is relevant to the Transferee’s decision to purchase the Transferred Notes. The Transferee has had any questions arising from such review answered by the Issuer[s] or the Transferor to the satisfaction of the Transferee.

 

8.                                       The Transferee has not and will not nor has it authorized or will it authorize any person to (a) offer, pledge, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any Transferred Note, any interest in any Transferred Note or any other similar security from any person in any manner, (b) otherwise approach or negotiate with respect to any Transferred Note, any interest in any Transferred Note or any other similar security with any person in any manner, (c) make any general solicitation by means of general advertising or in any other manner or (d) take any action, that (as to any of (a) through (d) above) would constitute a distribution of any Transferred Note under the Securities Act, that would render the disposition of any Transferred Note a violation of Section 5 of the Securities Act or any state securities law, or that would require registration or qualification pursuant thereto. The Transferee will not sell or otherwise transfer any of the Transferred Notes, except to a person reasonably believed to be (x) a Non-U.S. Person that is not acquiring the Transferred Notes for the account or benefit of any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S) and is acquiring the Transferred Notes or interests therein in an offshore transaction, or (y) a Qualified Institutional Buyer that purchases for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, or otherwise in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture.

 

9.                                       The Transferee is duly authorized to purchase the Transferred Notes acquired thereby, and its purchase of investments having the characteristics of the Notes acquired thereby is authorized under, and not directly or indirectly in contravention of, any law, charter, trust instrument or other operative document, investment guidelines or list of permissible or impermissible investments applicable to the investor.

 

10.                                If the Transferee is acquiring any Transferred Notes or interests therein as a fiduciary or agent for one or more accounts, it has sole investment discretion with respect to each such account and it has full power to make the foregoing acknowledgments, representations, warranties and agreements with respect to each such account.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

(Transferee)

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

C-2-3



 

ANNEX 1 TO EXHIBIT C-2

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS UNDER SECURITIES ACT RULE

144A

 

[ for Transferees other than Registered Investment Companies ]

 

The undersigned hereby certifies as follows to [ name of Transferor (the “Transferor”) ] and [ name of Note Registrar ] , as Note Registrar, with respect to the Notes being transferred (the “ Transferred Notes ”) as described in the Transferee Certificate to which this certification relates and to which this certification is an Annex:

 

1.                                       As indicated below, the undersigned is the chief financial officer, a person fulfilling an equivalent function, or other executive officer of the entity purchasing the Transferred Notes (the “ Transferee ”).

 

2.                                       The Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), because (i) the Transferee owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis $ (1) in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A) and (ii) the Transferee satisfies the criteria in the category marked below:

 

o                                     Corporation, etc . The Transferee is a corporation (other than a bank, savings and loan association or similar institution), Massachusetts or similar business trust, partnership, or any organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

o                                     Bank . The Transferee (a) is a national bank or a banking institution organized under the laws of any State, U.S. territory or the District of Columbia, the business of which is substantially confined to banking, and is supervised by the State or territorial banking commission or similar official or is a foreign bank or equivalent institution, and (b) has an audited net worth of at least $25,000,000 as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, a copy of which is attached hereto , as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Note in the case of a U.S. bank, and not more than 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign bank or equivalent institution.

 


(1)          Transferee must own and/or invest on a discretionary basis at least $100,000,000 in securities unless Transferee is a dealer, and, in that case, Transferee must own and/or invest on a discretionary basis at least $10,000,000 in securities.

 

C-2-4



 

o                                     Savings and Loan . The Transferee (a) is a savings and loan association, building and loan association, cooperative bank, homestead association or similar institution, which is supervised and examined by a state or federal authority having supervision over any such institutions or is a foreign savings and loan association or equivalent institution and (b) has an audited net worth of at least $25,000,000 as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, a copy of which is attached hereto , as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Note in the case of a U.S. savings and loan association, and not more than 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign savings and loan association or equivalent institution.

 

o                                     Broker-dealer . The Transferee is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

o                                     Insurance Company . The Transferee is an insurance company whose primary and predominant business activity is the writing of insurance or the reinsuring of risks underwritten by insurance companies and which is subject to supervision by the insurance commissioner or a similar official or agency of a State, U.S. territory or the District of Columbia.

 

o                                     State or Local Plan . The Transferee is a plan established and maintained by a State, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of the State or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees.

 

o                                     Employee Benefit Plan . The Transferee is an “employee benefit plan”, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to the provisions of Title I of ERISA.

 

o                                     Investment Advisor . The Transferee is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

o                                     Other . (Please supply a brief description of the entity and a cross-reference to the paragraph and subparagraph under subsection (a)(1) of Rule 144A pursuant to which it qualifies. Note that registered investment companies should complete Annex 2 rather than this Annex 1.)

 

 

 

3.                                       The term “ securities ” as used herein does not include (i) securities of issuers that are affiliated with the Transferee, (ii) securities that are part of an unsold allotment to or subscription by the Transferee, if the Transferee is a dealer, (iii) bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit, (iv) loan participations, (v) repurchase agreements, (vi) securities owned but subject to a repurchase agreement and (vii) currency, interest rate and commodity swaps. For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, the Transferee did not include any of the securities referred to in this paragraph.

 

C-2-5



 

4.                                       For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, the Transferee used the cost of such securities to the Transferee, unless the Transferee reports its securities holdings in its financial statements on the basis of their market value, and no current information with respect to the cost of those securities has been published, in which case the securities were valued at market. Further, in determining such aggregate amount, the Transferee may have included securities owned by subsidiaries of the Transferee, but only if such subsidiaries are consolidated with the Transferee in its financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and if the investments of such subsidiaries are managed under the Transferee’s direction. However, such securities were not included if the Transferee is a majority-owned, consolidated subsidiary of another enterprise and the Transferee is not itself a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

5.                                       The Transferee acknowledges that it is familiar with Rule 144A and understands that the Transferor and other parties related to the Transferred Notes are relying and will continue to rely on the statements made herein because one or more sales to the Transferee may be in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

 

o

 

o

 

Will the Transferee be purchasing the Transferred Notes only for the Transferee’s own account?

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

6.                                       If the answer to the foregoing question is “no”, then in each case where the Transferee is purchasing for an account other than its own, such account belongs to a third party that is itself a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and the “qualified institutional buyer” status of such third party has been established by the Transferee through one or more of the appropriate methods contemplated by Rule 144A.

 

7.                                       The Transferee will notify each of the parties to which this certification is made of any changes in the information and conclusions herein. Until such notice is given, the Transferee’s purchase of the Transferred Notes will constitute a reaffirmation of this certification as of the date of such purchase. In addition, if the Transferee is a bank or savings and loan as provided above, the Transferee agrees that it will furnish to such parties any updated annual financial statements that become available on or before the date of such purchase, promptly after they become available.

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

C-2-6



 

ANNEX 2 TO EXHIBIT C-2

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS UNDER SECURITIES ACT RULE

144A

 

[ for Transferees that are Registered Investment Companies ]

 

The undersigned hereby certifies as follows to [ name of Transferor (the “ Transferor ”) ] and [ name of Note Registrar ] , as Note Registrar, with respect to the Notes being transferred (the “ Transferred Notes ”) as described in the Transferee Certificate to which this certification relates and to which this certification is an Annex:

 

1.                                       As indicated below, the undersigned is the chief financial officer, a person fulfilling an equivalent function, or other executive officer of the entity purchasing the Transferred Notes (the “ Transferee ”) or, if the Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), because the Transferee is part of a Family of Investment Companies (as defined below), is an executive officer of the investment adviser (the “ Adviser ”).

 

2.                                       The Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A because (i) the Transferee is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) as marked below, the Transferee alone owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis, or the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies owned, at least $100,000,000 in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year. For purposes of determining the amount of securities owned by the Transferee or the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, the cost of such securities was used, unless the Transferee or any member of the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, as the case may be, reports its securities holdings in its financial statements on the basis of their market value, and no current information with respect to the cost of those securities has been published, in which case the securities of such entity were valued at market.

 

o                                     The Transferee owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis $                in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A).

 

o                                     The Transferee is part of a Family of Investment Companies which owned in the aggregate $           in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A).

 

3.                                       The term Family of Investment Companies as used herein means two or more registered investment companies (or series thereof) that have the same investment adviser or investment advisers that are affiliated (by virtue of being majority owned subsidiaries of the same parent or because one investment adviser is a majority owned subsidiary of the other).

 

C-2-7



 

4.                                       The term “ securities ” as used herein does not include (i) securities of issuers that are affiliated with the Transferee or are part of the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, (ii) bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit, (iii) loan participations, (iv) repurchase agreements, (v) securities owned but subject to a repurchase agreement and (vi) currency, interest rate and commodity swaps. For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, or owned by the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, the securities referred to in this paragraph were excluded.

 

5.                                       The Transferee is familiar with Rule 144A and understands that the parties to which this certification is being made are relying and will continue to rely on the statements made herein because one or more sales to the Transferee will be in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

 

o

 

o

 

Will the Transferee be purchasing the Transferred Notes only for the Transferee’s own account?

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

6.                                       If the answer to the foregoing question is “no”, then in each case where the Transferee is purchasing for an account other than its own, such account belongs to a third party that is itself a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and the “qualified institutional buyer” status of such third party has been established by the Transferee through one or more of the appropriate methods contemplated by Rule 144A.

 

7.                                       The undersigned will notify the parties to which this certification is made of any changes in the information and conclusions herein. Until such notice, the Transferee’s purchase of the Transferred Notes will constitute a reaffirmation of this certification by the undersigned as of the date of such purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee or Adviser

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

IF AN ADVISER:

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee

 

Date:

 

 

C-2-8


 

EXHIBIT D-1

 

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFERS FROM

 

[REGULATION S GLOBAL][DEFINITIVE] NOTE TO RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

 

[DATE]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re:                              STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[           ]-[     ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the transfer by [        ] (the “ Transferor ”) to [          ] (the “ Transferee ”) of [beneficial interests in] Class [        ] Notes evidenced by [Regulation S Global][Definitive] Notes (the “ Transferred Notes ”) having an Initial Principal Balance as of [          ], 20[         ] of $[        ] evidencing a [    ]% Percentage Interest in such Class. The Transferor has requested a transfer of such Transferred Note for a [beneficial interest in a] Restricted Global Note evidencing Notes of the same Class, in a like principal balance to be registered in the name of the Transferee. The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[     ]-[   ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture. The Transferee hereby certifies, represents and warrants to you, as Note Registrar, and for the benefit of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Transferor, that:

 

1.                                       The Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” (a “ Qualified Institutional Buyer ”) as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and has completed one of the forms of certification to that effect attached hereto as Annex A and Annex B . The Transferee is aware that the sale to it of the Transferred Notes is being made in reliance on Rule 144A. The Transferee is acquiring the Transferred Notes for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer, and understands that such Transferred

 

D-1-1



 

Notes may be resold, pledged or transferred only (i) to a person reasonably believed to be a Qualified Institutional Buyer that purchases for its own account or for the account of a Qualified Institutional Buyer to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, or (ii) pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

 

2.                                       The Transferee has been furnished with all information regarding (a) the Transferred Notes and distributions thereon, (b) the nature, performance and servicing of the Mortgage Loans the Leases and the Properties, (c) the Indenture and the Collateral and (d) any credit enhancement mechanism associated with the Transferred Notes, that it has requested.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

(Transferee)

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

D-1-2



 

ANNEX A TO EXHIBIT D-1

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS UNDER SECURITIES ACT RULE

144A

 

[for Transferees other than Registered Investment Companies]

 

The undersigned hereby certifies as follows to [name of Transferor] (the “ Transferor ”) and [name of Note Registrar], as Note Registrar, with respect to the Notes being transferred (the “ Transferred Notes ”) as described in the Transferee Certificate to which this certification relates and to which this certification is an Annex:

 

1.                                       As indicated below, the undersigned is the chief financial officer, a person fulfilling an equivalent function, or other executive officer of the entity purchasing the Transferred Notes (the “ Transferee ”).

 

2.                                       The Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as that term is defined in Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), because (i) the Transferee owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis $           (1) in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A) and (ii) the Transferee satisfies the criteria in the category marked below:

 

o                                     Corporation, etc. The Transferee is a corporation (other than a bank, savings and loan association or similar institution), Massachusetts or similar business trust, partnership, or any organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

o                                     Bank. The Transferee (a) is a national bank or a banking institution organized under the laws of any State, U.S. territory or the District of Columbia, the business of which is substantially confined to banking and is supervised by the State or territorial banking commission or similar official or is a foreign bank or equivalent institution, and (b) has an audited net worth of at least $25,000,000 as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, a copy of which is attached hereto, as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Note in the case of a U.S. bank, and not more than 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign bank or equivalent institution.

 

o                                     Savings and Loan. The Transferee (a) is a savings and loan association, building and loan association, cooperative bank, homestead association or similar institution that is supervised and examined by a state or federal authority having supervision over any such institutions or is a foreign savings and loan association

 


(1)          Transferee must own and/or invest on a discretionary basis at least $100,000,000 in securities unless Transferee is a dealer, and, in that case, Transferee must own and/or invest on a discretionary basis at least $10,000,000 in securities.

 

D-1-3



 

or equivalent institution and (b) has an audited net worth of at least $25,000,000 as demonstrated in its latest annual financial statements, a copy of which is attached hereto , as of a date not more than 16 months preceding the date of sale of the Note in the case of a U.S. savings and loan association, and not more than 18 months preceding such date of sale for a foreign savings and loan association or equivalent institution.

 

o                                     Broker-dealer . The Transferee is a dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”).

 

o                                     Insurance Company . The Transferee is an insurance company whose primary and predominant business activity is the writing of insurance or the reinsuring of risks underwritten by insurance companies and which is subject to supervision by the insurance commissioner or a similar official or agency of a State, U.S. territory or the District of Columbia.

 

o                                     State or Local Plan . The Transferee is a plan established and maintained by a State, its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality of the State or its political subdivisions, for the benefit of its employees.

 

o                                     Employee Benefit Plan . The Transferee is an “employee benefit plan”, as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA.

 

o                                     Investment Advisor . The Transferee is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

o                                     Other . (Please supply a brief description of the entity and a cross-reference to the paragraph and subparagraph under subsection (a)(1) of Rule 144A pursuant to which it qualifies. Note that registered investment companies should complete Annex B rather than this Annex A.)

 

 

 

3.                                       The term “securities” as used herein does not include (i) securities of issuers that are affiliated with the Transferee, (ii) securities that are part of an unsold allotment to or subscription by the Transferee, if the Transferee is a dealer, (iii) bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit, (iv) loan participations, (v) repurchase agreements, (vi) securities owned but subject to a repurchase agreement and (vii) currency, interest rate and commodity swaps. For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, the Transferee did not include any of the securities referred to in this paragraph.

 

4.                                       For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, the Transferee used the cost of such securities to the Transferee, unless the Transferee reports its securities holdings in its financial statements on the basis of their market value, and no current information with respect to the cost

 

D-1-4



 

of those securities has been published, in which case the securities were valued at market. Further, in determining such aggregate amount, the Transferee may have included securities owned by subsidiaries of the Transferee, but only if such subsidiaries are consolidated with the Transferee in its financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and if the investments of such subsidiaries are managed under the Transferee’s direction. However, such securities were not included if the Transferee is a majority-owned, consolidated subsidiary of another enterprise and the Transferee is not itself a reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

5 .                                       The Transferee acknowledges that it is familiar with Rule 144A and understands that the Transferor and other parties related to the Transferred Notes are relying and will continue to rely on the statements made herein because one or more sales to the Transferee may be in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

 

o

 

o

 

Will the Transferee be purchasing the Transferred Notes only for the Transferee’s own account?

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

6.                                       If the answer to the foregoing question is “no,” then in each case where the Transferee is purchasing for an account other than its own, such account belongs to a third party that is itself a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and the “qualified institutional buyer” status of such third party has been established by the Transferee through one or more of the appropriate methods contemplated by Rule 144A.

 

7.                                       The Transferee will notify each of the parties to which this certification is made of any changes in the information and conclusions herein. Until such notice is given, the Transferee’s purchase of the Transferred Notes will constitute a reaffirmation of this certification as of the date of such purchase. In addition, if the Transferee is a bank or savings and loan as provided above, the Transferee agrees that it will furnish to such parties any updated annual financial statements that become available on or before the date of such purchase, promptly after they become available.

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

Date:

 

 

D-1-5



 

ANNEX B TO EXHIBIT D-1

 

QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER STATUS UNDER SECURITIES

ACT RULE 144A

 

[for Transferees that are Registered Investment Companies]

 

The undersigned hereby certifies as follows to [name of Transferor (the “ Transferor ”) and [         ], as Note Registrar, with respect to the Notes being transferred (the “ Transferred Notes ”) as described in the Transferee Certificate to which this certification relates and to which this certification is an Annex:

 

1.                                       As indicated below, the undersigned is the chief financial officer, a person fulfilling an equivalent function, or other executive officer of the entity purchasing the Transferred Notes (the “ Transferee ”) or, if the Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as that term is defined in Rule 144A(“ Rule 144A ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), because the Transferee is part of a Family of Investment Companies (as defined below), is an executive officer of the investment adviser (the “ Adviser ”).

 

2.                                       The Transferee is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A because (i) the Transferee is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (ii) as marked below, the Transferee alone owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis, or the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies owned, at least $100,000,000 in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year. For purposes of determining the amount of securities owned by the Transferee or the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, the cost of such securities was used, unless the Transferee or any member of the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, as the case may be, reports its securities holdings in its financial statements on the basis of their market value, and no current information with respect to the cost of those securities has been published, in which case the securities of such entity were valued at market:

 

o                                                                                     The Transferee owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis $         in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A).

 

o                                                                                     The Transferee is part of a Family of Investment Companies that owned in the aggregate $          in securities (other than the excluded securities referred to below) as of the end of the Transferee’s most recent fiscal year (such amount being calculated in accordance with Rule 144A).

 

3. The term Family of Investment Companies as used herein means two or more registered investment companies (or series thereof) that have the same investment adviser or investment advisers that are affiliated (by virtue of being majority owned subsidiaries of the same parent or because one investment adviser is a majority owned subsidiary of the other).

 

D-1-6



 

4.                                       The term securities as used herein does not include (i) securities of issuers that are affiliated with the Transferee or are part of the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, (ii) bank deposit notes and certificates of deposit, (iii) loan participations, (iv) repurchase agreements, (v) securities owned but subject to a repurchase agreement and (vi) currency, interest rate and commodity swaps. For purposes of determining the aggregate amount of securities owned and/or invested on a discretionary basis by the Transferee, or owned by the Transferee’s Family of Investment Companies, the securities referred to in this paragraph were excluded.

 

5.                                       The Transferee is familiar with Rule 144A and understands that the parties to which this certification is being made are relying and will continue to rely on the statements made herein because one or more sales to the Transferee will be in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

 

o

 

o

 

Will the Transferee be purchasing the Transferred Notes only for the Transferee’s own account?

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

6.                                       If the answer to the foregoing question is “no,” then in each case where the Transferee is purchasing for an account other than its own, such account belongs to a third party that is itself a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and the “qualified institutional buyer” status of such third party has been established by the Transferee through one or more of the appropriate methods contemplated by Rule 144A.

 

7.                                       The undersigned will notify the parties to which this certification is made of any changes in the information and conclusions herein. Until such notice, the Transferee’s purchase of the Transferred Notes will constitute a reaffirmation of this certification by the undersigned as of the date of such purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee or Advisor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

IF AN ADVISER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name of Transferee

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

D-1-7



 

EXHIBIT D-2

 

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER

 

FROM [RESTRICTED GLOBAL][DEFINITIVE] NOTE

 

TO REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

 

DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIOD

 

[DATE]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re:                              STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[ ]-[ ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the transfer by [         ] (the “ Transferor ”) to [        ] (the “ Transferee ”) of [beneficial interests in] Class [          ] Notes evidenced by [Restricted Global][Definitive] Notes (the “ Transferred Notes ”) having an Initial Principal Balance as of [          ], 20[        ] of $[         ] evidencing a [    ]% Percentage Interest in such Class. The Transferor has requested a transfer of such Transferred Note for a [beneficial interest in a] Temporary Regulation S Global Note, evidencing Notes of the same Class, in a like principal balance to be registered in the name of the Transferee. The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”) STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[        ]-[    ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.

 

In connection with such request and in respect of such Notes, the Transferee does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture and the Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S, and accordingly the Transferee does hereby certify, represent and warrant to you, as Note Registrar, and for the benefit of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee that:

 

D-2-1



 

1.                                       The Transferee is not a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S) or holding the Notes for the account or benefit of any U.S. person.

 

2.                                       The offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States.

 

[3.                                   At the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States.](1)

 

[3.                                   The transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and the transaction was not prearranged with a buyer in the United States.]

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

(Transferee)

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 


(1)          Insert one of these two provisions, which come from the definition of “offshore transaction” in Regulation S.

 

D-2-2


 

EXHIBIT D-3

 

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER

 

FROM [RESTRICTED GLOBAL][DEFINITIVE] NOTE TO REGULATION S

 

GLOBAL NOTE AFTER THE RESTRICTED PERIOD

 

[DATE]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re:                              STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[       ]-[    ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the transfer by [          ] (the “ Transferor ”) to [       ] (the “ Transferee ”) of [beneficial interests in] Class [    ] Notes evidenced by [Restricted Global][Definitive] Notes (the “ Transferred Notes ”) having an Initial Principal Balance as of [             ], 20[        ] of $[   ] evidencing a [     ]% Percentage Interest in such Class. The Transferor has requested a transfer of such Transferred Note for a [beneficial interest in a] Permanent Regulation S Global Note, evidencing Notes of the same Class, in a like principal balance to be registered in the name of the Transferee. The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”) STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[       ]-[    ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture.

 

In connection with such request and in respect of such Notes, the transferee does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture and the Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S, and accordingly the Transferee does hereby certify, represent and warrant to you, as Note Registrar, and for the benefit of the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Transferee, that:

 

1.                                       The offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States.

 

D-3-1



 

[2.                              At the time the buy order as originated, the Transferee was outside the United States.](1).

 

[2.                              The transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and the transaction was not prearranged with a buyer in the United States.]

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

(Transferee)

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 


(1)          Insert one of these two provisions, which comes from the definition of “offshore transaction” in Regulation S.

 

D-3-2



 

EXHIBIT D-4

 

FORM OF REGULATION S LETTER FOR EXCHANGE OF INTERESTS IN THE

TEMPORARY REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE FOR INTERESTS IN THE

PERMANENT REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

 

[DATE]

 

Citibank, N.A.

480 Washington Boulevard

30th Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey 07310

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Re:                              STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[      ]-[    ] (the “ Notes ”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter is delivered to you in connection with the exchange by [          ] (the “ Transferor ”) to [           ] (the “ Transferee ”) of $[          ] principal amount of beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note evidencing Class [           ] Notes for a like amount of beneficial interests in the Permanent Regulation S Global Note evidencing Notes of the same Class. The Notes, including the Transferred Notes, were issued pursuant to a Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”) STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[         ]-[    ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Indenture..

 

In connection with such request, we hereby certify that, based solely on certifications we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic transmission, from member organizations appearing in our records as persons entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth above (our “ Member Organizations ”) substantially to the effect that the beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note are beneficially owned by (a) non-U.S. persons or (b) U.S. persons who purchased their beneficial interests in transactions that did not require registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933.

 

We further certify that as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our Member Organizations to the effect that the statements made by such Member Organizations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith for exchange (or, if

 

D-4-1



 

relevant, exercise of any rights or collection of any interest) are no longer true and cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.

 

We understand that this certification is required in connection with certain securities laws of the United States. In connection therewith, if administrative or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certification is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorize you to produce this certification to any interested party to such proceedings.

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

 

 

[EUROCLEAR BANK, S.A./N.A., as operator of the Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative corporation]

 

 

 

 

 

or

 

 

 

 

 

[CLEARSTREAM BANKING, S.A.]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

D-4-2



 

EXHIBIT E-1

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION

REQUEST BY BENEFICIAL OWNER

 

[Date]

 

Citibank, N.A.

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

[ADDITIONAL ISSUERS]

 

In accordance with Section 6.03 of the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master

 

E-1-1



 

Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[         ]-[     ] Supplement (together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”), with respect to the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[       ]-[   ] (the “ Notes ”), the undersigned hereby certifies and agrees as follows:

 

1.                                       The undersigned is a beneficial owner of Class [       ] Notes.

 

2.                                       The undersigned is requesting access to certain non-public information contained on the Indenture Trustee’s website relating to the Notes or such other information identified on the schedule attached hereto pursuant to Section 6.03 of the Indenture (in each case, the “ Information ”) for use in evaluating its investment in the Class A Notes.

 

3                                          In consideration of the Indenture Trustee’s disclosure to the undersigned of the Information, the undersigned will keep the Information confidential (except from such outside persons as are assisting it in making the evaluation described in paragraph 2 and from its accountants, attorneys and any governmental agency or authority which regulates the undersigned), and such Information will not, without the prior written consent of the Indenture Trustee, be disclosed by the undersigned or by its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents or representatives (collectively, the “ Representatives ”) in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part.

 

4.                                       The undersigned will not use or disclose the Information in any manner which could result in a violation of any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or would require registration of any Note pursuant to Section 5 of the Securities Act.

 

5.                                       The undersigned shall be fully liable for any breach of this agreement by itself or any of its Representatives and shall indemnify the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral for any loss, liability or expense incurred thereby with respect to any such breach by the undersigned or any of its Representatives.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Indenture.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused its name to be signed hereto by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year written above.

 

 

 

 

[BENEFICIAL OWNER OF A NOTE]

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

E-1-2



 

EXHIBIT E-2

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION

REQUEST BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER

 

[Date]

 

Citibank, N.A.

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

[ADDITIONAL ISSUERS]

 

In accordance with Section 6.03 of the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated May 6, 2014 (as amended or supplemented thereafter, the “ Master Indenture ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), as supplemented by the Series 20[        ]-[     ] Supplement

 

E-2-1



 

(together with the Master Indenture and any other indenture supplement thereto (each, a “ Supplement ”), the “ Indenture ”), with respect to the STORE Master Funding I, LLC, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 20[        ]-[     ] (the “ Notes ”), the undersigned hereby certifies and agrees as follows:

 

1.                                       The undersigned is contemplating an investment in the Class [         ] Notes.

 

2.                                       The undersigned is requesting access to certain non-public information contained on the Indenture Trustee’s website relating to the Notes or such other information identified on the schedule attached hereto pursuant to Section 6.03 of the Indenture (in each case, the “ Information ”) solely for use in evaluating such possible investment.

 

3.                                       In consideration of the Indenture Trustee’s disclosure to the undersigned of the Information, the undersigned will keep the Information confidential (except from such outside persons as are assisting it in making the investment decision described in paragraphs 1 and 2 and from its accountants, attorneys and any governmental agency or authority which regulates the undersigned), and such Information will not, without the prior written consent of the Indenture Trustee, be disclosed by the undersigned or by its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents or representatives (collectively, the “ Representatives ”) in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part.

 

4.                                       The undersigned will not use or disclose the Information in any manner which could result in a violation of any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or would require registration of any Note pursuant to Section 5 of the Securities Act.

 

5.                                       The undersigned shall be fully liable for any breach of this agreement by itself or any of its Representatives and shall indemnify the Issuers, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral for any loss, liability or expense incurred thereby with respect to any such breach by the undersigned or any of its Representatives.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Indenture.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused its name to be signed hereto by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year written above.

 

 

 

 

[PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

E-2-2



 

The undersigned is a beneficial owner of Class    Notes contemplating a transfer of all or a portion of such Notes to the prospective purchaser named above.

 

 

[PROSPECTIVE TRANSFEROR]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

E-2-3


 

EXHIBIT F

 

FORM OF NOTEHOLDER CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

[DATE]

 

Citibank, N.A.

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Ageny & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

Reference is hereby made to (i) the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture (collectively, with any supplements or amendments thereto, the “ Indenture ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding I ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding II ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding III ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding IV ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC (“ STORE Master Funding V ” and together with STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III and STORE Master Funding IV, the “ Issuers ”) and Citibank, N.A., as indenture trustee (in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”), pursuant to which the Issuers and certain of their affiliates issue, from time to time, notes (the “ Notes ”) and (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement (collectively, with any supplements or amendments thereto, the “ Property Management Agreement ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, among the Issuers, STORE Capital Corporation (“ STORE ”), as the property manager and special servicer, the Indenture Trustee, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as the back-up manager, and each joining party thereto, each such joining party as an issuer.

 

As a “Noteholder” under the Indenture, pursuant to Section 6.03(a) thereof, we have requested that you deliver to us certain operating statements and/or other confidential and proprietary financial information concerning the business, assets, properties and/or operations of certain tenants and/or borrowers under the properties, leases and mortgage loans that collateralize the Notes. All such information furnished or made available to us or to our affiliates and Representatives (defined below), whether in written or electronic form, or derived by us or our affiliates, their respective directors, officers, employees, financial advisors, legal counsel, independent certified public accountants, or other agents, advisors or representatives (collectively “ Representatives ”) from any of the foregoing, are herein collectively referred to as “ Confidential Material ”.

 

Evidenced by our signature below, we hereby acknowledge and agree that it is imperative that the Confidential Material remains confidential. We also agree that prior to any of our affiliates or Representatives being given access to the Confidential Material, we shall cause each of our affiliates and Representatives to whom or which any Confidential Material is to be furnished or made available to become subject to obligations of confidentiality equivalent or greater to those required of us under the terms of this agreement.

 

F-1



 

To maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Material, we agree not to (a) use or allow the use for any purpose of any portion of the Confidential Material or notes, summaries or other material derived from your review of the Confidential Material except to analyze and evaluate the Notes and our position as owner of the Notes and (b) disclose or allow disclosure to others of any portion of the Confidential Material (including any copies of any of the Confidential Material) except to our affiliates and Representatives, in each case of (a) and (b), except (i) to the extent the Confidential Material or any portion thereof has become available to the public and (ii) to the extent disclosure of the Confidential Information or any portion thereof is (A) required by law, rule, regulation, subpoena, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (B) requested by any governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over us.

 

We acknowledge and agree that this agreement shall be binding upon us, as well as our Representatives and be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

With respect to all Confidential Material furnished to us, we understand and agree that none of the Indenture Trustee or its affiliates or Representatives make any representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect thereto.

 

 

 

[INVESTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

Acknowledged by:

 

 

 

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual

 

capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

F-2



 

EXHIBIT G-1

 

FORM OF ISSUERS’ [POST-CLOSING ACQUISITION][ADDITIONAL MASTER

LEASE PROPERTY] CERTIFICATE

 

NET LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES [          ] - [     ]

 

Form of Officer’s Certificate

 

[          ], 20[      ]

 

Citibank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street

14 th  Floor

New York, NY 10013

Attn: Citibank Agency & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

I,                              , hereby certify that I am a duly appointed [                       ] of the following entities:

 

(1) STORE Master Funding I, LLC;

 

(2) STORE Master Funding II, LLC;

 

(3) STORE Master Funding III, LLC;

 

(4) STORE Master Funding IV, LLC;

 

(5) STORE Master Funding V, LLC; and

 

(6) [ADDITIONAL ISSUERS];

 

Reference is hereby made to the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC and Citibank, N.A., and any supplement thereto (the “Indenture”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture. I have examined the Transaction Documents and further certify that, as of the date hereof:

 

(i)                                      no Early Amortization Period or DSCR Sweep Period is continuing and the acquisition of the [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Properties will not result in the occurrence of an Early Amortization Period or a DSCR Sweep Period;

 

(ii)                                   based on the facts known to me, the Issuers reasonably believe that no uncured Indenture Event of Default is continuing as of the date hereof and the acquisition of

 

G-1-1



 

the [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Properties on the date hereof will not result in the occurrence of an Event of Default;

 

(iii)                                each Issuer is a solvent, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote entity;

 

(iv)                               the representations and warranties of the Issuers made pursuant to the Indenture with respect to the Post-Closing Properties are true and correct as of the date hereof;

 

(v)                                  all [Post-Closing Acquisition][Master Lease Addition] Deliverables have been delivered to the Custodian as of the date hereof or such [Post-Closing Acquisition][Master Lease Addition] Deliverables are addressed by a certification from counsel to the Issuers in the form of Exhibit G-3 of the Indenture;

 

(vi)                               each of the UCC Financing Statements (in the form of the UCC Financing Statements delivered in the ordinary course with respect to the Issuers’ Properties), including those (A) to the extent required by the jurisdiction in which the [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Property is located, which, upon filing, perfect the Indenture Trustee’s security interest in each such [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Property for the benefit of the Noteholders and (B) that relate to the termination of any applicable liens with respect to each such [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Property, have been delivered to the applicable title insurance company with appropriate direction to file such UCC Financing Statements in connection with the acquisition of the [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Properties; and

 

(vii)                            each [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Property satisfies the requirements set forth in the definition of [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Property.

 

[Signature Appears on Following Page]

 

G-1-2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

G-1-3



 

EXHIBIT G-2

 

FORM OF STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION [POST-CLOSING

ACQUISITION][ADDITIONAL MASTER LEASE PROPERTY] CERTIFICATE

 

NET LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES [       ] - [    ]

 

Form of Officer’s Certificate

 

[                  ], 20[     ]

 

Citibank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street

14 th  Floor

New York, NY 10013

Attn: Citibank Agency & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

We,                              and                               , hereby certify that we are duly appointed [                  ] and [                    ], respectively, of STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Corporation ”). Reference is hereby made to the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC and Citibank, N.A., and any supplement thereto (the “Indenture”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.

 

We have examined Transaction Documents and hereby certify that, as of the date hereof:

 

(1)      the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions to be complied with and performed by the Corporation pursuant to the Transaction Documents have been complied with and performed in all material respects; and

 

(2)      each of the representations and warranties of the Corporation contained in the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects as though expressly made on and as of the date hereof.

 

[Signature Appears on Following Page]

 

G-2-1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has hereto set his hand as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

G-2-2


 

EXHIBIT G-3

 

FORM OF ISSUERS’ COUNSEL [POST-CLOSING ACQUISITION][ADDITIONAL MASTER LEASE PROPERTY] CERTIFICATE

 

NET LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES [     ] - [   ]

 

Form of Officer’s Certificate

 

[           ], 20[        ]

 

Citibank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street

14 th  Floor

New York, NY 10013

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

U.S. Bank National Association

U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Services

Mail Code EP-MN-TMZD

1133 Rankin Street, Suite 100

St. Paul, MN 55116

Attention: Saah T. Kemayah

 

We have acted as counsel to the Issuers, in connection with the issuance by the Issuers of [           ] pursuant to that certain Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC and Citibank, N.A., and any supplement thereto (the “Indenture”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.

 

This letter is being provided to you pursuant to clause (c) of the definition of “Post-Closing Conditions” defined in the Indenture.

 

We hereby certify that we have reviewed the Indenture and the definition of “Post-Closing Acquisition Conditions” contained therein, and further certify as to the following:

 

each of the following documents required to be delivered pursuant to the [Post-Closing Acquisition][Master Lease] Conditions and pursuant to the Custody Agreement in connection with the acquisition of [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Properties has been delivered in the form and substance required therein; [ISSUERS’ COUNSEL TO LIST ALL DOCUMENTS DELIVERED AT TIME OF CERTIFICATION]

 

each of the following documents required to be delivered pursuant to the [Post-Closing Acquisition][Master Lease] Conditions and pursuant to the Custody Agreement in connection with the acquisition of [Post-Closing][Additional Master Lease] Properties is in the possession of

 

G-3-1



 

the related title company and such title company has been instructed to record or file such document, as applicable: [ISSUERS’ COUNSEL TO LIST DOCUMENTS AS APPLICABLE]

 

each of the following documents required to be delivered pursuant to such definition and pursuant to the Custody Agreement in connection with the acquisition of [Post-Closing] [Additional Master Lease] Properties is in our possession, and we are acting as the document agent on behalf of the Custodian and the Noteholders, and which such documents will be delivered as soon as possible in accordance with the Indenture and the Custody Agreement: [ISSUERS’ COUNSEL TO LIST DOCUMENTS AS APPLICABLE].

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

G-3-2



 

EXHIBIT G-4

 

FORM OF ISSUERS’ POST-CLOSING ACQUISITION NOTICE

 

[          ], 20[        ]

 

Citibank, N.A., as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street

14 th  Floor

New York, NY 10013

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust—STORE Master Funding

 

U.S. Bank National Association

U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust Services

Mail Code EP-MN-TMZD

1133 Rankin Street, Suite 100

St. Paul, MN 55116

Attention: Saah T. Kemayah

 

Reference is hereby made to (i) the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014 , between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC (together with any joining issuer, the “Issuers”) and Citibank, N.A. (the “Indenture Trustee”), and any supplement thereto (the “Indenture”) and (ii) the Second Amended and Restated Custody Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 between the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and U.S. Bank National Association (the “Custodian”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture or the Custody Agreement, as applicable.

 

The Issuers hereby notify the Indenture Trustee and the Custodian that, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 12.19 of the Indenture, [APPLICABLE ISSUER] intends to acquire each of the Post-Closing Properties identified and described on Schedule I attached hereto.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

G-4-1



 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

[ADDITIONAL JOINING ISSUERS]

 

G-4-2



 

Schedule I

 

[PROVIDE FOR EACH POST-CLOSING PROPERTY]

 

1.                                       Proposed Post-Closing Acquisition Date: [              ], 20[       ];

 

2.                                       Expected purchase price of Post-Closing Property: $[                  ];

 

3.                                       Requested Post-Closing Remittance Amount: $[                     ];

 

4.                                       Wire Instructions for Post-Closing Acquisition Remittance Amount:

 

[                      ]

[                      ]

[                      ]

[                      ]

[                      ]

 

5.                                       Identification number for the Post-Closing Property;

 

6.                                       Related Issuer lease number and name of the related Tenant;

 

7.                                       Lease Expiration Date for such Lease;

 

8.                                       Street address (including city, state and zip code) of such Property;

 

9.                                       Appraised Value of such Property;

 

10.                                Concept operated on such Property; and

 

11.                                Allocated Loan Amount.

 

G-4-3




Exhibit 4.2

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC

Issuer

 

and

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

Indenture Trustee

 


 

SERIES 2012-1 SUPPLEMENT

 

Dated as of August 23, 2012

 

to

 

MASTER INDENTURE

 

Dated as of August 23, 2012

 


 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC, NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES 2012-1

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

1

 

 

 

Section 1.01.

Definitions

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Creation of the Series 2012-1 Notes; payments on the SERIES 2012-1 notes

6

 

 

 

Section 2.01.

Designation

6

Section 2.02.

Payments on the Series 2012-1 Notes

6

Section 2.03.

Redemption of the Series 2012-1 Notes

8

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

8

 

 

 

Section 3.01.

Representations and Warranties

8

Section 3.02.

Conditions Precedent Satisfied

9

Section 3.03.

Collateral Representations and Warranties

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous Provisions

9

 

 

 

Section 4.01.

Ratification of Indenture

9

Section 4.02.

[Reserved.]

9

Section 4.03.

Counterparts

10

Section 4.04.

Governing Law

10

Section 4.05.

Beneficiaries

10

Section 4.06.

Limited Recourse

10

Section 4.07.

Notice to the Rating Agencies

11

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Additional Representations and Warranties

 

 

 

 

Schedules

 

 

SCHEDULE I-A

Properties / Tenants

 

SCHEDULE I-B

Mortgage Loans

 

SCHEDULE I-C

Representations and Warranties Exception Schedule

 

SCHEDULE II

[Reserved]

 

SCHEDULE III-A

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Class A Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-B

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Class B Notes)

 

 

i



 

SERIES 2012-1 SUPPLEMENT, dated as of August 23, 2012 (the “ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), between STORE Master Funding I, LLC (the “ Issuer ”) and the Indenture Trustee.

 

Pursuant to this Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee hereby create a new Series of Notes (the “ Series 2012-1 Notes ”), which consists of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes (as defined below) and the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes (as defined below), and specify the Principal Terms thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuer, together with any applicable co-issuers, may from time to time direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate one or more new Series of Notes. The Principal Terms of any new Series are to be set forth in a related Series Supplement to the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01.         Definitions .

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement, as applicable.

 

Accrual Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes and any Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial Accrual Period, from and including the Series Closing Date) to, but excluding, such Payment Date.

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Anticipated Repayment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in August 2019.

 

Collateral Defect ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Controlling Party ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes Outstanding, or, if such Class A Notes have been paid in full, the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes Outstanding.

 

Early Amortization Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, (a) as defined in the Indenture and (b) in the event that the Issuer does not repay the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Notes in full on or prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date.

 



 

Guaranty ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Guaranty, dated as of the Series Closing Date, between STORE Capital in favor of the Issuer and its assignees, including the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

Indenture ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Master Indenture, dated August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by this Series 2012-1 Supplement.

 

Initial Purchaser ”:  Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.

 

Issuer Interests ”:  The limited liability company interests of STORE Master Funding I, LLC.

 

Issuer Member ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, STORE Master Funding I, LLC’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2012, as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Make Whole Amount ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes and any Payment Date (I) upon which any Unscheduled Principal Payment related to any Third-Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases and Properties, or any proceeds derived from each un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property) shall be paid pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Series Supplement or (II) that occurs more than twelve (12) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, upon which a Voluntary Prepayment is made, the payment due to each Series 2012-1 Noteholder in an amount (as calculated two (2) Business Days prior to such Payment Date) equal to: the product of (1) the Applicable Paydown Percentage and (2)(A) using the Reinvestment Yield, the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of principal and interest remaining until the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date (calculated prior to the application of the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable), minus (B) the amount of principal repaid by the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable.

 

Maximum Property Concentration ”:  With respect to any Determination Date and any concentration set forth below, means a percentage equal to the aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts for the Properties in such concentration over the Aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts of the Collateral Pool: (a) with respect to the Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139) industry group from the North American Industry Classification System as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 20.0%, and (b) in the case of any other industry group from the North American Industry Classification System (other than Restaurants and Other Eating Places, so long as no related Restaurant Concept exceeds 12.5% of the Allocated Loan Amount of all Properties) as of any Determination Date, a percentage no greater than 15.0% as of such Determination Date; (ii) with respect to any Tenant (including affiliates thereof), (a) in the case of the largest Tenant (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5% and (b) in the case of the 5 largest Tenants (including affiliates

 

2



 

thereof) as of any Determination Date, an aggregate percentage equal to 45% as of such Determination Date; (iii) (a) with respect to Properties located in any state (other than Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5%; (b) with respect to Properties located in California, Georgia or Arizona as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 15.0% as of such Determination Date and (c) with respect to Properties located in Texas as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 27.5% as of such Determination Date; (iv) with respect to Properties with a Unit FCCR or Master Lease FCCR less than or equal to 1.5x as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 7.5% as of such Determination Date; (v) with respect to ground leases as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 2% as of such Determination Date; (vi) with respect to Properties with Tenants which pay Percentage Rent only as of any Determination Date, a percent equal to 2.0% as of such Determination Date; (vii) with respect to Properties with less than 12 months of operating history at such location as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date and (viii) (a) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date prior to a New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 0.0% as of such Determination Date and (b) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date on or after the date of the first New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 20.0% as of such Determination Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”: With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, a rate determined by the Property Manager to be the greater of (i) 5.0% and (ii) the applicable Post-ARD Reset Rate.

 

Post-ARD Reset Rate ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the positive amount (expressed as a rate per annum), if any, by which (i) the sum of (A) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a “mortgage equivalent basis” pursuant to the standards and practices of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date of United States Treasury Security having a term closest to ten (10) years, plus (B) 5.0%, plus (C) the applicable Post-ARD Spread exceeds (ii) the applicable Note Rate.

 

Post-ARD Spread ”:  (i) With respect to the Series  2012 -1 Class A Notes, a percentage equal to 4.46% and (ii) with respect to the Series  2012 -1 Class B Notes, a percentage equal to 4.38%.

 

Private Placement Memorandum ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Private Placement Memorandum dated August 16, 2012.

 

Rated Final Payment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in August 2042.

 

Reinvestment Yield ”:  With respect to any Class of Series 2012-1 Notes, means the yield on the United States Treasury Security having the closest maturity (month and year) to the weighted average life of such Class of Notes, based on the Anticipated Repayment Date of such Class of Notes (prior to the application of any Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Prepayment with respect thereto; if more than one such quoted United States Treasury Security has the same maturity date, then the yield of the United States Treasury Security quoted closest to par), plus 0.50%.

 

3



 

Scheduled Class A Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-A.

 

Scheduled Class A Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-B.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes, an amount equal to (i) on any Payment Date prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, zero dollars ($0) and (ii) on the Anticipated Repayment Date, the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2012-1 Class A Notes : Any of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2012-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2012-1 Class A Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2012-1 Class A Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2012-1 Class A Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes.

 

Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2012-1 Class A Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2012-1 Class B Notes : Any of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2012-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2012-1 Class B Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2012-1 Class B Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

4



 

Series 2012-1 Class B Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2012-1 Class B Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2012-1 Note ”: Any of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes and the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2012-1 Noteholder ”:  Any of the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders and the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series Closing Date ”:  August 23, 2012.

 

5



 

ARTICLE II

 

CREATION OF THE SERIES 2012-1 NOTES; PAYMENTS ON THE SERIES 2012-1 NOTES

 

Section 2.01.         Designation .

 

(a)           There is hereby created a Series of Notes consisting of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes and the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes to be issued by the Issuer pursuant to the Indenture and this Series 2012-1 Supplement to be known as “STORE Master Funding I, LLC, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2012-1.”  The Series 2012-1 Notes shall have the following Class designations, Initial Principal Balances, Note Rates and Ratings:

 

Class
Designation

 

Initial
Principal Balance

 

Note Rate

 

Ratings (S&P)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2012-1 Class A Notes

 

$

214,500,000

 

5.77

%

A(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2012-1 Class B Notes

 

$

15,000,000

 

5.77

%

BBB(sf)

 

The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes will be calculated on a 30/360 basis.

 

The Series 2012-1 Notes shall not have preference or priority over the Notes of any other Series except to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Series 2012-1 Notes shall not be subordinate to any other Series.

 

(b)           The initial Payment Date with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in September 2012.  The Rated Final Payment Date with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes shall be in August 2042.

 

(c)           The initial Collection Period with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes shall be the period commencing on the Series Closing Date and ending on the Determination Date in September 2012.

 

(d)           The Series 2012-1 Class A Notes offered and sold shall be issued in the form of Book-Entry Notes. The Series 2012-1 Class B Notes offered and sold shall be initially issued in the form of Definitive Notes.

 

(e)           Each statement, notice or other document related to the Series 2012-1 Notes required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Indenture via email shall be sent to the following addresses: servicer_reports@sandp.com.

 

(f)            The Series Disposition Period Date with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in August 2039.

 

Section 2.02.         Payments on the Series 2012-1 Notes .  On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee will apply the Series Available Amount with respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes for such Payment Date for the following purposes and in the following order of priority:

 

6



 

(1)           to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders, the Series 2012-1 Class A Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2012-1 Class A Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2012-1 Class A Note Interest at the Series 2012-1 Class A Note Rate;

 

(2)           to the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders, the Series 2012-1 Class B Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2012-1 Class B Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2012-1 Class B Note Interest at the Series 2012-1 Class B Note Rate;

 

(3)           (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2012-1 Notes for such Payment Date; or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(4)           (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class B Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2012-1 Notes for such Payment Date remaining after distributions to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders pursuant to clause 3(I) immediately above; or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(5)           to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(6)           to the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(7)           to the Series 2012-1 Class A Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2012-1 Class A Notes on such Payment Date;

 

(8)           to the Series 2012-1 Class B Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2012-1 Class B Notes on such Payment Date; and

 

7



 

(9)           to the Issuer, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

Section 2.03.         Redemption of the Series 2012-1 Notes .

 

(a)           The Issuer may, at its option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Notes, in whole or in part, on any Payment Date after July 2015 (such date, the “Series 2012-1 Redemption Date”) in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the then Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) all amounts related to the Series 2012-1 Notes that are outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if applicable, by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Series 2012-1 Redemption Date.

 

(b)           The Issuer may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2012-1 Notes, in part, so long as the Issuer shall also purchase a pro rata amount of the Outstanding Principal Balance of each other Outstanding Series of Notes. On any Payment Date that is less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date of the related Class, the Issuer may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of the Series 2012-1 Notes, in whole, without purchasing the Outstanding Principal Balance of any other Class of Notes; provided, however, unless the Issuer purchases the Outstanding Principal Balance of all Outstanding Series of Notes, the Issuer may not purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of Series 2012-1 Notes, in whole, if there shall be Outstanding (i) any other Series 2012-1 Notes or (ii) a Class of any other Series, in each case, with a higher alphabetical designation and an Anticipated Repayment Date that is the same as, or sooner than, the Anticipated Repayment Date of the Class of Notes being prepaid.

 

(c)           In the event any option is exercised pursuant to this Section 2.03, the Issuer shall deposit into the Collection Account not later than the applicable Series 2012-1 Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount described in Section 2.03(a) above. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above, pro rata, to the Series 2012-1 Noteholders based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balances, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; and (2) pay all amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(ii) above to each applicable party as set forth in the applicable notice of redemption provided by the Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.03.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 3.01.         Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)           The Issuer and the Indenture Trustee hereby restate as of the Series Closing Date, or as of such other date as is specifically referenced in the body of such representation and warranty, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.19, Section 2.20, Section 2.21, Section 5.06 and Section 9.04, as applicable, of the Indenture.

 

8


 

(b)                                  Each of the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee hereby represents and warrants to each other as of the Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                      it has full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform under this Series 2012-1 Supplement, and to consummate the transactions set forth herein.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Series 2012-1 Supplement is in the ordinary course of its business and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of its organizational documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which it is now a party or by which it is bound, or result in the violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it or its property is subject, except any such violation that would not result in a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of such party or the enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents.  The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Series 2012-1 Supplement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.  This Series 2012-1 Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and

 

(ii)                                   No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental entity is required to be obtained or made by it in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Series 2012-1 Supplement, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, except such as have already been obtained.

 

Section 3.02.                           Conditions Precedent Satisfied .  The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the Series 2012-1 Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee that, as of the Series Closing Date, each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Indenture, including but not limited to those conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.04(d) thereof, have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.03.                           Collateral Representations and Warranties .  The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Series 2012-1 Noteholders that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.20 of the Indenture and, if any, Exhibit A hereto are true and correct as of the Series Closing Date (or such other date as is set forth in any such representation or warranty) with respect to the Properties and Leases Granted by the Issuer on or prior to the Series Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.01.                           Ratification of Indenture .  As supplemented by this Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture, as so supplemented by this Series 2012-1 Supplement, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.02.                           [Reserved.]

 

9



 

Section 4.03.                           Counterparts .  This Series 2012-1 Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.04.                           Governing Law .  THIS SERIES 2012-1 SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

Section 4.05.                           Beneficiaries .  As supplemented by this Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Indenture shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Series 2012-1 Noteholders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  No other Person shall have any right or obligation hereunder.

 

Section 4.06.                           Limited Recourse .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise in the Indenture, the Series 2012-1 Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuer and shall be payable only from the Collateral Pool.  Upon the exhaustion of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, any liabilities of the Issuer hereunder shall be extinguished.  Each Series 2012-1 Noteholder shall be deemed to have agreed, by acceptance of its Note, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of the Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of all of the Notes (including the Series 2012-1 Notes) issued or co-issued by the Issuer under the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Series 2012-1 Noteholders, shall have the right to enforce the liability and obligation of the Issuer hereunder, by money judgment or otherwise, to the extent of any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by such Noteholders (including attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred) arising out of or in connection with the following: (i)  fraud or intentional misrepresentation by the Issuer in connection with the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Indenture and/or any other Transaction Documents; (ii) intentional acts constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith of the Issuer; (iii)  intentional destruction or waste of any Property by the Issuer; (iv)   the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or indemnification provision in the Indenture or any other Transaction Document concerning Environmental Laws, Hazardous Substances or Asbestos; (v)  the removal or disposal of any portion of any Property during the continuation of an Event of Default; (vi)  the misapplication or conversion by the Issuer of (A) any Insurance Proceeds, (B) any Condemnation Proceeds, (C) any Monthly Lease Payments following an Event of Default, (D) any Monthly Lease Payments paid more than one month in advance, (E) any premiums for any Property Insurance Policies required under the Property Management Agreement received by the Issuer from any third party or Tenant or (F) any funds received by the Issuer for payment of Taxes or other charges that can create liens on any portion of any Property; or (vii)  any security deposits (including letters of credit) collected with respect to any Property which are not delivered to the Indenture Trustee upon a foreclosure of such Property or other action in lieu thereof, except to the extent any such security deposits were applied in accordance with the terms and conditions of any of the Leases prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default that gave rise to such sale or foreclosure or action in lieu thereof.

 

10



 

Section 4.07.                           Notice to the Rating Agency .  Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder or otherwise pursuant to the Indenture shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to, in the case of S&P, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41 st  Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attention:  Asset-Backed Surveillance Department, facsimile number: (212) 438-2435; or, as to such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

11



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Series 2012-1 Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals, duly attested, to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Indenture Supplement - STORE 2012-1

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

NONE.

 

A-1




Exhibit 4.3

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

an Issuer,

 

and

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

Indenture Trustee

 


 

SERIES 2013-1 SUPPLEMENT

 

Dated as of March 27, 2013

 

to

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE

 

Dated as of March 27, 2013

 


 

NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES 2013-1

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

1

 

 

Section 1.01.

Definitions

1

 

 

ARTICLE II Creation of the Series 2013-1 Notes; payments on the Series 2013-1 Notes

7

 

 

Section 2.01.

Designation

7

Section 2.02.

Payments on the Series 2013-1 Notes

8

Section 2.03.

Redemption of the Series 2013-1 Notes

9

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

10

 

 

Section 3.01.

Representations and Warranties

10

Section 3.02.

Conditions Precedent Satisfied

11

Section 3.03.

Collateral Representations and Warranties

11

 

 

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous Provisions

11

 

 

Section 4.01.

Reserved

11

Section 4.02.

Ratification of Indenture

11

Section 4.03.

Future Funding Deposit

11

Section 4.04.

Counterparts

11

Section 4.05.

Governing Law

11

Section 4.06.

Beneficiaries

12

Section 4.07.

Limited Recourse

12

Section 4.08.

Notice to the Rating Agency

12

Section 4.09.

Co-Issuer Status

13

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Additional Representations and Warranties

 

 

 

 

Schedules

 

 

SCHEDULE I-A

Properties / Tenants

 

SCHEDULE I-B

Mortgage Loans

 

SCHEDULE I-C

Representations and Warranties Exception Schedule

 

SCHEDULE II

[Reserved]

 

SCHEDULE III-A

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-B

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-C

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-D

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Class B Notes)

 

 

i



 

SERIES 2013-1 SUPPLEMENT, dated as of March 27, 2013 (the “ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC (each an “ Issuer ” and together, the “ Issuers ”) and the Indenture Trustee.

 

Pursuant to this Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby create a new Series of Notes (the “ Series 2013-1 Notes ”), which consists of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes (as defined below), the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes (as defined below) and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes (as defined below), and specify the Principal Terms thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Master Indenture ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and the Indenture Trustee and the Series 2012-1 Supplement (“ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, STORE Master Funding I, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2012-1 (the “ Series 2012-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $229,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuers, together with any applicable co-issuers, may from time to time direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate one or more new Series of Notes. The Principal Terms of any new Series are to be set forth in a related Series Supplement to the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01.                           Definitions .

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement, as applicable.

 

Accrual Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes and any Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial Accrual Period, from and including the Series Closing Date) to, but excluding, such Payment Date.

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Anticipated Repayment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in March 2020 and, with respect to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, the Payment Date occurring in March 2023.

 

Collateral Defect ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Controlling Party ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Class A Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A Notes Outstanding, or, if such Class A Notes have been paid in full, the Series 2013-1 Class B

 



 

Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes Outstanding.

 

Early Amortization Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, (a) as defined in the Indenture and (b) in the event that the Issuers do not repay the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Notes in full on or prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date.

 

Guaranty ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Guaranty, dated as of August 23, 2012, by STORE Capital in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Indenture ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of March 27, 2013, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement, this Series 2013-1 Supplement and any other Series Supplement, as applicable.

 

Initial Purchaser ”:  Each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

Issuer Interests ”:  The limited liability company interests of STORE Master Funding I, LLC and STORE Master Funding II, LLC.

 

Issuer Member ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”:  (i) The Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, dated as of August 23, 2012 and (ii) the Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding II, LLC, dated as of March 22, 2013, each as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Make Whole Amount ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes and any Payment Date (I) upon which any Unscheduled Principal Payment related to any Third-Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases and Properties, or any proceeds derived from each un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property) shall be paid pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Series Supplement or (II) that occurs more than twelve (12) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, upon which a Voluntary Prepayment is made, the payment due to each Series 2013-1 Noteholder in an amount (as calculated two (2) Business Days prior to such Payment Date) equal to: the product of (1) the Applicable Paydown Percentage and (2)(A) using the Reinvestment Yield, the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of principal and interest remaining until the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date (calculated prior to the application of the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable), minus (B) the amount of principal repaid by the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable.

 

2



 

Maximum Property Concentration ”:  With respect to any Determination Date and any concentration set forth below, means a percentage equal to the aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts in such concentration over the Aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts of the Collateral Pool: (a) with respect to the Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139) industry group from the North American Industry Classification System as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 20.0%, and (b) in the case of any other industry group from the North American Industry Classification System (other than Restaurants and Other Eating Places, so long as no related Restaurant Concept exceeds 12.5% of the Allocated Loan Amount of the Collateral Pool) as of any Determination Date, a percentage no greater than 15.0% as of such Determination Date; (ii) with respect to any Tenant (including affiliates thereof), (a) in the case of the largest Tenant (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5% and (b) in the case of the 5 largest Tenants (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, an aggregate percentage equal to 45% as of such Determination Date; (iii) (a) with respect to Properties located in any state (other than Texas, Illinois, Ohio and Arizona) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5%; (b) with respect to Properties located in Illinois, Ohio or Arizona as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 15.0% as of such Determination Date and (c) with respect to Properties located in Texas as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 27.5% as of such Determination Date; (iv) with respect to Properties with a Unit FCCR, Master Lease FCCR or Hybrid Lease FCCR less than or equal to 1.5x as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date; (v) with respect to ground leases as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 2% as of such Determination Date; (vi) with respect to Tenants which pay Percentage Rent only as of any Determination Date, a percent equal to 2.0% as of such Determination Date; (vii) with respect to Properties with less than 12 months of operating history at such location as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date and (viii) (a) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date prior to a New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 0.0% as of such Determination Date and (b) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date on or after the date of the first New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 20.0% as of such Determination Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”: With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, a rate determined by the Property Manager to be the greater of (i) 5.0% and (ii) the applicable Post-ARD Reset Rate.

 

Post-ARD Reset Rate ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the positive amount (expressed as a rate per annum), if any, by which (i) the sum of (A) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a “mortgage equivalent basis” pursuant to the standards and practices of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date of United States Treasury Security having a term closest to ten (10) years, plus (B) 5.0%, plus (C) the applicable Post-ARD Spread exceeds (ii) the applicable Note Rate.

 

Post-ARD Spread ”:  (i) With respect to the Series  2013 -1 Class A-1 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.81%, (ii) with respect to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.78% and (iii) with respect to the Series  2013 -1 Class B Notes, a percentage equal to 3.43%.

 

Private Placement Memorandum ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Private Placement Memorandum dated March 20, 2013.

 

3



 

Rated Final Payment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in March 2043.

 

Reinvestment Yield ”:  With respect to any Class of Series 2013-1 Notes, the yield on the United States Treasury Security having the closest maturity (month and year) to the weighted average life of such Class of Notes, based on the Anticipated Repayment Date of such Class of Notes (prior to the application of any Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Prepayment with respect thereto; if more than one such quoted United States Treasury Security has the same maturity date, then the yield of the United States Treasury Security quoted closest to par), plus 0.50%.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-B.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-C.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-D.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, an amount equal to (i) on any Payment Date prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, zero dollars ($0) and (ii) on the Anticipated Repayment Date, the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes.

 

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Series 2013-1 Class A Notes :  The Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Class B Notes : Any of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Class B Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-1 Class B Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-1 Class B Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes.

 

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Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-1 Class B Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-1 Note ”: Any of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-1 Noteholder ”:  Any of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders, Series 2013-1 A-2 Noteholders and the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series Closing Date ”:  March 27, 2013.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

CREATION OF THE SERIES 2013-1 NOTES; PAYMENTS ON THE SERIES 2013-1 NOTES

 

Section 2.01.                           Designation .

 

(a)                                                                                  There is hereby created a Series of Notes consisting of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes to be issued by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture and this Series 2013-1 Supplement to be known as “Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-1.”  The Series 2013-1 Notes shall have the following Class designations, Initial Principal Balances, Note Rates and Ratings:

 

Class
Designation

 

Initial
Principal Balance

 

Note Rate

 

Ratings (S&P)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes

 

$

150,000,000

 

4.16

%

A(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes

 

$

102,000,000

 

4.65

%

A(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-1 Class B Notes

 

$

18,000,000

 

5.43

%

BBB(sf)

 

 

The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes will be calculated on a 30/360 basis.

 

The Series 2013-1 Notes shall not have preference or priority over the Notes of any other Series except to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Series 2013-1 Notes shall not be subordinate to any other Series.

 

(b)                                                                                  The initial Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in April 2013.  The Rated Final Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes shall be in March 2043.

 

(c)                                                                                   The initial Collection Period with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes shall be the period commencing on the Series Closing Date and ending on the Determination Date in April 2013.

 

(d)                                                                                  The Series 2013-1 Class A Notes offered and sold shall be issued in the form of Book-Entry Notes. The Series 2013-1 Class B Notes offered and sold shall be initially issued in the form of Definitive Notes.

 

(e)                                                                                   Each statement, notice or other document related to the Series 2013-1 Notes required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Indenture via email shall be sent to the following address: servicer_reports@sandp.com.

 

(f)                                                                                    The Series Disposition Period Date with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in March 2040.

 

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Section 2.02.                           Payments on the Series 2013-1 Notes .  On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee will apply the Series Available Amount with respect to the Series 2013-1 Notes for such Payment Date for the following purposes and in the following order of priority:

 

(1)                                  on a pro rata basis (a) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders, the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Interest at the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Note Rate and (b) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Interest at the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Note Rate;

 

(2)                                  to the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders, the Series 2013-1 Class B Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-1 Class B Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-1 Class B Note Interest at the Series 2013-1 Class B Note Rate;

 

(3)                                  (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis, (i) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-1 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class A Notes) and (ii) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-1 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A Notes); or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A Notes) (i) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and (ii) to the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(4)                                  (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class B Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-1 Notes for such Payment Date remaining after distributions to the Series 2013-1 Class A Noteholders pursuant to clause 3(I) immediately above; or

 

8


 

(II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(5)                                  to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(6)                                  to the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(7)                                  to the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Class A-2 Notes on such Payment Date;

 

(8)                                  to the Series 2013-1 Class B Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-1 Class B Notes on such Payment Date; and

 

(9)                                  to the Issuers, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

Section 2.03.                           Redemption of the Series 2013-1 Notes .

 

(a)                                                                                  The Issuers may, at their option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Notes, in whole or in part, on any Payment Date after July 2015 (such date, the “Series 2013-1 Redemption Date”) in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the then Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) all amounts related to the Series 2013-1 Notes that are outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if applicable, by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Series 2013-1 Redemption Date.

 

(b)                                                                                  The Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-1 Notes, in part, so long as the Issuers shall also purchase a pro rata amount of the Outstanding Principal Balance of each other Outstanding Series of Notes. On any Payment Date that is less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date of the related Class, the Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of the Series 2013-1 Notes, in whole, without purchasing the Outstanding Principal Balance of any other Class of Notes; provided, however, unless the Issuers purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of all Outstanding Series of Notes, the Issuers may not purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of Series 2013-1 Notes, in whole, if there shall be Outstanding (i) any other Series 2013-1 Notes or (ii) a Class of any other Series, in each case,

 

9



 

with a higher alphabetical designation and an Anticipated Repayment Date that is the same as, or sooner than, the Anticipated Repayment Date of the Class of Notes being prepaid.

 

(c)                                                                                   In the event any option is exercised pursuant to this Section 2.03, the Issuers shall deposit into the Collection Account not later than the applicable Series 2013-1 Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount described in Section 2.03(a) above. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above, pro rata, to the Series 2013-1 Noteholders based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balances, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; and (2) pay all amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(ii) above to each applicable party as set forth in the applicable notice of redemption provided by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 2.03.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 3.01.                           Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                                                                  The Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby restate as of the Series Closing Date, or as of such other date as is specifically referenced in the body of such representation and warranty, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.19, Section 2.20, Section 2.21, Section 5.06 and Section 9.04, as applicable, of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                                                                  Each of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby represents and warrants to each other as of the Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                      it has full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform under this Series 2013-1 Supplement, and to consummate the transactions set forth herein.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Series 2013-1 Supplement is in the ordinary course of its business and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of its organizational documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which it is now a party or by which it is bound, or result in the violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it or its property is subject, except any such violation that would not result in a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of such party or the enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents.  The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Series 2013-1 Supplement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.  This Series 2013-1 Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and

 

(ii)                                   No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental entity is required to be obtained or made by it in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Series 2013-1 Supplement, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, except such as have already been obtained.

 

10



 

Section 3.02.                           Conditions Precedent Satisfied .  The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Series 2013-1 Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee that, as of the Series Closing Date, each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Indenture, including but not limited to those conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.04(e) thereof, have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.03.                           Collateral Representations and Warranties .  The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Series 2013-1 Noteholders that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.20 of the Indenture and, if any, Exhibit A hereto are true and correct as of the Series Closing Date (or such other date as is set forth in any such representation or warranty) with respect to the Properties and Leases Granted by such Issuer on or prior to the Series Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.01.                           Reserved .

 

Section 4.02.                           Ratification of Indenture .  The Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture, as so supplemented by this Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.03.                           Future Funding Deposit.

 

(a)                                                                                  Notwithstanding the terms of Section 9.28 of the Master Indenture, on the Series Closing Date, the Issuers shall deposit into the Release Account $812,250.82 (the “ Future Funding Deposit ”) from the proceeds received in connection with the sale of the Series 2013-1 Notes.

 

(b)                                                                                  On any date on which an Issuer is obligated to fund a draw request made by a Tenant pursuant to a Lease, the Property Manager may withdraw the portion of the Future Funding Deposit from the Release Account to fund such obligation in accordance with such Lease. Notwithstanding Section 7.01 of the Property Management Agreement, on or prior to October 31, 2013, no portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties. During the period commencing on October 31, 2013 and ending on October 31, 2014, all or a portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire one or more Qualified Substitute Properties. If any portion of the Future Funding Deposit remains on deposit in the Release Account on October 31, 2014, such amount shall be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the related Payment Date.

 

Section 4.04.                           Counterparts .  This Series 2013-1 Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original regardless of whether delivered in physical or electronic form, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.05.                           Governing Law .  THIS SERIES 2013-1 SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

 

11



 

WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

Section 4.06.                           Beneficiaries .  As supplemented by this Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Indenture shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Series 2013-1 Noteholders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  No other Person shall have any right or obligation hereunder.

 

Section 4.07.                           Limited Recourse .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise in the Indenture, the Series 2013-1 Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuers and shall be payable only from the Collateral Pool.  Upon the exhaustion of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, any liabilities of the Issuers hereunder shall be extinguished.  Each Series 2013-1 Noteholder shall be deemed to have agreed, by acceptance of its Note, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of any Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of all of the Notes (including the Series 2013-1 Notes) issued or co-issued by the Issuers under the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Series 2013-1 Noteholders, shall have the right to enforce the liability and obligation of any Issuer hereunder, by money judgment or otherwise, to the extent of any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by such Noteholders (including attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred) arising out of or in connection with the following: (i)  fraud or intentional misrepresentation by such Issuer in connection with the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Indenture and/or any other Transaction Documents; (ii) intentional acts constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith of such Issuer; (iii)  intentional destruction or waste of any Property by such Issuer; (iv)   the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or indemnification provision in the Indenture or any other Transaction Document concerning Environmental Laws, Hazardous Substances or Asbestos; (v)  the removal or disposal of any portion of any Property during the continuation of an Event of Default; (vi)  the misapplication or conversion by such Issuer of (A) any Insurance Proceeds, (B) any Condemnation Proceeds, (C) any Monthly Lease Payments following an Event of Default, (D) any Monthly Lease Payments paid more than one month in advance, (E) any premiums for any Property Insurance Policies required under the Property Management Agreement received by such Issuer from any third party or Tenant or (F) any funds received by such Issuer for payment of Taxes or other charges that can create liens on any portion of any Property; or (vii)  any security deposits (including letters of credit) collected with respect to any Property which are not delivered to the Indenture Trustee upon a foreclosure of such Property or other action in lieu thereof, except to the extent any such security deposits were applied in accordance with the terms and conditions of any of the Leases prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default that gave rise to such sale or foreclosure or action in lieu thereof.

 

Section 4.08.                           Notice to the Rating Agency .  Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder or otherwise pursuant to the Indenture shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to, in the case of S&P, Standard &

 

12



 

Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41 st Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attention:  Asset-Backed Surveillance Department, facsimile number: (212) 438-2435; or, as to such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

Section 4.09.                           Co-Issuer Status . Each Issuer shall be a co-issuer of the Series 2012-1 Notes and the Series 2013-1 Notes and each Issuer shall have all the rights and obligations of each other Issuer under each of the Transaction Documents.

 

13



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Series 2013-1 Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals, duly attested, to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Indenture Supplement - STORE 2013-1

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

NONE

 

A-1




Exhibit 4.4

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC

an Issuer,

 

and

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

Indenture Trustee

 


 

SERIES 2013-2 SUPPLEMENT

 

Dated as of July 25, 2013

 

to

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE

 

Dated as of March 27, 2013

 


 

NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES 2013-2

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

1

 

 

 

Section 1.01.

Definitions

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Creation of the Series 2013-2 Notes; payments on the Series 2013-2 Notes

7

 

 

 

Section 2.01.

Designation

7

Section 2.02.

Payments on the Series 2013-2 Notes

8

Section 2.03.

Redemption of the Series 2013-2 Notes

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

10

 

 

 

Section 3.01.

Representations and Warranties

10

Section 3.02.

Conditions Precedent Satisfied

11

Section 3.03.

Collateral Representations and Warranties

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous Provisions

12

 

 

 

Section 4.01.

Supplement to Master Indenture

12

Section 4.02.

Ratification of Indenture

13

Section 4.03.

Future Funding Deposit

13

Section 4.04.

Counterparts

13

Section 4.05.

Governing Law

13

Section 4.06.

Beneficiaries

13

Section 4.07.

Limited Recourse

13

Section 4.08.

Notice to the Rating Agency

14

Section 4.09.

Co-Issuer Status

14

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Additional Representations and Warranties

 

 

 

 

Schedules

 

 

SCHEDULE I-A

Properties / Tenants

 

SCHEDULE I-B

Mortgage Loans

 

SCHEDULE I-C

Representations and Warranties Exception Schedule

 

SCHEDULE II

[Reserved]

 

SCHEDULE III-A

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-B

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-C

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-D

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes)

 

SCHEDULE III-E

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-2 Class B Notes)

 

 

i



 

SERIES 2013-2 SUPPLEMENT, dated as of July 25, 2013 (the “ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC (each an “ Issuer ” and together, the “ Issuers ”) and the Indenture Trustee.

 

Pursuant to this Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby create a new Series of Notes (the “ Series 2013-2 Notes ”), which consists of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes (as defined below), the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes (as defined below) and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes (as defined below), and specify the Principal Terms thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Master Indenture ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (“ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (“ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, STORE Master Funding I, LLC and STORE Master Funding II, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-1 (the “ Series 2013-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $270,000,000.

 

Pursuant to the Master Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, STORE Master Funding I, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2012-1 (the “ Series 2012-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $229,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuers, together with any applicable co-issuers, may from time to time direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate one or more new Series of Notes. The Principal Terms of any new Series are to be set forth in a related Series Supplement to the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01.                           Definitions .

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement, as applicable.

 

Accrual Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes and any Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial Accrual Period, from and including the Series Closing Date) to, but excluding, such Payment Date.

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 



 

Anticipated Repayment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in July 2020 and, with respect to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, the Payment Date occurring in July 2023.

 

Collateral Defect ”:  As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Controlling Party ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Series 2013-2 Class A Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A Notes Outstanding, or, if such Class A Notes have been paid in full, the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes Outstanding.

 

Early Amortization Period ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, (a) as defined in the Indenture and (b) in the event that the Issuers do not repay the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Notes in full on or prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date.

 

Guaranty ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Guaranty, dated as of August 23, 2012, by STORE Capital in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Indenture ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of March 27, 2013, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, this Series 2013-2 Supplement and any other Series Supplement, as applicable.

 

Initial Purchaser ”:  Each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

Issuer Interests ”:  The limited liability company interests of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and STORE Master Funding III, LLC.

 

Issuer Member ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”:  (i) The Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, dated as of August 23, 2012; (ii) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding II, LLC, dated as of March 22, 2013 and (iii) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding III, LLC, dated as of July 18, 2013, each as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Make Whole Amount ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes and any Payment Date (I) upon which any Unscheduled Principal Payment related to any Third-Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases and Properties, or any proceeds derived from each

 

2



 

un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property) shall be paid pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Series Supplement or (II) that occurs more than twelve (12) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, upon which a Voluntary Prepayment is made, the payment due to each Series 2013-2 Noteholder in an amount (as calculated two (2) Business Days prior to such Payment Date) equal to: the product of (1) the Applicable Paydown Percentage and (2)(A) using the Reinvestment Yield, the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of principal and interest remaining until the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date (calculated prior to the application of the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable), minus (B) the amount of principal repaid by the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable.

 

Maximum Property Concentration ”:  With respect to any Determination Date and any concentration set forth below, means a percentage equal to the aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts in such concentration over the Aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts of the Collateral Pool: (a) with respect to the Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139) industry group from the North American Industry Classification System as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 20.0%, and (b) in the case of any other industry group from the North American Industry Classification System (other than Restaurants and Other Eating Places, so long as no related Restaurant Concept exceeds 12.5% of the Allocated Loan Amount of the Collateral Pool) as of any Determination Date, a percentage no greater than 15.0% as of such Determination Date; (ii) with respect to any Tenant (including affiliates thereof), (a) in the case of the largest Tenant (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5% and (b) in the case of the 5 largest Tenants (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, an aggregate percentage equal to 45% as of such Determination Date; (iii) (a) with respect to Properties located in any state (other than Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Indiana) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5%; (b) with respect to Properties located in Illinois, Georgia or Indiana as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 15.0% as of such Determination Date and (c) with respect to Properties located in Texas as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 27.5% as of such Determination Date; (iv) with respect to Properties with a Unit FCCR, Master Lease FCCR or Hybrid Lease FCCR less than or equal to 1.5x as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.0% as of such Determination Date; (v) with respect to ground leases as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 2% as of such Determination Date; (vi) with respect to Tenants which pay Percentage Rent only as of any Determination Date, a percent equal to 2.0% as of such Determination Date; (vii) with respect to Properties with less than 12 months of operating history at such location as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date and (viii) (a) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date prior to a New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 0.0% as of such Determination Date and (b) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date on or after the date of the first New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 20.0% as of such Determination Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”: With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, a rate determined by the Property Manager to be the greater of (i) 5.0% and (ii) the applicable Post-ARD Reset Rate.

 

3



 

Post-ARD Reset Rate ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the positive amount (expressed as a rate per annum), if any, by which (i) the sum of (A) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a “mortgage equivalent basis” pursuant to the standards and practices of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date of United States Treasury Security having a term closest to ten (10) years, plus (B) 5.0%, plus (C) the applicable Post-ARD Spread exceeds (ii) the applicable Note Rate.

 

Post-ARD Spread ”:  (i) With respect to the Series  2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.40%, (ii) with respect to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.80% and (iii) with respect to the Series  2013-2 Class B Notes, a percentage equal to 3.25%.

 

Private Placement Memorandum ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Private Placement Memorandum dated July 18, 2013.

 

Rated Final Payment Date ”:  With respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in July 2043.

 

Reinvestment Yield ”:  With respect to any Class of Series 2013-2 Notes, the yield on the United States Treasury Security having the closest maturity (month and year) to the weighted average life of such Class of Notes, based on the Anticipated Repayment Date of such Class of Notes (prior to the application of any Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Prepayment with respect thereto; if more than one such quoted United States Treasury Security has the same maturity date, then the yield of the United States Treasury Security quoted closest to par), plus 0.50%.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-C.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-D.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the

 

4



 

related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Balance ”:  With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-E.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, an amount equal to (i) on any Payment Date prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, zero dollars ($0) and (ii) on the Anticipated Repayment Date, the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A Notes :  The Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-2 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-2 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

5



 

Series 2013-2 Class B Notes : Any of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-2 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-2 Class B Note Interest ”:  On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-2 Class B Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-2 Class B Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-2 Class B Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-2 Note ”: Any of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-2 Noteholder ”:  Any of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders, Series 2013-2 A-2 Noteholders and the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series Closing Date ”:  July 25, 2013.

 

6



 

ARTICLE II

 

CREATION OF THE SERIES 2013-2 NOTES; PAYMENTS ON THE SERIES 2013-2 NOTES

 

Section 2.01.                           Designation .

 

(a)                                                                                  There is hereby created a Series of Notes consisting of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes, the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes to be issued by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture and this Series 2013-2 Supplement to be known as “Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-2.”  The Series 2013-2 Notes shall have the following Class designations, Initial Principal Balances, Note Rates and Ratings:

 

Class
Designation

 

Initial
Principal Balance

 

Note Rate

 

Ratings (S&P)

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes

 

$

107,000,000

 

4.37

%

A(sf)

 

Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes

 

$

97,000,000

 

5.33

%

A(sf)

 

Series 2013-2 Class B Notes

 

$

14,500,000

 

5.90

%

BBB(sf)

 

 

The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

The Series 2013-2 Notes shall not have preference or priority over the Notes of any other Series except to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Series 2013-2 Notes shall not be subordinate to any other Series.

 

(b)                                                                                  The initial Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in August 2013.  The Rated Final Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes shall be in July 2043.

 

(c)                                                                                   The initial Collection Period with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes shall be the period commencing on the Series Closing Date and ending on the Determination Date in August 2013.

 

(d)                                                                                  The Series 2013-2 Class A Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes offered and sold shall be issued in the form of Book-Entry Notes.

 

(e)                                                                                   Each statement, notice or other document related to the Series 2013-2 Notes required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Indenture via email shall be sent to the following address: servicer_reports@sandp.com.

 

(f)                                                                                    The Series Disposition Period Date with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in July 2040.

 

7



 

Section 2.02.                           Payments on the Series 2013-2 Notes .  On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee will apply the Series Available Amount with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes for such Payment Date for the following purposes and in the following order of priority:

 

(1)                                  on a pro rata basis (a) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders, the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Interest at the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Note Rate and (b) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholders, the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Interest at the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Note Rate;

 

(2)                                  to the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders, the Series 2013-2 Class B Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-2 Class B Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-2 Class B Note Interest at the Series 2013-2 Class B Note Rate;

 

(3)                                  (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis, (i) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-2 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class A Notes) and (ii) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-2 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A Notes); or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A Notes) (i) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders and (ii) to the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(4)                                  (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class B Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-2 Notes for such Payment Date remaining after distributions to the Series 2013-2 Class A Noteholders pursuant to clause 3(I) immediately above; or

 

8


 

(II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(5)                                  to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(6)                                  to the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(7)                                  to the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-2 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Class A-2 Notes on such Payment Date;

 

(8)                                  to the Series 2013-2 Class B Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-2 Class B Notes on such Payment Date; and

 

(9)                                  to the Issuers, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

Section 2.03.                           Redemption of the Series 2013-2 Notes .

 

(a)                                                                                  The Issuers may, at their option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Notes, in whole or in part, on any Payment Date after July 2015 (such date, the “Series 2013-2 Redemption Date”) in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the then Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) all amounts related to the Series 2013-2 Notes that are outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if applicable, by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Series 2013-2 Redemption Date.

 

(b)                                                                                  The Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-2 Notes, in part, so long as the Issuers shall also purchase a pro rata amount of the Outstanding Principal Balance of each other Outstanding Series of Notes. On any Payment Date that is less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date of the related Class, the Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of the Series 2013-2 Notes, in whole, without purchasing the Outstanding Principal Balance of any other Class of Notes; provided, however, unless the Issuers purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of all Outstanding Series of Notes, the Issuers may not purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of Series 2013-2 Notes, in whole, if there shall be Outstanding (i) any other Series 2013-2 Notes or (ii) a Class of any other Series, in each case,

 

9



 

with a higher alphabetical designation and an Anticipated Repayment Date that is the same as, or sooner than, the Anticipated Repayment Date of the Class of Notes being prepaid.

 

(c)                                                                                   In the event any option is exercised pursuant to this Section 2.03, the Issuers shall deposit into the Collection Account not later than the applicable Series 2013-2 Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount described in Section 2.03(a) above. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above, pro rata, to the Series 2013-2 Noteholders based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balances, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; and (2) pay all amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(ii) above to each applicable party as set forth in the applicable notice of redemption provided by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 2.03.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 3.01.                           Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                                                                  The Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby restate as of the Series Closing Date, or as of such other date as is specifically referenced in the body of such representation and warranty, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.19, Section 2.20, Section 2.21, Section 2.22, Section 5.06 and Section 9.04, as applicable, of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                                                                  Each of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby represents and warrants to each other as of the Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                      it has full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform under this Series 2013-2 Supplement, and to consummate the transactions set forth herein.  The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Series 2013-2 Supplement is in the ordinary course of its business and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of its organizational documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which it is now a party or by which it is bound, or result in the violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it or its property is subject, except any such violation that would not result in a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of such party or the enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents.  The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Series 2013-2 Supplement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.  This Series 2013-2 Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and

 

(ii)                                   No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental entity is required to be obtained or made by it in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Series 2013-2 Supplement, or the

 

10



 

consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, except such as have already been obtained.

 

Section 3.02.                           Conditions Precedent Satisfied .  The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Series 2013-2 Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee that, as of the Series Closing Date, each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Indenture, including but not limited to those conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.04(e) thereof, have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.03.                           Collateral Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                                                                  The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Series 2013-2 Noteholders that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.20, Section 2.21, and Section 2.22 of the Indenture and, if any, Exhibit A hereto are true and correct as of the Series Closing Date (or such other date as is set forth in any such representation or warranty) with respect to the Properties and Leases Granted by such Issuer on or prior to the Series Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in Schedule I-C hereto.

 

(b)                                                                                  The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that attached hereto as Schedule I-A is a true and correct list of all businesses in the following industry groups from the North American Industry Classification System operating at the related Properties and no Issuer has received a notice of any material defaults under any applicable franchise or operating agreements: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Child Day Care Services (6244), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Personal Services (8129), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225), Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111) and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412).

 

(c)                                                                                   The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that each Property is used exclusively for purposes related to businesses in the following industry groups and other previously existing uses or other use permitted under the Leases: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Child Day Care Services (6244), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412), Other Personal Services (8129), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225) and Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212), which are described below.

 

11



 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.01.                           Supplement to Master Indenture.

 

(a)                                                                                  Section 1.01 of the Master Indenture is hereby amended by deleting the definition of “Note Interest” in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

“Note Interest: On any Payment Date for any Class of Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Note Rate for such Class, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of such Class before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date. The Note Interest, with respect to the Series 2013-2 Notes and any subsequent Series of Notes, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.”

 

(b)                                                                                  Section 1.01 of the Master Indenture is hereby amended by deleting clause (iii) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”  in its entirety and replacing such clause with the following:

 

“(iii) demand and time deposits in or certificates of deposit of, or bankers’ acceptances issued by, any bank or trust company, savings and loan association or savings bank fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which such bank, trust company, savings and loan association or savings bank shall have a rating of not less than A-2 from S&P;”

 

(c)                                                                                   Section 2.17 of the Master Indenture is hereby amended by deleting such Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

Tax Treatment of the Notes . The Issuers have entered into this Indenture, and each Class of Notes will be issued, with the intention that, for purposes of any federal, state and local income or franchise tax and any other taxes imposed on or measured by income, such Notes will qualify as indebtedness (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement) upon their issuance for federal income tax purposes.  The Issuers, by entering into this Indenture, each Noteholder, by acceptance of its Note, and each Note Owner, by purchasing or otherwise acquiring an Ownership Interest in a Note, agree to treat the Notes and such Ownership Interests for purposes of any federal, state and local income or franchise tax and any other taxes imposed on or measured by income, as indebtedness (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Series Supplement) upon their issuance for federal income tax purposes.

 

(d)                                                                                  Section 2.20 (m) of the Master Indenture is hereby amended by deleting such Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

“(m) Reserved.”

 

(e)                                                                                   Section 2.20(v) of the Master Indenture is hereby amended by deleting such Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

 

12



 

“(v) Reserved.”

 

Section 4.02.                           Ratification of Indenture .  The Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture, as so supplemented by this Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.03.                           Future Funding Deposit.

 

(a)                                                                                  Notwithstanding the terms of Section 9.28 of the Master Indenture, on the Series Closing Date, the Issuers shall deposit into the Release Account $2,540,880.00 (the “ Future Funding Deposit ”) from the proceeds received in connection with the sale of the Series 2013-2 Notes.

 

(b)                                                                                  On any date on which an Issuer is obligated to fund a draw request made by a Tenant pursuant to a Lease, the Property Manager may withdraw the portion of the Future Funding Deposit from the Release Account to fund such obligation in accordance with such Lease. Notwithstanding Section 7.01 of the Property Management Agreement, on or prior to December 31, 2013, no portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties. During the period commencing on December 31, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2014, all or a portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire one or more Qualified Substitute Properties. If any portion of the Future Funding Deposit remains on deposit in the Release Account on December 31, 2014, such amount shall be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the related Payment Date.

 

Section 4.04.                           Counterparts .  This Series 2013-2 Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original regardless of whether delivered in physical or electronic form, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.05.                           Governing Law .  THIS SERIES 2013-2 SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

Section 4.06.                           Beneficiaries .  As supplemented by this Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Indenture shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Series 2013-2 Noteholders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  No other Person shall have any right or obligation hereunder.

 

Section 4.07.                           Limited Recourse .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise in the Indenture, the Series 2013-2 Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuers and shall be payable only from the Collateral Pool.  Upon the exhaustion of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, any liabilities of the Issuers hereunder shall be extinguished.  Each Series 2013-2 Noteholder shall be deemed to have agreed, by acceptance of its Note, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar

 

13



 

proceeding in respect of any Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of all of the Notes (including the Series 2013-2 Notes) issued or co-issued by the Issuers under the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Series 2013-2 Noteholders, shall have the right to enforce the liability and obligation of any Issuer hereunder, by money judgment or otherwise, to the extent of any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by such Noteholders (including attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred) arising out of or in connection with the following: (i)  fraud or intentional misrepresentation by such Issuer in connection with the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Indenture and/or any other Transaction Documents; (ii) intentional acts constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith of such Issuer; (iii)  intentional destruction or waste of any Property by such Issuer; (iv)  the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or indemnification provision in the Indenture or any other Transaction Document concerning Environmental Laws, Hazardous Substances or Asbestos; (v)  the removal or disposal of any portion of any Property during the continuation of an Event of Default; (vi)  the misapplication or conversion by such Issuer of (A) any Insurance Proceeds, (B) any Condemnation Proceeds, (C) any Monthly Lease Payments following an Event of Default, (D) any Monthly Lease Payments paid more than one month in advance, (E) any premiums for any Property Insurance Policies required under the Property Management Agreement received by such Issuer from any third party or Tenant or (F) any funds received by such Issuer for payment of Taxes or other charges that can create liens on any portion of any Property; or (vii)  any security deposits (including letters of credit) collected with respect to any Property which are not delivered to the Indenture Trustee upon a foreclosure of such Property or other action in lieu thereof, except to the extent any such security deposits were applied in accordance with the terms and conditions of any of the Leases prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default that gave rise to such sale or foreclosure or action in lieu thereof.

 

Section 4.08.                           Notice to the Rating Agency .  Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder or otherwise pursuant to the Indenture shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to, in the case of S&P, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41 st  Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attention:  Asset-Backed Surveillance Department, facsimile number: (212) 438-2435; or, as to such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

Section 4.09.                           Co-Issuer Status . Each Issuer shall be a co-issuer of the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Notes and the Series 2013-2 Notes and each Issuer shall have all the rights and obligations of each other Issuer under each of the Transaction Documents.

 

14



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Series 2013-2 Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals, duly attested, to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Indenture Supplement - STORE 2013-2

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

NONE

 

A-1




Exhibit 4.5

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

an Issuer,

 STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC

an Issuer,

 

 

and

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

as Indenture Trustee

 

 


 

SERIES 2013-3 SUPPLEMENT

 

Dated as of December 3, 2013

 

 

to

 

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE

 

Dated as of December 3, 2013

 

 


 

 

NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES 2013-3

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

2

 

 

 

Section 1.01.

Definitions

2

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Creation of the Series 2013-3 Notes; payments on the Series 2013-3 Notes

7

 

 

 

Section 2.01.

Designation

7

Section 2.02.

Payments on the Series 2013-3 Notes

8

Section 2.03.

Redemption of the Series 2013-3 Notes

9

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

10

 

 

 

Section 3.01.

Representations and Warranties

10

Section 3.02.

Conditions Precedent Satisfied

11

Section 3.03.

Collateral Representations and Warranties

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous Provisions

12

 

 

 

Section 4.01.

Reserved

12

Section 4.02.

Ratification of Indenture

12

Section 4.03.

Future Funding Deposit

12

Section 4.04.

Counterparts

12

Section 4.05.

Governing Law

12

Section 4.06.

Beneficiaries

13

Section 4.07.

Limited Recourse

13

Section 4.08.

Notice to the Rating Agency

13

Section 4.09.

Co-Issuer Status

14

 

Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT A

Additional Representations and Warranties

 

 

Schedules

 

SCHEDULE I-A

Properties / Tenants

SCHEDULE I-B

Mortgage Loans

SCHEDULE I-C

Representations and Warranties Exception Schedule

SCHEDULE II

Reserved

SCHEDULE III-A

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-B

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-C

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-2 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-D

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-E

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-F

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-3 Class B Notes)

 

i



 

SERIES 2013-3 SUPPLEMENT, dated as of December 3, 2013 (the “ Series 2013-3 Supplement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC (each an “ Issuer ” and together, the “ Issuers ”) and the Indenture Trustee.

 

Pursuant to this Series 2013-3 Supplement to the Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Master Indenture ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby create a new Series of Notes (the “ Series 2013-3 Notes ”), which consists of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes (as defined below), the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes (as defined below) and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes (as defined below), and specify the Principal Terms thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (“ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (“ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement (“ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and STORE Master Funding III, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-2 (the “ Series 2013-2 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $218,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement STORE Master Funding I, LLC and STORE Master Funding II, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-1 (the “ Series 2013-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $270,000,000.

 

Pursuant to the Master Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, STORE Master Funding I, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2012-1 (the “ Series 2012-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $229,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuers, together with any applicable co-issuers, may from time to time direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate one or more new Series of Notes. The Principal Terms of any new Series are to be set forth in a related Series Supplement to the Indenture.

 



 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01.          Definitions .

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement, as applicable.

 

Accrual Period ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes and any Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial Accrual Period, from and including the Series Closing Date) to, but excluding, such Payment Date.

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Anticipated Repayment Date ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in November 2020 and with respect to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, the Payment Date occurring in November 2023.

 

Collateral Defect ”: As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Controlling Party ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Series 2013-3 Class A Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A Notes Outstanding, or, if such Series 2013-3 Class A Notes have been paid in full, the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes Outstanding.

 

Early Amortization Period ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, (a) as defined in the Indenture and (b) in the event that the Issuers do not repay the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Notes in full on or prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date.

 

Guaranty ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Guaranty, dated as of August 23, 2012, by STORE Capital in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Indenture ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2013, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, this Series 2013-3 Supplement and any other Series Supplement, as applicable.

 

Initial Purchaser ”: Each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

2



 

IRB Hybrid Lease ”: The Hybrid Lease set forth on Schedule I-A hereto corresponding to HealthRidge Fitness Center, as tenant.

 

Issuer Interests ”: The limited liability company interests of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and STORE Master Funding IV, LLC.

 

Issuer Member ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”: (i) The Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013; (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding II, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013, (iii) the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding III, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013 and (iv) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013, each as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Make Whole Amount ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes and any Payment Date (I) upon which any Unscheduled Principal Payment related to any Third-Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases and Properties, or any proceeds derived from each un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property) shall be paid pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Series Supplement or (II) that occurs more than twelve (12) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, upon which a Voluntary Prepayment is made, the payment due to each Series 2013-3 Noteholder in an amount (as calculated two (2) Business Days prior to such Payment Date) equal to: the product of (1) the Applicable Paydown Percentage and (2)(A) using the Reinvestment Yield, the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of principal and interest remaining until the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date (calculated prior to the application of the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable), minus (B) the amount of principal repaid by the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable.

 

Maximum Property Concentration ”: With respect to any Determination Date and any concentration set forth below, means a percentage equal to the aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts in such concentration over the Aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts of the Collateral Pool: (a) with respect to the Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139) industry group from the North American Industry Classification System as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 20.0%, and (b) in the case of any other industry group from the North American Industry Classification System (other than Restaurants and Other Eating Places, so long as no related Restaurant Concept exceeds 12.5% of the Allocated Loan Amount of the Collateral Pool) as of any Determination Date, a percentage no greater than 15.0% as of such Determination Date; (ii) with respect to any Tenant (including affiliates thereof), (a) in the case of the largest Tenant (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5% and (b) in the case of the 5 largest Tenants (including affiliates thereof) as of any

 

3



 

Determination Date, an aggregate percentage equal to 45% as of such Determination Date; (iii) (a) with respect to Properties located in any state (other than Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Indiana) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5%; (b) with respect to Properties located in Illinois, Georgia or Indiana as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 15.0% as of such Determination Date and (c) with respect to Properties located in Texas as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 27.5% as of such Determination Date; (iv) with respect to Properties with a Unit FCCR, Master Lease FCCR or Hybrid Lease FCCR less than or equal to 1.5x as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.0% as of such Determination Date; (v) with respect to ground leases as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 2% as of such Determination Date; (vi) with respect to Tenants which pay Percentage Rent only as of any Determination Date, a percent equal to 2.0% as of such Determination Date; (vii) with respect to Properties with less than 12 months of operating history at such location as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date and (viii) (a) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date prior to a New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 0.0% as of such Determination Date and (b) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date on or after the date of the first New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 20.0% as of such Determination Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, a rate determined by the Property Manager to be the greater of (i) 5.0% and (ii) the applicable Post-ARD Reset Rate.

 

Post-ARD Reset Rate ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the positive amount (expressed as a rate per annum), if any, by which (i) the sum of (A) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a “mortgage equivalent basis” pursuant to the standards and practices of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date of United States Treasury Security having a term closest to ten (10) years, plus (B) 5.0%, plus (C) the applicable Post-ARD Spread exceeds (ii) the applicable Note Rate.

 

Post-ARD Spread ”: (i) With respect to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.25%, (ii) with respect to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.60% and (iii) with respect to the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, a percentage equal to 3.20%.

 

Private Placement Memorandum ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Private Placement Memorandum dated November 21, 2013.

 

Rated Final Payment Date ”: With respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in November 2043.

 

Reinvestment Yield ”: With respect to any Class of Series 2013-3 Notes, the yield on the United States Treasury Security having the closest maturity (month and year) to the weighted average life of such Class of Notes, based on the Anticipated Repayment Date of such Class of Notes (prior to the application of any Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Prepayment with respect thereto; if more than one such quoted United States Treasury Security has the same maturity date, then the yield of the United States Treasury Security quoted closest to par), plus 0.50%.

 

4



 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-D.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-E.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Balance ”: With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-F.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Payment ”: With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, an amount equal to (i) on any Payment Date prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, zero dollars ($0) and (ii) on the Anticipated Repayment Date, the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A Notes : The Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-3 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes : Any of the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-3 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and

 

5



 

authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Interest ”: On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Interest ”: On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Class B Notes : Any of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2013-3 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Class B Note Interest ”: On any Payment Date for the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2013-3 Class B Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2013-3 Class B Note Rate ”: The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholder ”: With respect to any Series 2013-3 Class B Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2013-3 Note ”: Any of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2013-3 Noteholder ”: Any of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders, Series 2013-3 A-2 Noteholders and the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series Closing Date ”: December 3, 2013.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

CREATION OF THE SERIES 2013-3 NOTES; PAYMENTS ON THE SERIES 2013-3 NOTES

 

Section 2.01.          Designation .

 

(a)                            There is hereby created a Series of Notes consisting of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes, the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes to be issued by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture and this Series 2013-3 Supplement to be known as “Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-3.” The Series 2013-3 Notes shall have the following Class designations, Initial Principal Balances, Note Rates and Ratings:

 

Class

 

Initial

 

 

 

 

 

Designation

 

Principal Balance

 

Note Rate

 

Ratings (S&P)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes

 

$

77,000,000

 

4.24

%

A(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes

 

$

100,000,000

 

5.21

%

A(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2013-3 Class B Notes

 

$

13,000,000

 

5.95

%

BBB(sf)

 

 

The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

The Series 2013-3 Notes shall not have preference or priority over the Notes of any other Series except to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Series 2013-3 Notes shall not be subordinate to any other Series.

 

(b)                            The initial Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in December 2013. The Rated Final Payment Date with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes shall be in November 2043.

 

(c)                            The initial Collection Period with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes shall be the period commencing on the Series Closing Date and ending on the Determination Date in December 2013.

 

(d)                            The Series 2013-3 Class A Notes shall be issued in the form of Book-Entry Notes. The Series 2013-3 Class B Notes offered and sold shall be issued in the form of Definitive Notes.

 

(e)                            Each statement, notice or other document related to the Series 2013-3 Notes required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Indenture via email shall be sent to the following address: servicer_reports@sandp.com.

 

(f)                             The Series Disposition Period Date with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in November 2040.

 

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Section 2.02.          Payments on the Series 2013-3 Notes . On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee will apply the Series Available Amount with respect to the Series 2013-3 Notes for such Payment Date for the following purposes and in the following order of priority:

 

(1)            on a pro rata basis (a) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders, the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Interest at the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Note Rate and (b) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholders, the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Interest at the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Note Rate;

 

(2)            to the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders, the Series 2013-3 Class B Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2013-3 Class B Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2013-3 Class B Note Interest at the Series 2013-3 Class B Note Rate;

 

(3)            (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis, (i) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-3 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class A Notes) and (ii) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-3 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A Notes); or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A Notes) (i) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders and (ii) to the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(4)            (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class B Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2013-3 Notes for such Payment Date remaining after distributions to the

 

8



 

Series 2013-3 Class A Noteholders pursuant to clause 3(I) immediately above; or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(5)            to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(6)            to the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(7)            to the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-3 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Class A-2 Notes on such Payment Date;

 

(8)            to the Series 2013-3 Class B Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2013-3 Class B Notes on such Payment Date; and

 

(9)            to the Issuers, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

Section 2.03.          Redemption of the Series 2013-3 Notes .

 

(a)                            The Issuers may, at their option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Notes, in whole or in part, on any Payment Date after July 2015 (such date, the “Series 2013-3 Redemption Date”) in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the then Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) all amounts related to the Series 2013-3 Notes that are outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if applicable, by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Series 2013-3 Redemption Date.

 

(b)                            The Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2013-3 Notes, in part, so long as the Issuers shall also purchase a pro rata amount of the Outstanding Principal Balance of each other Outstanding Series of Notes. On any Payment Date that is less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date of the related Class, the Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of the Series 2013-3 Notes, in whole, without purchasing the Outstanding Principal Balance of any other Class of Notes; provided, however, unless the Issuers purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of all Outstanding Series of Notes, the Issuers may not purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of Series 2013-3 Notes, in whole, if there shall be

 

9



 

Outstanding (i) any other Series 2013-3 Notes or (ii) a Class of any other Series, in each case, with a higher alphabetical designation and an Anticipated Repayment Date that is the same as, or sooner than, the Anticipated Repayment Date of the Class of Notes being prepaid.

 

(c)                            In the event any option is exercised pursuant to this Section 2.03, the Issuers shall deposit into the Collection Account not later than the applicable Series 2013-3 Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount described in Section 2.03(a) above. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above, pro rata , to the Series 2013-3 Noteholders based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balances, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; and (2) pay all amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(ii) above to each applicable party as set forth in the applicable notice of redemption provided by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 2.03.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 3.01.          Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                            The Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby restate as of the Series Closing Date, or as of such other date as is specifically referenced in the body of such representation and warranty, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.19, Section 2.20, Section 2.21, Section 2.22, Section 5.06 and Section 9.04, as applicable, of the Indenture.

 

(b)                            Each of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby represents and warrants to each other as of the Series Closing Date:

 

(i)             it has full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform under this Series 2013-3 Supplement, and to consummate the transactions set forth herein. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Series 2013-3 Supplement is in the ordinary course of its business and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of its organizational documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which it is now a party or by which it is bound, or result in the violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it or its property is subject, except any such violation that would not result in a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of such party or the enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents. The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Series 2013-3 Supplement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Series 2013-3 Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and

 

(ii)            No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental entity is required to be obtained or made by it in connection

 

10



 

with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Series 2013-3 Supplement, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, except such as have already been obtained.

 

Section 3.02.          Conditions Precedent Satisfied . The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Series 2013-3 Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee that, as of the Series Closing Date, each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Indenture, including but not limited to those conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.04(e) thereof, have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.03.          Collateral Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                            The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Series 2013-3 Noteholders that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.20, Section 2.21, and Section 2.22 of the Indenture and, if any, Exhibit A hereto are true and correct as of the Series Closing Date (or such other date as is set forth in any such representation or warranty) with respect to the Properties and Leases Granted by such Issuer on or prior to the Series Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in Schedule I-C hereto.

 

(b)                            The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that attached hereto as Schedule I-A is a true and correct list of all businesses in the following industry groups from the North American Industry Classification System operating at the related Properties and no Issuer has received a notice of any material defaults under any applicable franchise or operating agreements: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Child Day Care Services (6244), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (5324), Consumer Goods Rental (5233), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Grocery Stores (4451), Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers (4239), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412), Other Personal Services (8129), Outpatient Care Centers (6214), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225), Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores (4511) and Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212).

 

(c)                            The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that each Property is used exclusively for purposes related to businesses in the following industry groups and other previously existing uses or other use permitted under the Leases: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Child Day Care Services (6244), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (5324), Consumer Goods Rental (5233), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Grocery Stores (4451),

 

11



 

Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers (4239), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412), Other Personal Services (8129), Outpatient Care Centers (6214), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225), Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores (4511) and Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212), which are described below.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.01.          Reserved .

 

Section 4.02.          Ratification of Indenture . The Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture, as so supplemented by this Series 2013-3 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.03.          Future Funding Deposit.

 

(a)                            Notwithstanding the terms of Section 9.28 of the Master Indenture, on the Series Closing Date, the Issuers shall deposit into the Release Account $4,058,681.89 (the “ Future Funding Deposit ”) from the proceeds received in connection with the sale of the Series 2013-3 Notes.

 

(b)                            On any date on which an Issuer is obligated to fund a draw request made by a Tenant pursuant to a Lease, the Property Manager may withdraw the portion of the Future Funding Deposit from the Release Account to fund such obligation in accordance with such Lease. Notwithstanding Section 7.01 of the Property Management Agreement, on or prior to December 31, 2013, no portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties. During the period commencing on December 31, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2014, all or a portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire one or more Qualified Substitute Properties. If any portion of the Future Funding Deposit remains on deposit in the Release Account on December 31, 2015, such amount shall be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the related Payment Date.

 

Section 4.04.          Counterparts . This Series 2013-3 Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original regardless of whether delivered in physical or electronic form, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.05.          Governing Law . THIS SERIES 2013-3 SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE

 

12



 

OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

Section 4.06.          Beneficiaries . As supplemented by this Series 2013-3 Supplement, the Indenture shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Series 2013-3 Noteholders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No other Person shall have any right or obligation hereunder.

 

Section 4.07.          Limited Recourse . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise in the Indenture, the Series 2013-3 Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuers and shall be payable only from the Collateral Pool. Upon the exhaustion of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, any liabilities of the Issuers hereunder shall be extinguished. Each Series 2013-3 Noteholder shall be deemed to have agreed, by acceptance of its Note, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of any Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of all of the Notes (including the Series 2013-3 Notes) issued or co-issued by the Issuers under the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Series 2013-3 Noteholders, shall have the right to enforce the liability and obligation of any Issuer hereunder, by money judgment or otherwise, to the extent of any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by such Noteholders (including attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred) arising out of or in connection with the following: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentation by such Issuer in connection with the Series 2013-3 Notes, the Indenture and/or any other Transaction Documents; (ii) intentional acts constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith of such Issuer; (iii) intentional destruction or waste of any Property by such Issuer; (iv) the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or indemnification provision in the Indenture or any other Transaction Document concerning Environmental Laws, Hazardous Substances or Asbestos; (v) the removal or disposal of any portion of any Property during the continuation of an Event of Default; (vi) the misapplication or conversion by such Issuer of (A) any Insurance Proceeds, (B) any Condemnation Proceeds, (C) any Monthly Lease Payments following an Event of Default, (D) any Monthly Lease Payments paid more than one month in advance, (E) any premiums for any Property Insurance Policies required under the Property Management Agreement received by such Issuer from any third party or Tenant or (F) any funds received by such Issuer for payment of Taxes or other charges that can create liens on any portion of any Property; or (vii) any security deposits (including letters of credit) collected with respect to any Property which are not delivered to the Indenture Trustee upon a foreclosure of such Property or other action in lieu thereof, except to the extent any such security deposits were applied in accordance with the terms and conditions of any of the Leases prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default that gave rise to such sale or foreclosure or action in lieu thereof.

 

Section 4.08.          Notice to the Rating Agency . Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder or otherwise pursuant to the Indenture shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to, in the case of S&P, Standard &

 

13



 

Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41 st Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attention: Asset-Backed Surveillance Department, facsimile number: (212) 438-2435; or, as to such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

Section 4.09.          Co-Issuer Status . Each Issuer shall be a co-issuer of the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Series 2013-2 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Notes and each Issuer shall have all the rights and obligations of each other Issuer under each of the Transaction Documents.

 

14



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Series 2013-3 Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals, duly attested, to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - Operations

 

Signature Page to Indenture Supplement - STORE 2013-3

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Signature Page to Indenture Supplement - STORE 2013-3

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

NONE.

 

A-1


 



Exhibit 4.6

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC

an Issuer,

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC

an Issuer,

 

and

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

as Indenture Trustee

 


 

SERIES 2014-1 SUPPLEMENT

 

Dated as of May 6, 2014

 

to

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER INDENTURE

 

Dated as of May 6, 2014

 


 

NET-LEASE MORTGAGE NOTES, SERIES 2014-1

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I Definitions

2

 

 

Section 1.01.

Definitions

2

 

 

 

ARTICLE II Creation of the Series 2014-1 Notes; Payments on the Series 2014-1 Notes

8

 

 

Section 2.01.

Designation

8

Section 2.02.

Payments on the Series 2014-1 Notes

9

Section 2.03.

Redemption of the Series 2014-1 Notes

10

 

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

11

 

 

Section 3.01.

Representations and Warranties

11

Section 3.02.

Conditions Precedent Satisfied

12

Section 3.03.

Collateral Representations and Warranties

12

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV Miscellaneous Provisions

13

 

 

Section 4.01.

Reserved

13

Section 4.02.

Ratification of Indenture

13

Section 4.03.

Future Funding Deposit

13

Section 4.04.

Counterparts

14

Section 4.05.

Governing Law

14

Section 4.06.

Beneficiaries

14

Section 4.07.

Limited Recourse

14

Section 4.08.

Notice to the Rating Agency

15

Section 4.09.

Co-Issuer Status

15

 

Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT A

Additional Representations and Warranties

 

 

Schedules

 

SCHEDULE I-A

Properties / Tenants

SCHEDULE I-B

Mortgage Loans

SCHEDULE I-C

Representations and Warranties Exception Schedule

SCHEDULE II

Reserved

SCHEDULE III-A

Amortization Schedule (Series 2012-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-B

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-C

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-2 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-D

Amortization Schedule (Series 2013-3 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-E

Amortization Schedule (Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-F

Amortization Schedule (Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes)

SCHEDULE III-G

Amortization Schedule (Series 2014-1 Class B Notes)

 

i


 

SERIES 2014-1 SUPPLEMENT, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Series 2014-1 Supplement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC (each an “ Issuer ” and together, the “ Issuers ”) and the Indenture Trustee.

 

Pursuant to this Series 2014-1 Supplement to the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Master Indenture ”), dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, and the Indenture Trustee, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby create a new Series of Notes (the “ Series 2014-1 Notes ”), which consists of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes (as defined below), the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes (as defined below) and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes (as defined below), and specify the Principal Terms thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Second Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement (“ Series 2012-1 Supplement ”), dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement (“ Series 2013-1 Supplement ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement (“ Series 2013-2 Supplement ”), dated as of July 25, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and the Indenture Trustee and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-3 Supplement (“ Series 2013-3 Supplement ”), dated as of December 3, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and STORE Master Funding IV, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-3 (the “ Series 2013-3 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $190,000,000.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture (the “ Amended and Restated Master Indenture ”), dated as of March 27, 2013, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement, as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-2 Supplement, STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC and STORE Master Funding III, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-2 (the “ Series 2013-2 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $218,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Master Indenture as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement and as further supplemented by the Series 2013-1 Supplement, STORE Master Funding I, LLC and STORE Master Funding II, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2013-1 (the “ Series 2013-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $270,000,000.

 



 

Pursuant to the Master Indenture, dated as of August 23, 2012, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC and the Indenture Trustee and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, STORE Master Funding I, LLC issued the Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2012-1 (the “ Series 2012-1 Notes ”), with an initial series principal balance equal to $229,500,000.

 

Pursuant to the Indenture, the Issuers, together with any applicable co-issuers, may from time to time direct the Indenture Trustee to authenticate one or more new Series of Notes. The Principal Terms of any new Series are to be set forth in a related Series Supplement to the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01.                           Definitions .

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Indenture or in the Property Management Agreement, as applicable.

 

Accrual Period ”:                With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes and any Payment Date, the period from and including the immediately preceding Payment Date (or, with respect to the initial Accrual Period, from and including the Series Closing Date) to, but excluding, such Payment Date.

 

Aggregate Collateral Value of Post-Closing Properties ”: $40,000,000.

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”:             As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Anticipated Repayment Date ”:                  With respect to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in April 2021 and with respect to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, the Payment Date occurring in April 2024.

 

Collateral Defect ”:            As defined in the Property Management Agreement.

 

Controlling Party ”:              With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Series 2014-1 Class A Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A Notes Outstanding, or, if such Series 2014-1 Class A Notes have been paid in full, the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes Outstanding.

 

Early Amortization Period ”:           With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, (a) as defined in the Indenture and (b) in the event that the Issuers do not repay the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Notes in full on or prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date.

 

2



 

Guaranty ”:           With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Guaranty, dated as of August 23, 2012, by STORE Capital in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Indenture ”:          With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014, as supplemented by the Series 2012-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement, this Series 2014-1 Supplement and any other Series Supplement, as applicable.

 

Indenture Trustee Fee Rate ”:               With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, 0.0095%. With respect to the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Series 2013-2 Notes and the Series 2013-3 Notes, 0.0065%.

 

Initial Purchaser ”:          Each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

IRB Hybrid Lease ”:             The Hybrid Lease set forth on Schedule I-A hereto corresponding to HealthRidge Fitness Center, as tenant.

 

Issuer Interests ”:               The limited liability company interests of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC and STORE Master Funding V, LLC.

 

Issuer Member ”:              With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC.

 

Limited Liability Company Agreement ”:                 (i) The Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding I, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013; (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding II, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013, (iii) the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding III, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013, (iv) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, dated as of November 14, 2013 and (v) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of STORE Master Funding V, LLC, dated as of April 28, 2014 each as may be amended or restated from time to time.

 

Make Whole Amount ”:                      With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes and any Payment Date (I) upon which any Unscheduled Principal Payment related to any Third-Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases and Properties, or any proceeds derived from each un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property) shall be paid pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Series Supplement or (II) that occurs more than twelve (12) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date for the portion of the Class of Notes being prepaid, upon which a Voluntary Prepayment is made, the payment due to each Series 2014-1 Noteholder in an amount not less than zero (as calculated two (2) Business Days prior to such Payment Date) equal to: the product of (1) the Applicable Paydown

 

3



 

Percentage and (2)(A) using the Reinvestment Yield, the sum of the present values of the scheduled payments of principal and interest remaining until the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date (calculated prior to the application of the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable), minus (B) the amount of principal repaid by the Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Payment, as applicable.

 

Maximum Property Concentration ”:                With respect to any Determination Date and any concentration set forth below, means a percentage equal to the aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts in such concentration over the Aggregate Allocated Loan Amounts of the Collateral Pool: (a) with respect to the Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139) industry group from the North American Industry Classification System as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 20.0%, and (b) in the case of any other industry group from the North American Industry Classification System (other than Restaurants and Other Eating Places, so long as no related Restaurant Concept exceeds 12.5% of the Allocated Loan Amount of the Collateral Pool) as of any Determination Date, a percentage no greater than 15.0% as of such Determination Date; (ii) with respect to any Tenant (including affiliates thereof), (a) in the case of the largest Tenant (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5% and (b) in the case of the 5 largest Tenants (including affiliates thereof) as of any Determination Date, an aggregate percentage equal to 45% as of such Determination Date; (iii) (a) with respect to Properties located in any state (other than Texas, Illinois and Tennessee) as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.5%; (b) with respect to Properties located in Illinois or Tennessee as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 15.0% as of such Determination Date and (c) with respect to Properties located in Texas as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 27.5% as of such Determination Date; (iv) with respect to Properties with a Unit FCCR, Master Lease FCCR or Hybrid Lease FCCR less than or equal to 1.4x as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 12.0% as of such Determination Date; (v) with respect to ground leases as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 2% as of such Determination Date; (vi) with respect to Tenants which pay Percentage Rent only as of any Determination Date, a percent equal to 2.0% as of such Determination Date; (vii) with respect to Properties with less than 12 months of operating history at such location as of any Determination Date, a percentage equal to 10.0% as of such Determination Date and (viii) (a) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date prior to a New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 0.0% as of such Determination Date and (b) with respect to Mortgage Loans, as of any Determination Date on or after the date of the first New Issuance, a percentage no greater than 20.0% as of such Determination Date.

 

Post-ARD Additional Interest Rate ”:            With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, a rate determined by the Property Manager to be the greater of (i) 5.0% and (ii) the applicable Post-ARD Reset Rate.

 

Post-ARD Reset Rate ”:               With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the positive amount (expressed as a rate per annum), if any, by which (i) the sum of (A) the yield to maturity (adjusted to a “mortgage equivalent basis” pursuant to the standards and practices of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date of United States Treasury Security having a term closest to ten (10) years, plus (B) 5.0%, plus (C) the applicable Post-ARD Spread exceeds (ii) the applicable Note Rate.

 

4



 

Post-ARD Spread ”:           (i) With respect to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, a percentage equal to 1.95%, (ii) with respect to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, a percentage equal to 2.30% and (iii) with respect to the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, a percentage equal to 2.90%.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Amount ”: $30,000,000.

 

Post-Closing Acquisition Deadline ”: November 20, 2014.

 

Private Placement Memorandum ”:             With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Private Placement Memorandum dated April 29, 2014.

 

Rated Final Payment Date ”:                     With respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Payment Date occurring in April 2044.

 

Reinvestment Yield ”:               With respect to any Class of Series 2014-1 Notes, the yield on the United States Treasury Security having the closest maturity (month and year) to the weighted average life of such Class of Notes, based on the Anticipated Repayment Date of such Class of Notes (prior to the application of any Voluntary Prepayment or Unscheduled Principal Prepayment with respect thereto; if more than one such quoted United States Treasury Security has the same maturity date, then the yield of the United States Treasury Security quoted closest to par), plus 0.50%.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance ”:          With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-D.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance ”:              With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-E.

 

Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment ”:              With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment ”:          With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, an amount equal to the sum of (a) any unpaid portion of Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment from prior Payment Dates plus (b) the product of (i)(A) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date minus (B) the related Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the current Payment Date multiplied by (ii) a fraction (A) the numerator of which is equal to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes (without taking into account any payments to be made on such Payment

 

5



 

Date) minus the amounts specified in clause (a) of this definition and (B) the denominator of which is the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Balance for the prior Payment Date.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Balance ”:            With respect to any Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, the amount set forth for such date on the Amortization Schedule annexed hereto as Schedule III-F.

 

Scheduled Class B Principal Payment ”:             With respect to each Payment Date and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, an amount equal to (i) on any Payment Date prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date, zero dollars ($0) and (ii) on the Anticipated Repayment Date, the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A Notes :              The Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes :            Any of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2014-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes :           Any of the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2014-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Interest ”:             On any Payment Date for the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Interest ”:            On any Payment Date for the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Rate ”:            The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Rate ”:            The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholder ”:             With respect to any Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholder ”:         With respect to any Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Class B Notes :           Any of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, issued pursuant to this Series 2014-1 Supplement and the Indenture, executed by the Issuers and

 

6



 

authenticated by the Indenture Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, if any, substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1, A-2 or A-3 attached to the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Class B Note Interest ”:             On any Payment Date for the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, the interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the Series 2014-1 Class B Note Rate, applied to the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes before giving effect to any payments of principal on such Payment Date.

 

Series 2014-1 Class B Note Rate ”:         The Note Rate set forth in Section 2.01 hereof that corresponds to the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholder ”:         With respect to any Series 2014-1 Class B Note, the applicable Noteholder, as such term is further defined in the Indenture.

 

Series 2014-1 Note ”:        Any of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes.

 

Series 2014-1 Noteholder ”:           Any of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders, Series 2014-1 A-2 Noteholders and the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series 2014-1 Noteholder ”:           Any of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders, Series 2014-1 A-2 Noteholders and the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders.

 

Series Closing Date ”:            May 6, 2014.

 

7



 

ARTICLE II

 

CREATION OF THE SERIES 2014-1 NOTES; PAYMENTS ON THE SERIES 2014-1

NOTES

 

Section 2.01.                              Designation .

 

(a)                                                                                     There is hereby created a Series of Notes consisting of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes, the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes to be issued by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture and this Series 2014-1 Supplement to be known as “Net-Lease Mortgage Notes, Series 2014-1.” The Series 2014-1 Notes shall have the following Class designations, Initial Principal Balances, Note Rates and Ratings:

 

Class

 

Initial

 

 

 

 

Designation

 

Principal Balance

 

Note Rate

 

Ratings (S&P)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes

 

$

120,000,000

 

4.21

%

A+(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes

 

$

140,000,000

 

5.00

%

A+(sf)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series 2014-1 Class B Notes

 

$

17,500,000

 

5.62

%

BBB(sf)

 

The Note Interest with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

The Series 2014-1 Notes shall not have preference or priority over the Notes of any other Series except to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Series 2014-1 Notes shall not be subordinate to any other Series.

 

(b)                                                                                     The initial Payment Date with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in May 2014. The Rated Final Payment Date with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes shall be in May 2044.

 

(c)                                                                                      The initial Collection Period with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes shall be the period commencing on the Series Closing Date and ending on the Determination Date in May 2014.

 

(d)                                                                                     The Series 2014-1 Class A Notes shall be issued in the form of Book-Entry Notes. The Series 2014-1 Class B Notes offered and sold shall be issued in the form of Definitive Notes.

 

(e)                                                                                      Each statement, notice or other document related to the Series 2014-1 Notes required to be provided to any applicable Rating Agency pursuant to Section 5.14 of the Indenture via email shall be sent to the following address: servicer_reports@sandp.com.

 

(f)                                                                                       The Series Disposition Period Date with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes shall be the Payment Date occurring in November 2040.

 

8


 

Section 2.02.                                              Payments on the Series 2014-1 Notes . On each Payment Date, the Indenture Trustee will apply the Series Available Amount with respect to the Series 2014-1 Notes for such Payment Date for the following purposes and in the following order of priority:

 

(1)                                                     on a pro rata basis (a) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders, the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Interest at the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Note Rate and (b) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Interest at the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Note Rate;

 

(2)                                                     to the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders, the Series 2014-1 Class B Note Interest, plus unpaid Series 2014-1 Class B Note Interest from any prior Payment Date, together with interest on any such unpaid Series 2014-1 Class B Note Interest at the Series 2014-1 Class B Note Rate;

 

(3)                                                     (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis, (i) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-1 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2014-1 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Class A Notes) and (ii) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class A-2 Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2014-1 Notes for such Payment Date (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A Notes); or (II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, on a pro rata basis (based on the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes as a percentage of the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A Notes) (i) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and (ii) to the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class A Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(4)                                                     (I) for so long as no Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders (until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero), an amount up to the sum of the Scheduled Class B Principal Payment and all Unscheduled Principal Payments allocable to the Series 2014-1 Notes for such Payment Date remaining after distributions to the Series 2014-1 Class A Noteholders pursuant to clause 3(I) immediately above; or

 

9



 

(II) if an Early Amortization Period has commenced or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders, all remaining Series Available Amounts until the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes has been reduced to zero;

 

(5)                                                     to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(6)                                                     to the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders, the Make Whole Amounts allocated to the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes, if any, due on such Payment Date;

 

(7)                                                     to the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Noteholders and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Noteholders, pro rata , based on the amount payable, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2014-1 Class A-1 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes on such Payment Date;

 

(8)                                                     to the Series 2014-1 Class B Noteholders, any Post-ARD Additional Interest and Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest, if any, due on the Series 2014-1 Class B Notes on such Payment Date; and

 

(9)                                                     to the Issuers, all remaining Series Available Amounts.

 

Section 2.03.                                              Redemption of the Series 2014-1 Notes .

 

(a)                                                                                                     The Issuers may, at their option, elect to purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Notes, in whole or in part, on any Business Day after July 2015 (such date, the “Series 2014-1 Redemption Date”) in an amount sufficient to pay (i) the then Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Notes, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) all amounts related to the Series 2014-1 Notes that are outstanding to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and (iii) the required Make Whole Amount, if applicable, by giving written notice to the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Rating Agencies no less than 15 days prior to the Series 2014-1 Redemption Date.

 

(b)                                                                                                     The Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of the Series 2014-1 Notes, in part, so long as the Issuers shall also purchase a pro rata amount of the Outstanding Principal Balance of each other Outstanding Series of Notes. On any Business Day that is less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months prior to the Anticipated Repayment Date of the related Class, the Issuers may purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of the Series 2014-1 Notes, in whole, without purchasing the Outstanding Principal Balance of any other Class of Notes; provided, however, unless the Issuers purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of all Outstanding Series of Notes, the Issuers may not purchase the Outstanding Principal Balance of any Class of Series 2014-1 Notes, in whole, if there shall be Outstanding (i) any other Series 2014-1 Notes or (ii) a Class of any other Series, in each case,

 

10



 

with a higher alphabetical designation and an Anticipated Repayment Date that is the same as, or sooner than, the Anticipated Repayment Date of the Class of Notes being prepaid.

 

(c)                                                                                                      In the event any option is exercised pursuant to this Section 2.03, the Issuers shall deposit into the Collection Account not later than the applicable Series 2014-1 Redemption Date an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount described in Section 2.03(a) above. Upon confirmation that such deposit has been made, the Indenture Trustee shall: (1) remit principal amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above, pro rata , to the Series 2014-1 Noteholders based on their respective Outstanding Principal Balances, and shall remit interest amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(i) above in accordance with the respective accrued and unpaid amounts to which they are then entitled to payment; and (2) pay all amounts set forth under Section 2.03(a)(ii) above to each applicable party as set forth in the applicable notice of redemption provided by the Issuers pursuant to this Section 2.03.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 3.01.                                              Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                                                                                     The Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby restate as of the Series Closing Date, or as of such other date as is specifically referenced in the body of such representation and warranty, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.19, Section 2.20, Section 2.21, Section 2.22, Section 5.06 and Section 9.04, as applicable, of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                                                                                     Each of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee hereby represents and warrants to each other as of the Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                      it has full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform under this Series 2014-1 Supplement, and to consummate the transactions set forth herein. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Series 2014-1 Supplement is in the ordinary course of its business and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of its organizational documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which it is now a party or by which it is bound, or result in the violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree to which it or its property is subject, except any such violation that would not result in a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of such party or the enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents. The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Series 2014-1 Supplement, and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Series 2014-1 Supplement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms; and

 

(ii)                                   No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental entity is required to be obtained or made by it in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Series 2014-1 Supplement, or the

 

11



 

consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby, except such as have already been obtained.

 

Section 3.02.                                              Conditions Precedent Satisfied . The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Series 2014-1 Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee that, as of the Series Closing Date, each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Indenture, including but not limited to those conditions precedent set forth in Section 2.04(e) thereof, have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.03.                                              Collateral Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                                                                                     The Issuers hereby represent and warrant to the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Series 2014-1 Noteholders that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.20, Section 2.21, and Section 2.22 of the Indenture and, if any, Exhibit A hereto are true and correct as of the Series Closing Date (or such other date as is set forth in any such representation or warranty) with respect to the Properties and Leases Granted by such Issuer on or prior to the Series Closing Date, except as otherwise set forth in Schedule I-C hereto.

 

(b)                                                                                                     The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that attached hereto as Schedule I-A is a true and correct list of all businesses in the following industry groups from the North American Industry Classification System operating at the related Properties and no Issuer has received a notice of any material defaults under any applicable franchise or operating agreements: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Child Day Care Services (6244), Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities (3328), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (5324), Consumer Goods Rental (5322), Converted Paper Products Manufacturing (3222), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Grocery Stores (4451), Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers (4233), Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4238), Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers (4239), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Food Manufacturing (3119), Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412), Other Personal Services (8129), Outpatient Care Centers (6214), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (6222), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225), Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores (4511) and Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212).

 

(c)                                                                                                      The Issuers hereby represent and warrant that each Property is used exclusively for purposes related to businesses in the following industry groups and other previously existing uses or other use permitted under the Leases: Automobile Dealers (4411), Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores (4413), Automotive Repair and Maintenance (8111), Basic Chemical Manufacturing (3251), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores (4453), Child Day Care Services (6244), Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities (3328), Colleges,

 

12



 

Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (5324), Consumer Goods Rental (5322), Converted Paper Products Manufacturing (3222), Department Stores (4521), Electronics and Appliance Stores (4431), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Foundries (3315), Furniture Stores (4421), Grocery Stores (4451), Home Furnishings Stores (4422), Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing (3311), Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers (4233), Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4238), Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers (4239), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4231), Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (7139), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Other Food Manufacturing (3119), Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (4412), Other Personal Services (8129), Outpatient Care Centers (6214), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals (6222), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (7225), Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores (4511) and Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing (3212), which are described below.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.01.                                              Reserved .

 

Section 4.02.                                              Ratification of Indenture . The Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture, as so supplemented by this Series 2014-1 Supplement, the Series 2013-3 Supplement, the Series 2013-2 Supplement, the Series 2013-1 Supplement and the Series 2012-1 Supplement, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.03.                                              Future Funding Deposit.

 

(a)                                                                                                     Notwithstanding the terms of Section 9.28 of the Master Indenture, on the Series Closing Date, the Issuers shall deposit into the Release Account $2,881,111.79 (the “ Future Funding Deposit ”) from the proceeds received in connection with the sale of the Series 2014-1 Notes.

 

(b)                                                                                                     On any date on which an Issuer is obligated to fund a draw request made by a Tenant pursuant to a Lease, the Property Manager may withdraw the portion of the Future Funding Deposit from the Release Account to fund such obligation in accordance with such Lease. Notwithstanding Section 7.01 of the Property Management Agreement, prior to December 31, 2014, no portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties. During the period commencing on December 31, 2014 and ending on June 30, 2016, all or a portion of the Future Funding Deposit may be utilized by the Issuers to acquire one or more Qualified Substitute Properties. If any portion of the Future Funding Deposit remains on deposit in the Release Account on June 30, 2016, such amount shall be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the related Payment Date.

 

13



 

Section 4.04.                                              Counterparts . This Series 2014-1 Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original regardless of whether delivered in physical or electronic form, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 4.05.                                              Governing Law . THIS SERIES 2014-1 SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

Section 4.06.                                              Beneficiaries . As supplemented by this Series 2014-1 Supplement, the Indenture shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Series 2014-1 Noteholders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No other Person shall have any right or obligation hereunder.

 

Section 4.07.                                              Limited Recourse . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or otherwise in the Indenture, the Series 2014-1 Notes are nonrecourse obligations solely of the Issuers and shall be payable only from the Collateral Pool. Upon the exhaustion of the Collateral included in the Collateral Pool, any liabilities of the Issuers hereunder shall be extinguished. Each Series 2014-1 Noteholder shall be deemed to have agreed, by acceptance of its Note, not to file or join in filing any petition in bankruptcy or commence any similar proceeding in respect of any Issuer for a period of two years and 31 days following payment in full of all of the Notes (including the Series 2014-1 Notes) issued or co-issued by the Issuers under the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Series 2014-1 Noteholders, shall have the right to enforce the liability and obligation of any Issuer hereunder, by money judgment or otherwise, to the extent of any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by such Noteholders (including attorneys’ fees and costs reasonably incurred) arising out of or in connection with the following: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentation by such Issuer in connection with the Series 2014-1 Notes, the Indenture and/or any other Transaction Documents; (ii) intentional acts constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct or bad faith of such Issuer; (iii) intentional destruction or waste of any Property by such Issuer; (iv) the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or indemnification provision in the Indenture or any other Transaction Document concerning Environmental Laws, Hazardous Substances or Asbestos; (v) the removal or disposal of any portion of any Property during the continuation of an Event of Default; (vi) the misapplication or conversion by such Issuer of (A) any Insurance Proceeds, (B) any Condemnation Proceeds, (C) any Monthly Lease Payments following an Event of Default, (D) any Monthly Lease Payments paid more than one month in advance, (E) any premiums for any Property Insurance Policies required under the Property Management Agreement received by such Issuer from any third party or Tenant or (F) any funds received by such Issuer for payment of Taxes or other charges that can create liens on any portion of any Property; or (vii) any security deposits (including letters of credit) collected with respect to any Property which are not delivered to the Indenture Trustee upon a foreclosure of such Property or other action in lieu thereof, except to the extent any such security deposits were applied in accordance with the terms and

 

14



 

conditions of any of the Leases prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default that gave rise to such sale or foreclosure or action in lieu thereof.

 

Section 4.08.                                              Notice to the Rating Agency . Any communication provided for or permitted hereunder or otherwise pursuant to the Indenture shall be in writing and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to, in the case of S&P, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41 st Floor, New York, New York, 10004, Attention: Asset-Backed Surveillance Department, facsimile number: (212) 438-2435; or, as to such Person, such other address or facsimile number as may hereafter be furnished by such Person to the parties hereto in writing.

 

Section 4.09.                                              Co-Issuer Status . Each Issuer shall be a co-issuer of the Series 2012-1 Notes, the Series 2013-1 Notes, the Series 2013-2 Notes, the Series 2013-3 Notes and the Series 2014-1 Notes and each Issuer shall have all the rights and obligations of each other Issuer under each of the Transaction Documents.

 

15



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Series 2014-1 Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and their respective seals, duly attested, to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Indenture Supplement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

Signature Page to Indenture Supplement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

not in its individual capacity but solely as

 

Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

Signature Page to Indenture Supplement - STORE 2014-1

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

[NONE.]

 

A-1




Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC

as an Issuer,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC

as an Issuer,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC

as an Issuer,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC

as an Issuer,

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC

as an Issuer,

 

and

 

EACH JOINING PARTY

each, as an Issuer,

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

as Property Manager and Special Servicer,

 

MIDLAND LOAN SERVICES, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Back-Up Manager

 

and

 

CITIBANK, N.A. ,

not individually but solely as Indenture Trustee

 


 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of May 6, 2014

 


 

Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

 

2

 

 

 

Section 1.01

Defined Terms

 

2

Section 1.02

Other Definitional Provisions

 

30

Section 1.03

Certain Calculations in Respect of the Leases and the Mortgage Loans

 

31

Section 1.04

Fee Calculations

 

32

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; RECORDINGS AND FILINGS; BOOKS AND RECORDS; DEFECT, BREACH, CURE, REPURCHASE AND SUBSTITUTION

 

33

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Representations and Warranties of STORE Capital, the Back-Up Manager and the Issuers

 

33

Section 2.02

Recordings and Filings; Books and Records; Document Defects

 

37

Section 2.03

Repurchase or Transfer and Exchange for Document Defects, Collateral Defects and Breaches of Representations and Warranties

 

39

Section 2.04

Non Petition Agreement

 

41

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE III ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF PROPERTIES, LEASES AND MORTGAGE LOANS

 

41

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Administration of the Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans

 

41

Section 3.02

Collection of Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments; General Receipts Accounts; Lockbox Transfer Accounts; Collection Account; Release Account

 

43

Section 3.03

Advances

 

46

Section 3.04

Withdrawals From the Collection Account and Release Account

 

49

Section 3.05

Investment of Funds in the Collection Account and the Release Account

 

49

Section 3.06

Maintenance of Insurance Policies: Errors and Omissions and Fidelity Coverage

 

51

Section 3.07

DSCR Reserve Account

 

54

Section 3.08

Issuers, Custodian and Indenture Trustee to Cooperate; Release of Lease Files and Loan Files

 

55

Section 3.09

Servicing Compensation: Interest on Advances

 

56

Section 3.10

Property Inspections; Collection of Financial Statements; Delivery of Certain Reports

 

57

Section 3.11

Quarterly Statement as to Compliance

 

58

Section 3.12

Reports by Independent Public Accountants

 

58

 

i



 

Section 3.13

Access to Certain Information; Delivery of Certain Information

 

59

Section 3.14

Management of REO Properties and Properties Relating to Defaulted Assets

 

59

Section 3.15

Release, Sale and Exchange of Defaulted Assets and Terminated Lease Properties

 

61

Section 3.16

Renewals, Modifications, Waivers, Amendments; Consents and Other Matters

 

63

Section 3.17

Transfer of Servicing Between Property Manager and Special Servicer; Record Keeping

 

66

Section 3.18

Sub-Management Agreements

 

67

Section 3.19

Casualty

 

69

Section 3.20

Condemnation

 

72

Section 3.21

Separateness Provisions

 

75

Section 3.22

Estoppels

 

76

Section 3.23

Environmental Matters

 

76

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV REPORTS

 

78

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Reports to the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee

 

78

Section 4.02

Use of Agents

 

81

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V THE PROPERTY MANAGER AND THE SPECIAL SERVICER

 

81

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Liability of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager

 

81

Section 5.02

Merger, Consolidation or Conversion of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager

 

81

Section 5.03

Limitation on Liability of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager

 

82

Section 5.04

Term of Service; Property Manager and Special Servicer Not to Resign

 

83

Section 5.05

Rights of Certain Persons in Respect of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer

 

84

Section 5.06

Designation of Special Servicer by the Indenture Trustee

 

85

Section 5.07

Property Manager or Special Servicer as Owner of Notes

 

86

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI SERVICER REPLACEMENT EVENTS

 

86

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Servicer Replacement Events

 

86

Section 6.02

Appointment of Successor Servicer

 

89

Section 6.03

Back-Up Manager

 

91

Section 6.04

Additional Remedies of Issuers and the Indenture Trustee upon a Servicer Replacement Event

 

93

 

ii



 

ARTICLE VII TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES OF PROPERTIES AND MORTGAGE LOANS BY ISSUERS; RELEASE OF PROPERTIES AND MORTGAGE LOANS BY ISSUERS

 

93

 

 

 

Section 7.01

Exchange of Mortgage Loans and Properties

 

93

Section 7.02

Sale Pursuant to Third Party Purchase Option

 

96

Section 7.03

Transfer of Lease to New Property

 

96

Section 7.04

Release of Property by an Issuer

 

97

Section 7.05

Terminated Lease Property and REO Property

 

98

Section 7.06

Risk-Based or Credit Risk Substitution

 

98

Section 7.07

Disposition Period

 

98

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION

 

99

 

 

 

Section 8.01

Termination

 

99

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

99

 

 

 

Section 9.01

Amendment

 

99

Section 9.02

Counterparts

 

99

Section 9.03

Governing Law

 

99

Section 9.04

Notices

 

100

Section 9.05

Severability of Provisions

 

100

Section 9.06

Effect of Headings and Table of Contents

 

101

Section 9.07

Notices to the Rating Agencies and Others

 

101

Section 9.08

Successors and Assigns: Beneficiaries

 

102

Section 9.09

Complete Agreement

 

102

Section 9.10

Consent to Jurisdiction

 

102

Section 9.11

No Proceedings

 

102

Section 9.12

Cooperation

 

103

Section 9.13

Acknowledgment of Receipts by Indenture Trustee

 

103

 

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EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT A

[RESERVED]

 

 

EXHIBIT B-l

FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE — PROPERTY MANAGER

 

 

EXHIBIT B-2

FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE — SPECIAL SERVICER

 

 

EXHIBIT C-1

FORM OF NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF DESIGNATION OF REPLACEMENT SPECIAL SERVICER

 

 

EXHIBIT C-2

FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY PROPOSED SPECIAL SERVICER ACCEPTING APPOINTMENT

 

 

EXHIBIT D

FORM OF LIMITED POWERS OF ATTORNEY FROM ISSUER OR INDENTURE TRUSTEE

 

 

EXHIBIT E

FORM OF ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE, SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

 

 

EXHIBIT F

FORM OF JOINDER

 

 

EXHIBIT G

FORM OF CERTIFICATE UNDER SECTION 7.01(b)

 

 

EXHIBIT H

FORM OF DETERMINATION DATE REPORT

 

 

EXHIBIT I

CALCULATION OF FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIOS

 

iv


 

This THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING AGREEMENT, dated as of May 6, 2014 (this “ Agreement ”), is made among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an issuer (an “ Issuer ”), STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an issuer (an “ Issuer ”), STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an issuer (an “ Issuer ”), STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an issuer (an “ Issuer ”), STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an issuer (an “ Issuer ”), each Joining Party, each as an issuer (each, an “ Issuer ”), STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, as property manager and special servicer (together with its successors in such capacities, the “ Property Manager ” and “ Special Servicer ,” respectively), Citibank, N.A., not individually but solely as indenture trustee (together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Indenture Trustee ”) and Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as Back-Up Manager (together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Back-Up Manager ”).

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

 

As of the Initial Closing Date the Issuers own the Properties and related Leases and, as of each successive Series Closing Date, the applicable Issuer will own the Properties and related Leases and the Mortgage Loans as set forth in the applicable Series Supplement, and upon the issuance of the Notes under the Indenture, the applicable Issuer will grant a first priority security interest in its right, title and interest in and to such Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans to the Indenture Trustee as security for the indebtedness evidenced by the Indenture and the Notes issued under the Indenture. The Property Manager has agreed to provide property management services with respect to the Properties and to service the Leases and the Mortgage Loans in accordance with this Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, STORE Master Funding I, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-up Manager, entered into a Property Management Agreement, dated August 23, 2012 (the “ First Predecessor Property Mangement Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-up Manager, entered into an Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement, dated March 27, 2013 (the “ Second Predecessor Property Mangement Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, STORE Master Funding I, STORE Master Funding II, STORE Master Funding III, STORE Master Funding IV, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-up Manager, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement, dated December 3, 2013 (the “ Third Predecessor Property Mangement Agreement ” and together with the First Predecessor Property Management Agreement and the Second Predecessor Property Management Agreement, the “ Predecessor Property Management Agreeement ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Predecessor Property Management Agreement, subject to the provisions of the Indenture governing amendments, supplements and

 



 

other modifications to the Predecessor Property Management Agreement, such Agreement may be amended by the parties thereto from time to time by the mutual written agreement signed by the parties thereto;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.04 of the Indenture, the Issuers and the other parties to the Predecessor Property Management Agreement may amend the Predecessor Property Management Agreement in connection with a New Issuance without the consent of the Noteholders;

 

WHEREAS, as evidenced by their respective signatures hereto, the Issuers and the other parties to the Predecessor Property Management Agreement desire to amend the Predecessor Property Management Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01       Defined Terms .

 

Whenever used in this Agreement, including in the Preliminary Statement, the words and phrases set forth below, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1.01. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement, including the Preliminary Statement, and not defined herein, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the respective meanings specified in Section 1.01 of the Indenture (as defined below).

 

Additional Servicing Compensation ”: Property Manager Additional Servicing Compensation and Special Servicer Additional Servicing Compensation.

 

Advance ”: Any P&I Advance or Property Protection Advance.

 

Advance Interest ”: Interest accrued on any Advance at the Reimbursement Rate and payable to the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be, each in accordance with Section 3.09(e).

 

Aggregate Appraised Value ”: On any date of determination, the sum of the Appraised Values of all Properties.

 

Aggregate Collateral Value ”: On any date of determination, the sum of the Collateral Values of the Mortgage Loans and Properties in the Collateral Pool.

 

Agreement ”: This Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement and all amendments hereof and supplements hereto.

 

2



 

Allocated Hybrid Amount ”: With respect to a Property relating to a Hybrid Lease, a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the appraised value of the Improvements located on such Property (as set forth in the most recent appraisal obtained in accordance with the definition of Appraised Value) and (b) the denominator of which is the sum of the appraised values of the Improvements located on all Properties relating to such Hybrid Lease (as set forth in the most recent appraisal obtained in accordance with the definition of Appraised Value).

 

Allocated Loan Amount ”: With respect to any Property or Mortgage Loan at any time, the product of (i) the Aggregate Series Principal Balance at such time and (ii) a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the Collateral Value of such Property or Mortgage Loan at such time and (b) the denominator of which is the sum of (A) the Aggregate Collateral Value at such time and (B) the product of (1) the Aggregate Collateral Value of Post-Closing Properties and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding balance of the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account and the denominator of which is the initial balance of the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account.

 

ALTA ”: American Land Title Association, or any successor thereto.

 

Appraised Value ”: With respect to any Property means an appraised value obtained in accordance with the Indenture and determined pursuant to an independent MAI appraisal in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and which takes into account the leased fee value of the related buildings and land of such Property, consistent with industry standards, and excludes the value of trade equipment and other tangible personal property and business enterprise value, and (1) with respect to any Property that secures a Mortgage Loan included in the Collateral Pool (other than any such Property relating to a Qualified Substitute Loan added since the most recent Issuance Date) is the most recent full narrative (complete summary) or limited scope (limited/restricted) MAI appraisal obtained by, or caused to be obtained by, the Property Manager with respect to such Property, (2) with respect to any Property in the Collateral Pool that does not secure a Mortgage Loan (other than Qualified Substitute Properties added since the most recent Issuance Date), is the full narrative (complete summary) or limited scope (limited/restricted) MAI appraisal obtained, or caused to be obtained by, the Property Manager for such Property in connection with the most recent Issuance Date and (3) with respect to any Qualified Substitute Property or Property relating to a Qualified Substitute Loan added to the Collateral Pool since the most recent Issuance Date, is the full narrative (complete summary) MAI appraisal obtained by, or caused to be obtained by, the Property Manager for such Property or Qualified Substitute Property in conjunction with the related substitution. Notwithstanding that the term “Owned Property” used throughout this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents includes the commercial real estate property subject to the ground lease and any sublease related to a Hybrid Lease but excludes any Improvements located on such property, for the purpose of this definition of “Appraised Value,” the term “Owned Property” includes any Improvements located on such property related to a Hybrid Lease.

 

Assignment of Leases ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, any assignment of leases, rents and profits or similar document or instrument executed by the Borrower in

 

3



 

connection with the origination or subsequent modification or amendment of the related Mortgage Loan.

 

Available Amount ”: The Available Amount on any Payment Date will consist of (i) all amounts received in respect of the Collateral Pool during the related Collection Period, (ii) all amounts on deposit in the Collection Account on the related Determination Date, including amounts earned, if any, on the investment of funds on deposit in the Collection Account and the Release Account during the related Collection Period, (iii) Unscheduled Proceeds, (iv) amounts received on account of payments under any Lease Guaranties or Loan Guaranties, (v) amounts received on account of payments under the Guaranty, and (vi) amounts received in connection with a Voluntary Prepayment; provided, however, that the following amounts will be excluded from Available Amount: (a) amounts on deposit in the Release Account and not transferred to the Collection Account for such Payment Date, (b) the amount of any Workout Fees, Liquidation Fees or Additional Servicing Compensation, (c) amounts withdrawn from the Collection Account to reimburse the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee or the Back-Up Manager, as applicable, for any unreimbursed Advances, including any Nonrecoverable Advances (plus interest thereon) and to pay the Property Management Fee, the Back-Up Fee, any Special Servicing Fee and any Emergency Property Expenses, (d) amounts required to be paid by an Issuer as lessor under the Leases in respect of franchise or similar taxes, (e) any amount received from a Tenant or Borrower as reimbursement for any cost paid by or on behalf of an Issuer as lessor or lender under any Lease or Mortgage Loan, and (f) any amounts collected by or on behalf of an Issuer as lessor or lender and held in escrow or impound to pay future obligations due under a Lease or Mortgage Loan, as applicable.

 

Back-Up Fee ”: With respect to each Mortgage Loan and Property, the monthly fee payable to the Back-Up Manager pursuant to Section 3.09(f) in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Back-Up Fee Rate and (ii) the Aggregate Series Principal Balance as of the related Determination Date.

 

Back-Up Fee Rate ”: With respect to each Property, a monthly rate equal to the product of (i) one-twelfth and (ii) 0.015%.

 

Back-Up Manager ”: As defined in the preamble.

 

Back-Up Servicing Transfer Date ”: As defined in Section 6.03(c).

 

Bankruptcy Code ”: The federal Bankruptcy Code of 1978, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time.

 

Borrower ”: The obligor or obligors on a Mortgage Note, including any Person that has acquired the related Collateral and assumed the obligations of the original obligor under the Mortgage Note.

 

4



 

Casualty and Condemnation Proceeds Sub-Account ”: A sub-account of the Collection Account into which shall be deposited insurance proceeds arising from an Insured Casualty and amounts received in connection with a Condemnation.

 

Change of Control ”: Either the acquisition of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of 35% or more of the common stock of STORE Capital by a single Person or group of related Persons or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of STORE Capital.

 

Collateral Defect ”: As defined in Section 2.03(a).

 

Collateral Value ”: As of any determination date (i) with respect to each Property owned by an Issuer not relating to a Hybrid Lease, such Property’s Appraised Value, (ii) with respect to a Property owned by an Issuer relating to a Hybrid Lease, the sum of (1) the appraised value of the land or ground lease interest in the land comprising such Property (as set forth in the most recent appraisal obtained in accordance with the definition of Appraised Value) and (2) the lesser of (a) the appraised value of the Improvements located on such Property (as set forth in the most recent appraisal obtained in accordance with the definition of Appraised Value) and (b) the outstanding principal balance of the loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, as applicable, on the Improvements located on, and ground lease interest in, such Property multiplied by the Allocated Hybrid Amount with respect to such Property and (iii) with respect to each Loan, the lesser of (1) the Appraised Value of the related Underlying Mortgaged Property or Underlying Mortgaged Properties and (2) the outstanding principal balance of such Loan.

 

Collection Accoun t”: The segregated account or accounts created and maintained by the Property Manager in the name of the Issuers pursuant to Section 3.02(d) and, in each case, pledged to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders, which shall be entitled “STORE Master Funding I, LLC, Blocked Collection Account” or, with respect to any account in the name of any other Issuer, such title as the Property Manager and the Indenture Trustee shall agree.

 

Collection Account Bank ”: As defined in Section 3.02(d) hereof.

 

Collection Period ”: With respect to any Payment Date, the period commencing on the day immediately following the Determination Date in the month immediately preceding the month in which such Payment Date occurs (or, in the case of the initial Payment Date, commencing on the Initial Closing Date) and ending with the Determination Date related to such Payment Date.

 

Condemnation ”: As defined in Section 3.20(a) hereof.

 

Condemnation Proceeds ”: All proceeds received in connection with the Condemnation of any Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease other than proceeds applied to the restoration of such Property or released to the related Tenant or Borrower

 

5



 

or the applicable Issuer in accordance with this Agreement or payable to the applicable Issuer in accordance with Section 3.20(b).

 

Consolidated ” (or “ consolidated ”) or “ Consolidating ” (or “ consolidating ”): When used with reference to any financial term in this Agreement, the aggregate for two or more Persons of the amounts signified by such term for all such Persons determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Corrected Unit ”: Any Property or Mortgage Loan that had been a Specially Managed Unit but with respect to which (a) as of the date of determination, no circumstance identified in clauses (i) through (v) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” then exists and (b) one or more of the following as are applicable occur:

 

(i)            if a circumstance described in clause (i) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” previously existed with respect to such Property or Mortgage Loan, such condition shall have ceased to exist and the related Tenant or Borrower has made two consecutive full and timely Monthly Lease Payments or Monthly Loan Payments under the terms of the related Lease or Mortgage Loan (as such terms may be changed or modified in connection with a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving the related Tenant or Borrower or by reason of a modification, waiver or amendment granted or agreed to by the Special Servicer);

 

(ii)           if a default described in clause (ii) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” previously existed with respect to such Property or Mortgage Loan, such default is cured;

 

(iii)          if a circumstance described in clause (iii) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” previously existed with respect to such Property or Mortgage Loan, such circumstances cease to exist in the good faith and reasonable judgment of the Special Servicer;

 

(iv)          if a circumstance described in clause (iv) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” previously existed with respect to such Property or Mortgage Loan, a Lease or Mortgage Loan is entered into with respect to such Property in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

 

(v)           if the Property Manager previously received the notice described in clause (v) of the definition of the term “Specially Managed Unit” with respect to such Property or Mortgage Loan, the Property Manager receives notice that the related Tenant or Borrower will resume making Monthly Lease Payments under such Tenant’s Lease or Monthly Loan Payments under such Borrower’s Mortgage Loan and such Tenant or Borrower has made two consecutive full and timely Monthly Lease Payments or Monthly Loan Payments or under the terms of the related Lease or Mortgage Loan (as such terms may be changed or modified in connection with a bankruptcy or similar proceeding

 

6



 

involving the related Tenant or Borrower or by reason of a modification, waiver or amendment granted or agreed to by the Special Servicer).

 

Custody Agreement ”: The Second Amended and Restated Custody Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014, as may be amended from time to time, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, the Indenture Trustee, the Custodian and each joining party thereto, each such joining party, as an Issuer.

 

Default Interest ”: With respect to any (i) Lease, any amounts collected thereon (other than late payment charges or amounts representing the Third Party Option Price paid by the related Tenant or any third party) that represent penalty interest accrued at the rate specified in such Lease and (ii) Mortgage Loan, any amounts collected thereon (other than late payments, late payment charges or Yield Maintenance Premiums) that represent penalty interest in excess of interest on the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan accrued at the related Interest Rate.

 

Defaulted Asset ”: Any Mortgage Loan or Lease and Property included in the Collateral Pool (a) with respect to which a Monthly Lease Payment or Monthly Loan Payment is overdue for more than 30 consecutive days (without taking into account the required giving of notices under such Lease or Mortgage Loan), or (b) with respect to which the related Tenant or Borrower is otherwise in default beyond any applicable notice, grace or cure period, and which Lease or Mortgage Loan has not been rejected in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding.

 

Defaulting Party ”: As defined in Section 6.02(b).

 

Deficiency ”: As defined in Section 4.01(f).

 

Delinquent Asset ”: Any Mortgage Loan or Lease and Property included in the Collateral Pool (other than a Defaulted Asset), with respect to which any Monthly Loan Payment or Monthly Lease Payment, as applicable, is overdue for more than 60 consecutive days (without taking into account the required giving of notices under such Lease or Mortgage Loan), and which Lease or Mortgage Loan has not been rejected in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding.

 

Determination Date Report ”: As defined in Section 4.01(a).

 

Document Defect ”: As defined in Section 2.02(c).

 

Due Date ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan or Lease, the day of each calendar month on which the Monthly Loan Payment or Monthly Lease Payment, as applicable, with respect thereto is due.

 

Emergency Property Expenses ”: As defined in Section 3.03(e).

 

7



 

Environmental Insurer ”: Any Qualified Insurer that issues Environmental Policies relating to any of the Mortgage Loans or Properties.

 

Environmental Policy ”: Any insurance policy issued by an Environmental Insurer, together with any endorsements thereto, providing insurance coverage for losses, with respect to certain Mortgage Loans or Properties, caused by the presence of Hazardous Substances on, or the migration of Hazardous Substances from, the related Properties.

 

Escrow Payment ”: Any payment received by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer for the account of any Tenant or Borrower for application toward the payment of real estate taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, ground rents (if applicable) and similar items in respect of the related Property.

 

Exchange Act ”: Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Exchanged Assets ”: Collectively, all Exchanged Loans, Exchanged Properties and Exchanged Hybrid Leases.

 

Exchanged Hybrid Lease ”: A Hybrid Lease that is exchanged for a Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Hybrid Property in a transaction with a third party or an Affiliate of STORE Capital and subject to the conditions and limitations described in this Agreement.

 

Exchanged Loan ”: A Mortgage Loan that is exchanged for a Qualified Substitute Property or Qualified Substitute Loan, in each case, in a transaction with a third party or an Affiliate of STORE Capital and subject to the conditions and limitations described in this Agreement.

 

Exchanged Property ”: A Property and the related Lease not relating to a Hybrid Lease that is exchanged for a Qualified Substitute Property in a transaction with a third party or an Affiliate of STORE Capital and subject to the conditions and limitations described in this Agreement.

 

Fair Market Value ”: At any time, a price determined by the Property Manager (or by the Special Servicer with respect to a Specially Managed Unit) in accordance with the Servicing Standard to be the most probable price that the related Lease, Mortgage Loan or Property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus, plus any unreimbursed Advances, Emergency Property Expenses, Liquidation Fees, Workout Fees, Special Servicing Fees and Extraordinary Expenses (plus interest thereon as applicable), in each case, related to such Lease, Mortgage Loan or Property. In making any such determination, the Property Manager or Special Servicer may obtain an MAI appraisal of the related Property and shall assume the consummation of a sale as of a specified date (and, with respect to Properties not securing Mortgage Loans, the passing of title from the seller to the buyer) under conditions whereby: (i) the buyer and the seller are typically motivated;

 

8



 

(ii) both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their best interests; (iii) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; (iv) payment is made in terms of cash in United States dollars or in financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (v) the price represents the normal consideration for such Lease, Mortgage Loan or Property unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” or “ FCCR ”: The fixed charge coverage ratio for a Tenant determined in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit I attached hereto.

 

FNMA ”: Federal National Mortgage Association or any successor.

 

GAAP ”: Generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States, consistently applied, as of the date of such application.

 

General Receipts Account ”: The account or accounts created and maintained pursuant to Section 3.02(b).

 

General Receipts Account Bank ”: As defined in Section 3.02(b).

 

Ground Lease ”: With respect to any Property, the lease agreement, if any, between the Ground Lessor thereof and the applicable Issuer with respect to the land comprising such Property.

 

Ground Lessor ”: The fee owner (or intermediate lessor) of the land with respect to any Property which is subject to a Ground Lease.

 

Hazardous Substances ”: As defined in Section 3.23(a).

 

Hybrid Lease ”: A transaction pursuant to which the related Issuer acquires fee title to or a ground lease interest in the underlying real property (with no fee interest in the Improvements located on such real property) and (i) as ground lessor, enters into a ground lease with respect to a Property and, simultaneously, (ii) as lender, makes a loan to the entity that is the ground lessee under such ground lease, or an affiliate thereof, secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, as applicable, on such ground lessee’s fee or leasehold interest in the Improvements located on the related Property and leasehold interest in the real property subject to such ground lease.

 

Hybrid Lease FCCR ” The aggregate FCCR for all Properties under a Hybrid Lease, which includes the sum of all cash flows for all of the Properties and related Leases and loan components under such Hybrid Lease. Only one Hybrid Lease FCCR is reported for each Hybrid Lease that is included in the Collateral Pool.

 

Improvements ”: The buildings, structures, fixtures, additions, enlargements, extensions, modifications, repairs, replacements and improvements erected or located on the related Property.

 

9



 

Indenture ”: The Third Amended and Restated Master Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2014, between STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC and the Indenture Trustee, and any supplement thereto relating to the issuance of any series of Notes, including all amendments and supplements thereto.

 

Insurance Proceeds ”: Proceeds paid under any Property Insurance Policy, to the extent such proceeds are not applied to the restoration of the related Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease in accordance with this Agreement or payable to the Issuers pursuant to Section 3.19(b)(i).

 

Insured Casualty ”: As defined in Section 3.19(a).

 

Interest Accrual Period ”: With respect to each Due Date related to any Mortgage Loan, the period specified in the related Loan Documents.

 

Interest Rate ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, the annualized rate at which interest is scheduled (in the absence of a default) to accrue on such Mortgage Loan from time to time during any Interest Accrual Period in accordance with the related Mortgage Note and applicable law, as such rate may be modified in accordance with this Agreement or in connection with a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding involving the related Borrower.

 

Issuance Date ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, the applicable Series Closing Date.

 

Joinder Agreement ”: With respect to any Series of Notes, the Joinder Agreement, dated as of the applicable Series Closing Date, among the applicable Joining Party, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager, substantially in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto.

 

Joining Party ”: Any STORE SPE, as indicated in the applicable Joinder Agreement.

 

Land and Building Lease ”: A lease pursuant to which land, buildings and other Improvements are leased by a Tenant from the related land and building lessor.

 

Lease ”: Each lease listed on the Owned Property Schedule from time to time. As used herein and in the other Transaction Documents, the term “Lease” includes (i) the related lease agreement and all amendments, modifications and waiver agreements related thereto and (ii) with respect to a Hybrid Lease, the ground lease and any sublease related to such Hybrid Lease and the loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, as applicable, on the Improvements on, and the leasehold interest in, the Property subject to such ground lease.

 

Lease Documents ”: Any related lease agreement, non-disturbance agreement, guaranty or other agreement or instrument, to the extent made for the benefit of the related Originator.

 

10


 

Lease Expiration Date ”: With respect to any Lease, the date specified in such Lease (as in effect on the Initial Closing Date or, if later, the date such Lease was first included in the Collateral Pool) on which the term of the Lease expires or such earlier date on which the Tenant has an option to terminate the Lease (as in effect on the Initial Closing Date or, if later, the date such Lease was first included in the Collateral Pool), without regard to any unexercised options to renew or extend such Lease or change in or modification of such terms in connection with a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving the related Tenant or a modification, waiver, extension or amendment of such Lease granted or agreed to by the Special Servicer pursuant to Section 3.16.

 

Lease File ”: With respect to each Property and the related Lease, the following documentation:

 

(i)                                      the executed original of the Lease and any amendment, modification, waiver agreement or instrument related thereto or a copy thereof certified to be true, correct and complete by the related Issuer;

 

(ii)                                   the executed original of any Lease Guaranty and any amendment, modification, waiver agreement or instrument related thereto to the extent in the possession of the related Issuer or a copy thereof certified to be true, correct and complete by such Issuer;

 

(iii)                                a file stamped copy of any UCC Financing Statements in favor of the Indenture Trustee required to be filed with respect to such Property in order to perfect the Indenture Trustee’s lien with respect to such Lease or, if a file stamped copy has not been returned from one applicable filing office, a copy of such UCC Financing Statement as certified by the Property Manager to be a true and complete copy of the original that will be submitted for recording;

 

(iv)                               the executed original recorded Mortgage and any assignment thereof in favor of the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, with respect to the related Property, or, if such original Mortgage and/or any assignment thereof has not been returned from the applicable public recording office, a complete copy thereof delivered by the related Originator or the related Issuer or any applicable title company that closed or is closing such Mortgage as a true and complete copy of the original thereof submitted for recording (which delivery shall be deemed to be a certification by such Originator and such Issuer that such copy is a true and complete copy of the original submitted for recording);

 

(v)                                  an original or copy of the lender’s title insurance policy relating to the Mortgage for such Property, together with all riders thereto showing the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, and its successors and assigns as the named insured, or, with respect to each Property as to which a title insurance policy has not yet been issued, a policy meeting the foregoing description as evidenced by a commitment for title insurance “marked up” together with a closing

 

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instruction letter setting forth such requirements of the lender’s title insurance policy (or by “pro-forma” otherwise agreed to by the title company) as of the closing date of the acquisition of such Property;

 

(vi)                               a Tenant estoppel certificate, if any, to the extent in the possession of the related Issuer or the related Originator, in which the Tenant acknowledges that the Lease is in full force and effect, that the lessor is not in default under the terms of the Lease, and that no circumstances currently exist that would give the Tenant the right to abate or offset its rent;

 

(vii)                            evidence of insurance showing the related Issuer or its Affiliate as the insured or an additional insured party under certain casualty insurance policies, if any;

 

(viii)                         with respect to any Lease to a franchisee, a copy of the related franchise agreement, to the extent in the possession of the related Issuer or the related Originator;

 

(ix)                               the SNDA, if any, for each Lease existing as of the date of this Agreement or the related Transfer Date, as applicable;

 

(x)                                  any property zoning reports;

 

(xi)                               the related Ground Lease, if any, and any amendment, modification, waiver agreement or instrument related thereto, together with the applicable Ground Lessor estoppel;

 

(xii)                            an appraisal of the Property, including information on rental rates and lease terms for comparable space, recent sales of comparable properties, and recent sales of unimproved land with similar zoning;

 

(xiii)                         environmental reports, if applicable;

 

(xiv)                        a copy of the environmental insurance policy, if applicable, together with the original assignment thereof to the Indenture Trustee;

 

(xv)                           a survey of the Property;

 

(xvi)                        property condition report, if applicable;

 

(xvii)                     any purchase option agreements, to the extent not included in the Lease;

 

(xviii)                  with respect to any Ground Lease, an assignment of Ground Lease, if any, and a non-disturbance agreement from the Ground Lessor and the fee mortgagee, if any;

 

(xix)                        all original letters of credit, if any;

 

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(xx)                           with respect to a Hybrid Lease, the documents set forth in the definition of “Loan File” contained herein; and

 

(xxi)                        a checklist of the foregoing documents;

 

provided , that (x) no assignment of any of the foregoing documents in favor of the Indenture Trustee shall be considered to be effective until the applicable Series Closing Date, notwithstanding any earlier date on any such assignment, (y) whenever the term “Lease File” is used to refer to documents actually received by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or the Custody Agreement, such term shall not be deemed to include such documents required to be included therein unless they are actually so received and (z) whenever the term “Lease File” is used in connection with any receipt or certification by the Custodian for documents described in clauses (ii), (vi), (vii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xiii), (xiv), (xvii), (xviii) and (xix) of this definition, such term shall be deemed to include such documents and any amendment, modification, waiver, agreement or instrument related thereto, only to the extent that a Responsible Officer of the Custodian has actual knowledge of their existence.

 

Lease Guarantor ”: Any guarantor under a Lease Guaranty.

 

Lease Guaranty ”: With respect to any Lease, the guaranty related to such Lease executed by an Affiliate or parent of the Tenant in favor of the lessor.

 

Lease Transfer Property ”: As defined in Section 7.03.

 

Liquidated Lease ”: A Defaulted Asset that is a Lease with respect to which the related Property has been either re-leased or sold, or any Lease related to a Property purchased from the applicable Issuer or disposed of by such Issuer pursuant to an exchange, whether or not terminated because of a default by the Tenant.

 

Liquidation Fee ”: A liquidation fee payable to the Special Servicer with respect to (a) each Mortgage Loan, Lease or Property repurchased by an Issuer or the Support Provider due to a Collateral Defect if purchased after the applicable cure period, (b) any Specially Managed Unit as to which the Special Servicer obtains a full, partial or discounted payoff for some or all of the Allocated Loan Amount of the Property from the related Tenant or Mortgage Loan from the related Borrower, or (c) any Specially Managed Unit as to which the Special Servicer recovered any Liquidation Proceeds; provided, that no Liquidation Fee will be payable from any Liquidation Proceeds collected in connection with the purchase of any Specially Managed Unit related to a Specially Managed Unit by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer.

 

Liquidation Proceeds ”: All net proceeds realized by the applicable Issuer, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in respect of the purchase or sale of a Mortgage Loan or Property.

 

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Loan Documents ”: With respect to each of the Mortgage Loans, the related loan agreement, if any, and Mortgage Note, and any related Mortgage, Ground Lease or Land and Building Lease, as applicable, Loan Guaranty or other agreement or instrument, to the extent made for the benefit of the related lender or holder of the Mortgage Note.

 

Loan File ”: With respect to each Mortgage Loan and the loan component of each Hybrid Lease, the following documentation:

 

(i)                                      the original Mortgage Note endorsed, without recourse, to the order of the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent or in blank and bearing all intervening endorsements;

 

(ii)                                   the original of the Mortgage and, if applicable, the originals of any intervening recorded assignments thereof showing a complete chain of assignment from the Originator of the Mortgage Loan to the most recent assignee of record thereof, if any, in each case with evidence of recording indicated thereof or, if any such original Mortgage or assignment has not been returned from the applicable public recording office, a copy thereof as a true and complete copy of the original thereof submitted for recording (which delivery shall be deemed to be a certification by such Originator and the related Issuer that such copy is a true and complete copy of the original submitted for recording);

 

(iii)                                originals or copies of any other documents related to the Mortgage Loan (other than the Mortgage Note and Mortgage described in clauses (i) and (ii) above) and copies of any related UCC Financing Statements filed under the UCC as in effect in any jurisdiction, if any, together with originals or copies of any intervening assignments of such Loan Documents and UCC Financing Statements, with evidence of filing indicated on each such UCC Financing Statement and assignment thereof;

 

(iv)                               original letters of credit, if any;

 

(v)                                  an original assignment of the related Mortgage, in favor of the Collateral Agent and in recordable form, to the extent applicable;

 

(vi)                               an original omnibus assignment of the documents related to the Mortgage Loan (other than the Mortgage described in clause (v) above) in favor of the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, (or in blank), together with original assignments of any related UCC Financing Statements in favor of the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, and in a form suitable for filing;

 

(vii)                            originals or copies of all assumption, modification and substitution agreements in those instances where the terms of any related loan document have been modified or the Mortgage Loan has been assumed, together with any evidence of recording thereon or that such document has been submitted for recording, when appropriate;

 

(viii)                         originals or copies of all Ground Leases, if any, the related Ground Lease estoppels and amendments thereof;

 

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(ix)                               the original or a copy of the lender’s title insurance policy, together with all endorsements or riders (or copies thereof) that were issued with or subsequent to the issuance of such policy, insuring the priority of the Mortgage as a first lien on the related Property or, with respect to each Mortgage Loan as to which a title insurance policy has not yet been issued, a policy meeting the foregoing description as evidenced by a commitment for title insurance “marked up” together with a closing instruction letter setting forth such requirements of the lender’s title insurance policy (or by “pro-forma” otherwise agreed to by the title company) as of the closing date of the Mortgage Loan;

 

(x)                                  a copy of any tenant or borrower estoppel certificate, if available;

 

(xi)                               a copy of the appraisal (whether in hard copy, electronic copy or CD-ROM format) containing the appraisal information for the related Property;

 

(xii)                            copies of environmental reports, if applicable;

 

(xiii)                         a copy of any environmental insurance policy, if applicable, together with the original assignment thereof to the Indenture Trustee;

 

(xiv)                        evidence of insurance showing the applicable Issuer or its Affiliate as the insured or an additional insured party under certain casualty insurance policies, if any;

 

(xv)                           the executed original of any Loan Guaranty and any amendment, modification, waiver agreement or instrument related thereto to the extent in the possession of the related Issuer or a copy thereof certified to be true, correct and complete by such Issuer;

 

(xvi)                        a checklist of the foregoing documents;

 

provided, that (x) no assignment of any of the foregoing documents in favor of the Indenture Trustee shall be considered to be effective until the applicable Series Closing Date, notwithstanding any earlier date on any such assignment, (y) whenever the term “Loan File” is used to refer to documents actually received by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or the Custody Agreement, such term shall not be deemed to include such documents required to be included therein unless they are actually so received and (z) whenever the term “Loan File” is used in connection with any receipt or certification by the Indenture Trustee for documents described in clauses (iii), (iv), (vii), (viii), (ix) (only as it relates to endorsements or riders with respect thereto), (x), (xii), (xiii), (xiv) and (xv) of this definition, such term shall be deemed to include such documents and any amendment, modification, waiver, agreement or instrument related thereto, only to the extent that a Responsible Officer of the Custodian has actual knowledge of their existence.

 

Loan Guarantor ”: Any guarantor under a Loan Guaranty.

 

Loan Guaranty ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, the guaranty related to such Mortgage Loan executed by an Affiliate or parent of the Borrower in favor of an Issuer.

 

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Lockbox Transfer Account ”: The account or accounts created and maintained pursuant to Section 3.02(c).

 

Lockbox Transfer Account Bank ”: As defined in Section 3.02(c).

 

MAI ”: A designation signifying that the designee is a member of the Appraisal Institute.

 

Master Lease FCCR ”: The aggregate FCCR for all Properties under a master lease, which includes the sum of all cash flows for all of the Properties under such master lease. Only one Master Lease FCCR is reported for each master lease that is included in the Collateral Pool.

 

Midland ”: Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association.

 

Modified Collateral Detail and Realized Loss Report ”: As defined in Section 4.01(c).

 

Monthly DSCR ”: With respect to any Determination Date, the quotient, expressed as a ratio, of (i) the sum of the Monthly Lease Payments, Monthly Loan Payments and any income earned from the investment of funds on deposit in the Collection Account and the Release Account in Permitted Investments during the related Collection Period, and (ii) the Total Debt Service for the related Payment Date.

 

Monthly Lease Payment ”: With respect to any Lease, the fixed or “base” rent monthly payment that is actually payable by the related Tenant from time to time under the terms of such Lease (excluding any Percentage Rent), after giving effect to any provision of such Lease providing for periodic increases in such fixed or “base” rent by fixed percentages or dollar amounts or by percentages based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.

 

Monthly Loan Payment ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, the scheduled monthly payment of principal and interest on such Mortgage Loan that is or would be, as the case may be, payable by the related Borrower on each Due Date under the terms of the related Mortgage Note as in effect on the applicable Series Closing Date or, if otherwise applicable, such date such Mortgage Loan was first included in the Collateral Pool, without regard to any subsequent change in or modification of such terms in connection with a bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving the related Borrower or a modification, waiver or amendment of such Mortgage Loan granted or agreed to by the Special Servicer pursuant to this Agreement, and assuming that each prior Monthly Loan Payment has been made in a timely manner.

 

Mortgage Loan ”: Each fixed- and adjustable-rate, monthly pay, first lien, commercial mortgage loan, as listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule and from time to time included in the Collateral Pool.

 

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Mortgage Loan Schedule ”: The list of Mortgage Loans identified on an exhibit or schedule to each applicable Series Supplement in connection with the issuance of a related Series of Notes. Such list shall set forth the following information with respect to each Mortgage Loan:

 

(i)                                  the identification number for the related Property;

 

(ii)                               the street address (including city, state and zip code) of the related Property;

 

(iii)                            the related Issuer loan number and name of Borrower;

 

(iv)                           the Appraised Value of the related Property;

 

(v)                              the Mortgage Loan’s maturity date, if applicable;

 

(vi)                           the concept of the related Property; and

 

(vii)                        the Allocated Loan Amount.

 

Mortgage Note ”: The original executed note evidencing the indebtedness of a Borrower under a Mortgage Loan, together with any rider, addendum or amendment thereto, or any renewal, substitution or replacement of such note.

 

Net Default Interest ”: With respect to any (i) Lease, any Default Interest collected thereon, net of any Advance Interest accrued on Advances made in respect of such Lease and reimbursable from such Default Interest in accordance with Section 2.11 of the Indenture and (ii) Mortgage Loan, any Default Interest collected thereon, net of any Advance Interest accrued on Advances made in respect of such Mortgage Loan and reimbursable from such Default Interest in accordance with Section 2.11 of the Indenture.

 

Net Investment Earnings ”: The amount by which the aggregate of all interest and other income realized during a Collection Period on funds held in the Collection Account, Release Account and any other accounts established under the Indenture from time to time, if any, exceeds the aggregate of all losses, if any, incurred during such Collection Period in connection with the investment of such funds in accordance with Section 3.05.

 

Net Worth ”: With respect to STORE Capital, the excess of total assets of STORE Capital over total liabilities of STORE Capital, adding back accumulated depreciation but excluding the impact of “other comprehensive income”, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Nonrecoverable Advance ”: Any portion of an Advance previously made or proposed to be made which, in the case of an Advance previously made, has not been previously reimbursed to the Property Manager or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, and which the Property Manager, in accordance with the terms hereof, or the Indenture Trustee, in its sole

 

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discretion exercised in good faith, as applicable, determines, taking into account amounts that may be collected or realized on such Mortgage Loans, Properties or Leases prior to final liquidation and Liquidation Proceeds, will not, or, in the case of a proposed Advance, would not, be ultimately recoverable together with interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate from amounts to be deposited in the Collection Account under the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Mortgage Loans, Properties or Leases (including, without limitation, payments by the Tenants and Borrowers and collections under the related Leases and Mortgage Loans, Default Interest and late payment fees, Insurance Proceeds, Condemnation Proceeds, Liquidation Proceeds, and proceeds from the operation and servicing of such Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans), as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 3.03(f). In making any determination as to nonrecoverability pursuant to the provisions of the Transaction Documents following the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the Indenture, the Property Manager (including the Back-Up Manager, as successor Property Manager, and the Indenture Trustee, as applicable) may consider the limitations on its enforcement remedies.

 

Officer’s Certificate ”: A certificate signed by a Servicing Officer of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer or a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee or the applicable Issuer Member on behalf of an Issuer, as the case may be, and with respect to any other Person, a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, a Vice President or Assistant Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, or one of the Assistant Treasurers or Assistant Secretaries of such Person.

 

Opinion of Counsel ”: A written opinion of counsel (which shall be rendered by counsel that is Independent of the Issuers, the Issuer Members, the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer) in form and substance reasonably acceptable to and delivered to the addressees thereof.

 

Owned Property ”: Each parcel of real property listed on the Owned Property Schedule and from time to time included in the Collateral Pool. As used herein and in the other Transaction Documents, the term “Owned Property” when used with respect to a Hybrid Lease, includes the commercial real estate property subject to the ground lease and any sublease related to such Hybrid Lease but, other than with respect to the definition of Appraised Value, excludes any Improvements located on such property.

 

Owned Property Schedule ”: The list of Properties and related Leases identified on an exhibit or schedule to each applicable Series Supplement in connection with the issuance of a related Series of Notes. Such list shall set forth the following information with respect to each Lease:

 

(i)                                  the identification number for the Property;

 

(ii)                               the related Issuer lease number and name of the related Tenant;

 

(iii)                            the Lease Expiration Date for such Lease;

 

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(iv)                           the street address (including city, state and zip code) of such Property;

 

(v)                              the Appraised Value of such Property;

 

(vi)                           the concept operated on such Property; and

 

(vii)                        the Allocated Loan Amount.

 

P&I Advance ”: Any advance of principal and/or interest made by the Property Manager or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, pursuant to Section 3.03 of this Agreement. Each reference to reimbursement or payment of a P&I Advance shall be deemed to include, whether or not specifically referred to, payments or reimbursement of interest thereon at the Reimbursement Rate through the date of payments or reimbursement.

 

Payoff Amount ”: With respect to any Released Loan or Released Property, an amount equal to the Collateral Value of such Released Loan or Released Property, plus any unpaid Monthly Loan Payments or Monthly Lease Payments, as applicable, and any unreimbursed Advances, Emergency Property Expenses, Liquidation Fees, Workout Fees, Special Servicing Fees, Issuer Expenses, Back-Up Fees, Extraordinary Expenses (and any fees and expenses incurred in connection with such release) (in each case, plus interest thereon as applicable), in each case related to such Released Loan or Released Property or the related Lease.

 

Percentage Rent ”: With respect to any Lease, the rent thereunder, if any, calculated as a percentage of the total sales generated by the related Tenant at the related Property in excess of (or in lieu of, as applicable) the Monthly Lease Payments as provided in the applicable Lease.

 

Permitted Leases ”: Those Leases referenced on the Owned Property Schedule and any other Leases entered into in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Indenture and this Agreement.

 

Permitted Materials : As defined in Section 3.23(a).

 

Post-Closing Properties Adjustment Amount ”: The product of (A) the sum of the amounts described in clauses (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of the definition of Total Debt Service and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the balance of the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Series Principal Balance.

 

Primary Servicing Office ”: (i) With respect to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, the office of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the context may require, that is primarily responsible for such party’s servicing obligations hereunder and (ii) with respect to the Back-Up Manager, the office of the Back-Up Manager, as the context may require, that is primarily responsible for such party’s servicing obligations hereunder.

 

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Prime Rate ”: The “prime rate” published in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal , as such “prime rate” may change from time to time. If The Wall Street Journal ceases to publish the “prime rate,” then the Indenture Trustee shall select an equivalent publication that publishes such “prime rate”; and if such “prime rate” is no longer generally published or is limited, regulated or administered by a governmental or quasi-governmental body, then the Indenture Trustee shall select a comparable interest rate index. In either case, such selection shall be made by the Indenture Trustee in its sole discretion and the Indenture Trustee shall notify the Property Manager and the Special Servicer in writing of its selection.

 

Property ”: An Owned Property and/or an Underlying Mortgaged Property, as the context requires.

 

Property Insurance Policy ”: With respect to any Property, any hazard insurance policy, flood insurance policy, or other insurance policy that is maintained from time to time in respect of such Property (including, without limitation, any blanket insurance policy maintained by or on behalf of the applicable Issuer).

 

Property Management Fee ”: With respect to each Mortgage Loan and each Property owned by an Issuer, the monthly fee payable to the Property Manager pursuant to Section 3.09(a) in amount equal to the product of: (i) the Property Management Fee Rate and (b) the aggregate Allocated Loan Amount (as of the related Determination Date) of all Mortgage Loans and Properties in the Collateral Pool that did not relate to Specially Managed Units during the related Collection Period.

 

Property Management Fee Rate ”: With respect to each Lease and Mortgage Loan, a monthly rate equal to the product of (i) one-twelfth and (ii) 0.25%.

 

Property Manager ”: STORE Capital, in its capacity as property manager under this Agreement, or any successor property manager appointed as herein provided.

 

Property Manager Additional Servicing Compensation ”: The additional servicing compensation payable to the Property Manager pursuant to Section 3.09(b).

 

Property Protection Advances ”: With respect to the Leases, the Mortgage Loans and the Properties:

 

(i)                                  All customary, reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Property Manager (or, if applicable, the Back-Up Manager), in connection with servicing the Leases, the Properties and the Mortgage Loans, in accordance with the Servicing Standard and this Agreement, for the purpose of paying real estate taxes, premiums on Property Insurance Policies (not already paid pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Indenture, as confirmed by the applicable Issuer) and other amounts necessary to preserve or maintain the security interest and lien of the Indenture Trustee in, and value of, each related Property (including any costs and expenses necessary to

 

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re-lease such Property), Lease or Mortgage Loan (including costs and expenses related to collection efforts).

 

(ii)                               All customary, reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or Special Servicer in connection with the servicing of a Mortgage Loan after a default, delinquency or other unanticipated event, or in connection with the administration of any REO Property, including, but not limited to, the cost of (a) the preservation, insurance, restoration, protection and management of any Collateral, including the cost of any “force placed” insurance policy purchased by the Property Manager to the extent such cost is allocable to a particular item of Collateral that the Property Manager is required to cause to be insured pursuant to Section 3.06, (b) obtaining any Liquidation Proceeds (insofar as such Liquidation Proceeds are of the nature described in the definition thereof) or Insurance Proceeds in respect of any Collateral or REO Property, (c) any enforcement of judicial proceedings with respect to any Collateral, including foreclosures, and (d) the operation, management, maintenance and liquidation of any REO Property. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, “Property Protection Advances” shall not include allocable overhead of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, such as costs for office space, office equipment, supplies and related expenses, employee salaries and related expenses and similar internal costs and expenses.

 

Purchase Option ”: An option by a Tenant or other Person that is not an Affiliate of the applicable Issuer to purchase a Property pursuant to the related Lease.

 

Qualified Insurer ”: An insurance company or security or bonding company qualified to write the related Property Insurance Policy in the relevant jurisdiction.

 

Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease ”: A Hybrid Lease (A) acquired by an Issuer in substitution for any Exchanged Hybrid Lease that, on the date of such substitution, (i) relates to a Property or Properties that have aggregate Collateral Values that, when combined with the Collateral Values of all other Properties relating to Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans to be acquired by the Issuers on such date of substitution, is at least equal to the sum of (1) the Fair Market Value of all Exchanged Properties and (2) the Collateral Value of all Exchanged Loans and Exchanged Hybrid Leases on the date of substitution, (ii) complies, in all material respects, with all of the applicable representations and warranties made under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of substitution), (iii) has, together with all other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans to be acquired by the Issuers on such date, the same or greater aggregate Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments as the Exchanged Properties, Exchanged Hybrid Leases and Exchanged Loans, (iv) has a remaining term that, when combined with all other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans to be acquired on such date, has a weighted average remaining term that equals or exceeds the weighted average remaining term of the Exchanged Properties, Exchanged Hybrid Leases and Exchanged Loans for such date, (v) if applicable, has a Third Party Purchase Option Price that is not less than the sum of what the

 

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Allocated Loan Amounts of each Property relating to such Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease would be after giving effect to the substitution of such Hybrid Lease, (vi) when combined with all other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans since the most recent Issuance Date, does not cause the Weighted Average Unit FCCR of such Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans to be less than the Weighted Average Unit FCCR (measured as of the date of each respective substitution) of all Exchanged Properties, Exchanged Hybrid Leases and Exchanged Loans since the most recent Issuance Date, (vii) is a “triple-net” lease, and (viii) has an appraisal that meets the requirements set forth in the definition of Appraised Value and was obtained no more than (12) months prior to such substitution or (B) acquired by an Issuer with proceeds deposited in the Release Account that, on the date of such acquisition, (i) complies, in all material respects, with all of the applicable representations and warranties under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of acquisition), (ii) has a remaining term that equals or exceeds the weighted average remaining term of the Released Properties and Released Loans, (iii) if applicable, has a Third Party Purchase Option Price that is not less than the sum of what the Allocated Loan Amounts of each Property relating to such Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease would be after giving effect to the substitution of such Hybrid Lease, (iv) is leased to the Tenant or Tenants who leased the related Released Property or to a different Tenant or Tenants whose Unit FCCR is greater than or equal to the then-current Unit FCCR, (v) is a “triple-net” lease and (vi) has an appraisal meeting the requirements set forth in the definition of Appraised Value that was obtained no more than (12) months prior to such substitution.

 

Qualified Substitute Loan ”: Any commercial real estate loan, acquired by an Issuer in substitution for an Exchanged Loan or with the proceeds (or a portion thereof) from the sale of a Released Loan and which, as of the date of the acquisition thereof (i) is secured by a Qualified Underlying Property, (ii) has a Collateral Value not less than the Collateral Value of the Released Loan or Exchanged Loan, (iii) has an Interest Rate not less than such Released Loan or Exchanged Loan, (iv) complies with all of the representations and warranties originally made with respect to such Released Loan or Exchanged Loan under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of substitution), (v) pays interest and, if applicable, principal on a monthly basis, (vi) has a maturity date that is not earlier than the related Released Loan or Exchanged Loan, and (vii) if such Released Loan is a balloon Loan, has a balloon payment that is not more than 5% larger than such Released Loan’s or Exchanged Loan’s balloon payment.

 

Qualified Substitute Property ”: A Property not relating to a Hybrid Lease and acquired by an Issuer (A) in substitution for any Exchanged Property, Exchanged Hybrid Lease or Exchanged Loan that, on the date of such substitution, (i) has a Collateral Value that, when combined with the Collateral Value of other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Loans and Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases to be acquired by such Issuer on such date of substitution, is at least equal to the sum of (1) the Fair Market Value of all Exchanged Properties and (2) the Collateral Value of all Exchanged Loans and Exchanged Hybrid Lease on the date of substitution, (ii) complies, in all material respects, with all of the representations and warranties made with respect to Properties under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of substitution), (iii) has, together with all other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified

 

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Substitute Loans and Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases to be acquired by such Issuer on such date, the same or greater aggregate Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments as the Exchanged Properties, Exchanged Hybrid Lease and Exchanged Loans, (iv) is leased pursuant to a Lease, that when combined with the Leases of all other Qualified Substitute Properties and Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and the Mortgage Loans of all other Qualified Substitute Loans to be acquired on such date, has a weighted average remaining term that equals or exceeds the weighted average remaining term of the Leases associated with the Exchanged Properties and Exchanged Hybrid Leases and the Mortgage Loans associated with the Exchanged Loans for such date, (v) if the Tenant thereof or any third party has an option to purchase such Qualified Substitute Property, the contractual amount of such Third Party Option Price is not less than what the Allocated Loan Amount of such Qualified Substitute Property would be after giving effect to the substitution of such Property, (vi) when combined with all other Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans since the most recent Issuance Date, does not cause the Weighted Average Unit FCCR of such Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Qualified Substitute Loans to be less than the Weighted Average Unit FCCR (measured as of the date of each respective substitution) of all Exchanged Properties, Exchanged Hybrid Leases and Exchanged Loans since the most recent Issuance Date, (vii) is leased pursuant to a “triple-net” lease, and (viii) has an appraisal that meets the requirements set forth in the definition of Appraised Value and was obtained no more than (12) months prior to such substitution or (B) with proceeds deposited in the Release Account that, on the date of such acquisition, (i) complies, in all material respects, with all of the representations and warranties made with respect to Properties under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of acquisition), (ii) is leased pursuant to a Lease that has a remaining term that equals or exceeds the weighted average remaining term of the Leases and Mortgage Loans associated with the Released Properties and Released Loans, (iii) if the Tenant thereof or any third party has an option to purchase such Qualified Substitute Property, the contractual amount of such Third Party Option Price is not less than what the Allocated Loan Amount of such Qualified Substitute Property would be after being acquired by such Issuer; (iv) is leased to a Tenant who leased the related Released Property or was the Borrower under the Released Loan, or to a different Tenant whose Unit FCCR is greater than or equal to the then-current Unit FCCR, (v) is leased pursuant to a “triple-net” lease and (vi) has an appraisal meeting the requirements set forth in the definition of Appraised Value that was obtained no more than (12) months prior to such substitution.

 

Qualified Underlying Property ” means any commercial real estate property securing a Qualified Substitute Loan, which, as of the date of the acquisition of such related Qualified Substitute Loan, (i) has a Fair Market Value or, when combined with the Fair Market Value of all Qualified Substitute Properties and all other Qualified Underlying Properties to be acquired on the date of such acquisition as substitution for the related Released Loan or Exchanged Loan, has a Fair Market Value in the aggregate, that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of the Property that secures such Released Loan or Exchanged Loan, and (ii) complies with all of the representations and warranties originally made with respect to the Property securing the related Released Loan or Exchanged Loan under the Indenture (with each date therein referring to the date of substitution).

 

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Reimbursement Rate ”: The rate per annum applicable to the accrual of Advance Interest, which rate per annum is equal to the Prime Rate plus 2.0%.

 

Release Account ”: The segregated account established and maintained by the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders and the Issuers for the deposit of cash proceeds from the sale of any Property or Mortgage Loan.

 

Release Price ”: With respect to any Released Property or Released Loan, an amount equal to (i) the Third Party Option Price, if the release occurs in connection with any Third Party Purchase Option, (ii) with respect to any Delinquent Asset or Defaulted Asset purchased by the Special Servicer or the Property Manager or any assignee thereof or any Released Property or Released Loan sold to a STORE SPE, the greater of (A) the Fair Market Value and (B) 125% of the Allocated Loan Amount, (iii) the Payoff Amount with respect to any Released Property or Released Loan released due to a Collateral Defect, or (iv) the Fair Market Value for any Released Property sold to a third party.

 

Released Asset ”: Any Released Loan or Released Property, as applicable.

 

Released Loan ”: As defined in Section 7.04.

 

Released Property ”: As defined in Section 7.04.

 

Remedial Work : As defined in Section 3.23(c).

 

Remittance Date ”: The Business Day preceding each Payment Date.

 

Removed Loan ”: A Released Loan or Exchanged Loan that has either been released or substituted that is removed from the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 2.03 and Article VII hereof.

 

Removed Property ”: A Released Property or Exchanged Property that has either been released or substituted and that is removed from the Collateral Pool pursuant to Section 2.03 and Article VII hereof.

 

REO Property ”: A Property acquired by or on behalf of an Issuer as “real estate owned” whether through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise.

 

REO Revenues ”: All income, rents, profits and proceeds derived from the ownership, operation or leasing of any REO Property.

 

Request for Release ”: A request signed by a Servicing Officer of the applicable Issuer or the Property Manager in the form of Exhibit B-l attached hereto or of such Issuer or the Special Servicer in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto.

 

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Required Conditions ”: With respect to any proposed substitution, release, exchange or lease transfer of a Property or Mortgage Loan, the Required Conditions will be satisfied if:

 

(i)                                  the applicable Issuer shall submit to the Indenture Trustee, not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of such release, a release of Lien of the Mortgage (and related Transaction Documents) for such Property or Mortgage Loan for execution by the Indenture Trustee. Such release shall be in a form appropriate in each jurisdiction in which the Property or Mortgage Loan is located. In addition, such Issuer shall provide all other documentation that is reasonably required to be delivered by any party hereto in connection with such substitution, release, exchange or lease transfer, together with an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such documentation (A) is in compliance with all Legal Requirements, and (B) will effect such release in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(ii)                               solely with respect to a proposed substitution, release, exchange or lease transfer of a Property, if the Property sought to be substituted, released, exchanged or have its lease transferred is located adjacent to another Property, after giving effect to such release, (A) each such remaining Property shall (1) have adequate rights of access to public ways, (2) be a “legal lot” under all Legal Requirements and be separately assessed for tax purposes, (3) comply with all Legal Requirements, including all applicable zoning ordinances and subdivision ordinances, (4) receive all public utilities directly from an adjoining public right-of-way, through another remaining Property or through valid easements insured under the Title Insurance Policies, and (5) not be subject to any material encroachment by Improvements on the Property so released, and (B) no material Improvements on any Property shall encroach onto the Property so released. Such Issuer shall have executed and delivered such reciprocal easements, declarations of covenants, conditions and restrictions and such other agreements as may be required by the title insurance company that issued the Title Insurance Policies or by any Governmental Authorities or as may be reasonably required by the Indenture Trustee; and

 

(iii)                            if the Property sought to be substituted, released, exchanged or have its lease transferred is subject to a Lease or Mortgage Loan that also covers any other Property, such Lease or Mortgage Loan shall be severed and amended so that, after giving effect to such release, no Property shall be subject to a Lease or Mortgage Loan that also affects any Property that is not subject to a Mortgage.

 

Risk-Based Substitution ”: The meaning specified in Section 7.06.

 

Servicer Replacement Event ”: The meaning specified in Section 6.01(a).

 

Servicing Fees ”: With respect to each Property and the related Lease or Mortgage Loan, the Property Management Fee, the Back-Up Fee, the Property Manager Additional Servicing Compensation, if any, the Special Servicing Fee, if any, and the Special Servicer Additional Servicing Compensation, if any.

 

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Servicing File ”: Any documents (other than documents required to be part of the related Lease File or Loan File) in the possession of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer and relating to the origination and servicing of any Mortgage Loan or Lease or the administration of any Property.

 

Servicing Officer ”: Any officer or employee of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer involved in, or responsible for, the administration, management and servicing of the Properties, Leases or Mortgage Loans, whose name and specimen signature appear on a list of Servicing Officers furnished by such party to the applicable Issuer Members, the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee on the related Series Closing Date, as such list may be amended from time to time.

 

Servicing Standard ”: To provide property management services for the Properties and to service the Mortgage Loans and the Leases (a) in the same manner in which, and with the same care, skill, prudence and diligence with which, STORE Capital, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, services and administers similar leases and properties and loans, including, without limitation, the granting of Permitted Encumbrances, for their own account and the account of their Affiliates or any third-party portfolios, to the extent applicable, or (b) in a manner normally associated with the prudent management and operation of similar properties, whichever standard is highest, and in each such case, in material compliance with all applicable laws, but without regard to: (i) any known relationship that the Property Manager or Special Servicer, or an Affiliate of the Property Manager or Special Servicer, may have with any Issuer, any Tenant, any Borrower, any of their respective Affiliates or any other party to the Transaction Documents; (ii) the ownership of any Note or Issuer Interest by the Property Manager or Special Servicer or any Affiliate of the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable; (iii) the Property Manager’s obligation to make Advances or to incur servicing expenses with respect to the Leases, Properties and Mortgage Loans; (iv) the Property Manager’s or Special Servicer’s right to receive compensation for its services; (v) the ownership, or servicing or management for others, by the Property Manager or Special Servicer of any other leases, commercial real properties or loans; (vi) the release, transfer or indemnification obligations of the Property Manager or Special Servicer; or (vii) the existence of any loans made to a Tenant by the Property Manager or Special Servicer or any Affiliate thereof.

 

Servicing Transfer Agreement ”: As defined in Section 5.04.

 

Servicing Transfer Date ”: As defined in Section 5.04.

 

Servicing Transfer Event ”: With respect to any Property, the occurrence of any of the events described in clauses (i) through (v) of the definition of “Specially Managed Unit.”

 

SNDA ”: A subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment agreement with respect to a Lease, which is in a form attached hereto as Exhibit E with such reasonable modifications as may be requested by the subject Tenant and are reasonably acceptable to the Indenture Trustee.

 

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Special Servicer ”: STORE Capital, in its capacity as special servicer under this Agreement, or any successor special servicer appointed as herein provided.

 

Special Servicer Additional Servicing Compensation ”: The additional servicing compensation payable to the Special Servicer pursuant to Section 3.09(d).

 

Special Servicer Report ”: As defined in Section 4.01(b).

 

Special Servicing Fee ”: With respect to each Specially Managed Unit, the monthly fee payable to the Special Servicer pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 3.09(c) in amount equal to the product of (i) the Special Servicing Fee Rate and (ii) the aggregate Allocated Loan Amount (as of the related Determination Date) of all Mortgage Loans and Properties in the Collateral Pool that did not relate to Specially Managed Units during the related Collection Period.

 

Special Servicing Fee Rate ”: With respect to each Specially Managed Unit, a monthly rate equal to the product of (i) one-twelfth and (ii) 0.75%.

 

Specially Managed Unit ”: Any Property or Mortgage Loan as to which any of the following events has occurred:

 

(i)                                  such Property or Mortgage Loan is a Delinquent Asset; or

 

(ii)                               such Property or Mortgage Loan is a Defaulted Asset, with respect to which the related default materially and adversely affects the interests of the applicable Issuer; or

 

(iii)                            there shall have been commenced in a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction an involuntary action against the Tenant or Borrower under any present or future federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or the appointment of a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities, or similar proceedings or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, which action shall not have been dismissed for a period of 90 days, and the subject Lease or Mortgage Loan has not been rejected in any related proceeding; or the Tenant or Borrower shall have consented to the appointment of a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings of or relating to the Tenant or Borrower or of or relating to all or substantially all of its property, and the subject Lease or Mortgage Loan has not been rejected in any related proceeding; or the Tenant or Borrower shall have admitted in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, filed a petition to take advantage of any applicable insolvency or reorganization statute, made an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or voluntarily suspend payment of its obligations, and the subject Lease or Mortgage Loan has not been rejected in any related proceeding; or

 

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(iv)                           the Lease or Mortgage Loan has expired, been terminated, or rejected in any bankruptcy or related proceeding; or

 

(v)                              the Property Manager receives notice that (A) a Tenant will no longer make Monthly Lease Payments under such Tenant’s Lease or (B) a Borrower will no longer make Monthly Loan Payments under such Borrower’s Mortgage Loan.

 

STORE Capital ”: STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, and its successors and assigns.

 

STORE SPE ”: Any special purpose, bankruptcy remote subsidiary (direct or indirect) of STORE Capital (other than any Originator).

 

Sub-Manager ”: Any Person with which the Property Manager or the Special Servicer has entered into a Sub-Management Agreement.

 

Sub-Management Agreement ”: The written contract between the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, on the one hand, and any Sub-Manager, on the other hand, relating to servicing and administration of Mortgage Loans, Leases and Properties, as provided in Section 3.18.

 

Subsidiary ”: Any other corporation, association, joint stock company, business trust, limited liability company, general or limited partnership or any other business entity of which more than 50% of the total combined outstanding voting stock, share capital, membership or other interests, as the case may be, is owned either directly or indirectly, or the management of which is controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by STORE Capital either directly or through Subsidiaries.

 

Successor Property Manager : As defined in Section 6.02.

 

Successor Special Servicer : As defined in Section 6.02.

 

Tenant ”: With respect to each Lease, the tenant under such Lease and any successor or assign thereof.

 

Terminated Lease Property ”: A Property, the Lease with respect to which has expired, has been terminated or has been rejected in a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding of the Tenant or from which the Tenant has been evicted or otherwise removed.

 

Third Party Option Price ”: With respect to any Property pursuant to which a Purchase Option is exercised, a cash price equal to the amount specified in the related Lease or other Lease Document, as applicable, as payable by a Tenant or other third party in connection with the exercise of such Purchase Option.

 

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Third Party Purchase Option ”: The option under a Lease for the related Tenant or another third party to purchase the related Property before or at the expiration of the term of the Lease for the Third Party Option Price.

 

Title Insurance Policies ”: With respect to each Property, an ALTA mortgagee title insurance policy in the customary form (or, if any Property is in a state which does not permit the issuance of such ALTA policy, such form as shall be permitted in such state) issued with respect to such Property and insuring the lien of the Mortgage encumbering such Property.

 

Total Debt Service ”: (a) The sum of (i) the Scheduled Principal Payment and Note Interest with respect to each Series of Notes (in each case, less any scheduled principal payment due on the related Anticipated Repayment Date with respect to such Series of Notes), (ii) the Property Management Fee, (iii) the Special Servicing Fee, if any, (iv) the Back-Up Fee, and (v) the Indenture Trustee Fee, each as accrued during the Collection Period ending on such Determination Date minus (b) the Post-Closing Properties Adjustment Amount. For the purpose of calculating “Monthly DSCR,” the Note Interest component of Total Debt Service shall, for each Series, be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

 

UCC ”: The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

UCC Financing Statement ”: One or more financing statements filed or recorded or in a form suitable for filing and recording under the UCC.

 

Underlying Mortgaged Property ”: Each parcel of real property securing a Mortgage Loan, including the buildings, structures, fixtures (to the extent not property of the related Tenant), additions, enlargements, extensions, modifications, repairs, replacements or Improvements now or hereinafter erected or located on such parcel and appurtenant easements and other property rights relating thereto.

 

Unit FCCR ”: The individual FCCR of a Property, an individual Lease or Mortgage Loan or, in the case of Master Leases, the Master Lease FCCR and, in the case of Hybrid Leases, the Hybrid Lease FCCR.

 

Unscheduled Proceeds ”: Collectively, without duplication, (i) Liquidation Proceeds and any other proceeds received by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer with respect to the disposition of a Property or a Mortgage Loan that is a Defaulted Asset, (ii) Insurance Proceeds, Condemnation Proceeds or amounts received in connection with an Insured Casualty, (iii) provided that such amounts are less than the Collateral Value of the related Property or Mortgage Loan, any Third Party Option Price received as a result of a Third Party Purchase Option, (iv) Payoff Amounts received in connection with releases and sales of Leases, Mortgage Loans and Properties, (v) any proceeds derived from each un-leased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including certain reimbursements payable to the Property Manager in connection with the operation and disposition of such un-leased Property), (vi) all amounts disbursed to the Payment Account from the DSCR Reserve Account, (vii) all amounts

 

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transferred from the Release Account to the Collection Account during the related Collection Period and (viii) any Post-Closing Acquisition Unused Proceeds.

 

Weighted Average Unit FCCR ”: An amount equal to the quotient of (i) the sum of the products of the Unit FCCRs and the Allocated Loan Amounts of each Property or Mortgage Loan in the Collateral Pool and (ii) the Aggregate Series Principal Balance.

 

Workout Fee ”: A fee payable to the Special Servicer with respect to each Corrected Unit. As to each such Corrected Unit, the Workout Fee will be payable out of, and will be calculated by application of 0.50% to, each collection of rents and principal and interest payments (other than any default interest) received on the related Lease or Mortgage Loan, as applicable, so long as it remains a Corrected Unit; provided, that no Workout Fee will be payable from any Liquidation Proceeds collected in connection with (i) the purchase of any Specially Managed Unit by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer or (ii) the repurchase of any Specially Managed Unit by the applicable Issuer or the Support Provider due to a Collateral Defect within the period provided to cure such Collateral Defect.

 

Yield Maintenance Premium ”: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, any premium, penalty or fee paid or payable, as the context requires, by a Borrower in connection with a principal prepayment on or other early collection of principal of a Mortgage Loan.

 

Section 1.02                              Other Definitional Provisions .

 

(a)                              All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein.

 

(b)                              As used in this Agreement and in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, accounting terms not defined in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document, to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent that the definitions of accounting terms in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document are inconsistent with the meanings of such terms under generally accepted accounting principles, the definitions contained in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document shall control.

 

(c)                               The words “hereof,” “herein,” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; Section and Exhibit references contained in this Agreement are references to Sections and Exhibits in or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; a reference to a subsection or other subdivision without further reference to a Section is a reference to such subsection or other subdivision as contained in the Section in which the reference appears; and the words “include” and “including” shall mean without limitation by reason of enumeration.

 

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(d)                              The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as the feminine and neuter genders of such terms.

 

(e)                               Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any instrument or certificate delivered in connection herewith means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented and includes (in the case of agreements or instruments) references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein; references to a Person are also to its permitted assignees.

 

Section 1.03                  Certain Calculations in Respect of the Leases and the Mortgage Loans.

 

(a)                              All amounts collected in respect of any Lease in the form of payments from the related Tenants, guaranties provided by related Lease Guarantors, Unscheduled Proceeds or otherwise shall be applied to amounts due and owing under the Lease in accordance with the express provisions of such Lease, and all amounts collected in respect of any Mortgage Loan in the form of payments from the related Borrower, guaranties provided by related Loan Guarantors or Unscheduled Proceeds shall be applied to amounts due and owing under the related Mortgage Note and Mortgage (including for principal and accrued and unpaid interest) in accordance with the express provisions of the related Mortgage Note and Mortgage; in the absence of such express provisions, shall be applied for purposes of this Agreement: (i) with respect to amounts collected in respect to any Lease, first , as a recovery of any related and unreimbursed Advances; and second , in accordance with the Servicing Standard, but subject to Section 1.03(c), as a recovery of any other amounts then due and owing under such Lease, including, without limitation, Percentage Rent and Default Interest; and (ii) with respect to amounts collected in respect of any Mortgage Loan, first, as a recovery of any related and unreimbursed Advances, second, as a recovery of accrued and unpaid interest at the related Interest Rate on such Mortgage Loan to but not including, as appropriate, the date of receipt or the Due Date in the Collection Period of receipt, third, as a recovery of principal of such Mortgage Loan then due and owing, including by reason of acceleration of the Mortgage Loan following a default thereunder (or, if a liquidation event has occurred in respect of such Mortgage Loan, a recovery of principal to the extent of its entire remaining unpaid principal balance), fourth, as a recovery of any Yield Maintenance Premium then due and owing under such Mortgage Loan, fifth, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, but subject to Section 1.03(c), as a recovery of any other amounts then due and owing under such Mortgage Loan, including Default Interest, and sixth, as a recovery of any remaining principal of such Mortgage Loan to the extent of its entire remaining unpaid principal balance. Any proceeds derived from an unleased Property (exclusive of related operating costs, including reimbursement of Advances made by the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Indenture Trustee in connection with the operation and disposition of such Property) shall be applied by the Property Manager in the same manner as if they were Monthly Lease Payments due on the previously existing Lease for such Property until such Lease becomes a Liquidated Lease pursuant to the terms of such Lease and the related Lease Documents.

 

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(b)                              Collections in respect of each REO Property (exclusive of amounts to be applied to the payment of the costs of operating, managing, maintaining and disposing of such REO Property) shall be treated: first, as a recovery of any related and unreimbursed Advances; second, as a recovery of accrued and unpaid interest on the related Mortgage Loan at the related Interest Rate to but not including the Due Date in the Collection Period of receipt; third, as a recovery of principal of the related Mortgage Loan to the extent of its entire unpaid principal balance; and fourth, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, but subject to Section 1.03(c), as a recovery of any other amounts deemed to be due and owing in respect of the related Mortgage Loan.

 

(c)                               Insofar as amounts received in respect of any Lease, Mortgage Loan or REO Property and allocable to fees and charges owing in respect of such Lease, Mortgage Loan or REO Property constituting Additional Servicing Compensation payable to the Property Manager or Special Servicer are insufficient to cover the full amount of such fees and charges, such amounts shall be allocated between such of those fees and charges as are payable to the Property Manager, on the one hand, and as are payable to the Special Servicer, on the other, pro rata in accordance with their respective entitlements.

 

(d)                              The foregoing applications of amounts received in respect of any Lease, Mortgage Loan or REO Property shall be determined by the Property Manager and reflected in the appropriate monthly Determination Date Report and any Modified Collateral Detail and Realized Loss Report.

 

(e)                               Notwithstanding the early termination of any Lease resulting from a default by the related Tenant, such Lease will be treated for purposes of determining Servicing Fees, Liquidation Fees, Workout Fees and Indenture Trustee Fees as remaining in effect until such Lease becomes a Liquidated Lease.

 

(f)                                Insofar as amounts received in respect of any Lease and allocable to fees and charges owing in respect of such Lease constituting Additional Servicing Compensation payable to the Property Manager or Special Servicer are insufficient to cover the full amount of such fees and charges, such amounts shall be allocated between such of those fees and charges as are payable to the Property Manager, on the one hand, and as are payable to the Special Servicer, on the other, pro rata in accordance with their respective entitlements.

 

(g)                               The foregoing applications of amounts received in respect of any Lease shall be determined by the Property Manager and reflected in the appropriate monthly Determination Date Report and Modified Collateral Detail and Realized Loss Reports.

 

Section 1.04                Fee Calculations .

 

The calculation of the Servicing Fees shall be made in accordance with Section 3.11; the payment of Indenture Trustee Fees shall be made pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. All dollar amounts calculated hereunder shall be rounded to the nearest penny with one-half of one penny being rounded up.

 

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ARTICLE II

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; RECORDINGS

AND FILINGS; BOOKS AND RECORDS; DEFECT,

BREACH, CURE, REPURCHASE AND SUBSTITUTION

 

Section 2.01                Representations and Warranties of STORE Capital, the Back-Up Manager and the Issuers.

 

(a)                              STORE Capital represents and warrants to the other parties hereto, and for the benefit of the Issuers, and the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders as of Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                  STORE Capital is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in compliance with the laws of each state (within the United States of America) in which any Property is located to the extent necessary to its performance under this Agreement;

 

(ii)                               The execution and delivery of this Agreement by STORE Capital, and the performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement by STORE Capital, do not violate its organizational documents or constitute an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default under, or result in the breach of, any material agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(iii)                            STORE Capital has the corporate power and authority to enter into and consummate all transactions to be performed by it contemplated by this Agreement, has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement, and has duly executed and delivered this Agreement;

 

(iv)                           This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the other parties hereto, constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of STORE Capital, enforceable against STORE Capital in accordance with the terms hereof, subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (B) general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

(v)                              STORE Capital is not in violation of, and its execution and delivery of this Agreement and its performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement will not constitute a violation of, any law, any order or decree of any court or arbiter, or any order, regulation or demand of any federal, state or local governmental or regulatory authority, which violation is likely to affect materially and adversely either the ability of STORE Capital to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of STORE Capital;

 

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(vi)                           No litigation is pending or, to STORE Capital’s knowledge, threatened against STORE Capital that is reasonably likely to be determined adversely to STORE Capital and, if determined adversely to STORE Capital, would prohibit STORE Capital from entering into this Agreement or that, in STORE Capital’s good faith and reasonable judgment, is likely to materially and adversely affect either the ability of STORE Capital to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of STORE Capital.

 

(vii)                        No consent, approval, authorization or order under any court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance by STORE Capital of, or the compliance by STORE Capital with, this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions of STORE Capital contemplated by this Agreement, except for any consent, approval, authorization or order that has been obtained or that if not obtained would not have a material and adverse affect on the ability of STORE Capital to perform its obligations hereunder; and

 

(viii)                     Each officer and employee of STORE Capital that has responsibilities concerning the management, servicing and administration of Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans is covered by errors and omissions insurance and the fidelity bond as and to the extent required by Section 3.06.

 

(b)                              The representations and warranties of STORE Capital set forth in Section 2.01(a) shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall inure to the benefit of the Persons to whom and for whose benefit they were made until all amounts owed to the Noteholders under or in connection with this Agreement, the Indenture and the Notes have been indefeasibly paid in full. Upon discovery by any party hereto of any breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties, the party discovering such breach shall give prompt written notice to the other parties.

 

(c)                               Any successor Property Manager or Special Servicer shall be deemed to have made, as of the date of its succession, each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.01(a), subject to such appropriate modifications to the representation and warranty set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i) to accurately reflect such successor’s jurisdiction of organization and whether it is a corporation, partnership, bank, association or other type of organization.

 

(d)                              The Back-Up Manager represents and warrants to the other parties hereto, and for the benefit of the Issuers, and the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders, as of each Series Closing Date:

 

(i)                                  The Back-Up Manager is an entity duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and is in compliance with the laws of each state (within the United States of America) in which any Property is located to the extent necessary to its performance under this Agreement;

 

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(ii)                               The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Back-Up Manager, and the performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement by the Back-Up Manager, do not violate its organizational documents or constitute an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default under, or result in the breach of, any material agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(iii)                            The Back-Up Manager has the corporate power and authority to enter into and consummate all transactions to be performed by it contemplated by this Agreement, has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement, and has duly executed and delivered this Agreement;

 

(iv)                           This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the other parties hereto, constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Back-Up Manager, enforceable against the Back-Up Manager in accordance with the terms hereof, subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (B) general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

(v)                              The Back-Up Manager is not in violation of, and its execution and delivery of, this Agreement and its performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement will not constitute a violation of, any law, any order or decree of any court or arbiter, or any order, regulation or demand of any federal, state or local governmental or regulatory authority, which violation is likely to affect materially and adversely either the ability of the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of the Back-Up Manager;

 

(vi)                           No litigation is pending or, to the Back-Up Manager’s knowledge, threatened (in writing received by the Back-Up Manager) against the Back-Up Manager, which if determined adversely to the Back-Up Manager, would prohibit the Back-Up Manager from entering into this Agreement or that, in the Back-Up Manager’s good faith and reasonable judgment, is likely to materially and adversely affect either the ability of the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of the Back-Up Manager;

 

(vii)                        No consent, approval, authorization or order under any court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Back-Up Manager of, or the compliance by the Back-Up Manager with, this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Back-Up Manager by this Agreement, except for any consent, approval, authorization or order that has been obtained or that if not obtained would not have a material and adverse affect on the ability of the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations hereunder; and

 

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(viii)                         The Back-Up Manager is covered by errors and omissions insurance and the fidelity bond as and to the extent required by Section 3.06.

 

(e)                                   Each Issuer hereby represents and warrants to each of the other parties hereto and for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Noteholders as of the related Series Closing Date on or after the date on which such Issuer becomes a party to this Agreement:

 

(i)                                      Such Issuer is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in compliance with the laws of each state (within the United States of America) in which any applicable Property is located to the extent necessary to its performance under this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Issuer, and the performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement by such Issuer, do not violate its organizational documents or constitute an event that, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default under, or result in the breach of, any material agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(iii)                                Such Issuer has the limited liability company power and authority to enter into and consummate all transactions to be performed by it contemplated by this Agreement, has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and any applicable Joinder Agreement, and has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and any applicable Joinder Agreement;

 

(iv)                               This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the other parties hereto, constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of such Issuer, enforceable against such Issuer in accordance with the terms hereof, subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and (B) general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

(v)                                  Such Issuer is not in violation of, and its execution and delivery of, this Agreement or any applicable Joinder Agreement and its performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement will not constitute a violation of, any law, any order or decree of any court or arbiter, or any order, regulation or demand of any federal, state or local governmental or regulatory authority, which violation is likely to affect materially and adversely either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of such Issuer;

 

(vi)                               No litigation is pending or, to such Issuer’s knowledge, threatened against such Issuer that is reasonably likely to be determined adversely to such Issuer and, if determined adversely to such Issuer, would prohibit such Issuer from entering into this Agreement or that, in such Issuer’s good faith and reasonable judgment, is likely to

 

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materially and adversely affect either the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the financial condition of such Issuer;

 

(vii)                            No consent, approval, authorization or order under any court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance by such Issuer of, or the compliance by such Issuer with, this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions of such Issuer contemplated by this Agreement, except for any consent, approval, authorization or order that has been obtained or that if not obtained would not have a material and adverse affect on the ability of such Issuer to perform its obligations hereunder;

 

(viii)                         Each officer and employee of such Issuer that has responsibilities concerning the management, servicing and administration of the applicable Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans is covered by errors and omissions insurance and the fidelity bond as and to the extent required by Section 3.06; and

 

(ix)                               To such Issuer’s knowledge, each of the Properties owned by such Issuer or securing a Mortgage Loan owned by such Issuer is a commercial property and is operated for commercial purposes.

 

The representations and warranties of each Issuer set forth in Section 2.01(e) shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and shall inure to the benefit of the Persons to whom and for whose benefit they were made for so long as such Issuer remains in existence. Upon discovery by any party hereto of any breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties, the party discovering such breach shall give prompt written notice to the other parties.

 

Section 2.02                       Recordings and Filings; Books and Records; Document Defects .

 

(a)                                  In connection with the Grant made by each Issuer to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the granting clause of the Indenture, each Issuer shall cause the delivery of the applicable Lease Files for the applicable Leases and the applicable Loan Files for the applicable Mortgage Loans to the Custodian in accordance with the Custody Agreement for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee in furtherance of such Grant and such Issuer shall cause: (i) with respect to the Properties owned by such Issuer: (A) each Mortgage, UCC Financing Statement and continuation statement referred to in the definition of “Lease File” herein to be submitted to the appropriate Title Company (as defined below) on or before the applicable Series Closing Date or Transfer Date for recording or filing, as the case may be, in the appropriate public office for real property records or for UCC Financing Statements, at the expense of such Issuer and (B) each title insurance binder or commitment referred to in the definition of “Lease File” herein to be issued as a final title insurance policy by the title companies (the “ Title Companies ”) issuing same (the “ Title Insurance Policies ”) and (ii) with respect to the Mortgage Loans owned by such Issuer, promptly (and in any event within 60 days following the applicable Series Closing Date or Transfer Date) each assignment of Mortgage in favor of the Collateral Agent referred to in clauses (v) and (vi) of the definition of “Loan File” in the Custody Agreement and each UCC

 

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Financing Statement on Form UCC-2 and UCC-3 in favor of the Collateral Agent referred to in clause (iii) of such definition to be submitted for recording or filing, as the case may be, in the appropriate public office for real property records or for UCC Financing Statements. Each such assignment and each Mortgage shall reflect that, following recording, it should be returned by the public recording office to the Custodian, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee (or to the Property Manager (or its designee), who shall then deliver such recorded document to the Custodian), and each such UCC Financing Statement shall reflect that the file copy thereof should be returned to the Custodian, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee (or to the Property Manager (or its designee), who shall then deliver such recorded document to the Custodian) following filing; provided, that in those instances where the public recording office retains the original Mortgage, assignment of Mortgage and Assignment of Leases, the Property Manager, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall obtain therefrom a certified copy of the recorded original. Each of the Title Companies issuing the Title Insurance Policies shall be instructed by the applicable Issuer to deliver such policies to the Custodian, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee. The Property Manager, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall use reasonable efforts to diligently pursue with the Title Companies the return of each of the Mortgages, assignments of Mortgages and UCC Financing Statements from the appropriate recording or filing offices and the delivery of the Title Insurance Policies by the related Title Company. If any such document or instrument is lost or returned unrecorded or unfiled, as the case may be, because of a defect therein, the Indenture Trustee or the Custodian shall notify the Property Manager and the Property Manager shall promptly prepare and cause to be executed a substitute therefor or cure such defect, as the case may be, and thereafter, the Property Manager shall cause the same to be duly recorded or filed, as appropriate. The Property Manager shall file any continuation statements necessary to continue the effectiveness of the UCC Financing Statements. The Indenture Trustee and the related Issuer shall cooperate as necessary for the Property Manager to perform such obligations.

 

(b)                                  Each Issuer shall deliver to and deposit with, or cause to be delivered to and deposited with, the Property Manager all documents and records in the possession of such Issuer or any related Originators that relate to the applicable Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans and that are not required to be a part of a Lease File or a Loan File in accordance with the definitions thereof, and the Property Manager shall hold all such documents and records in trust on behalf of the Indenture Trustee (in hard copy or electronic format). The Property Manager’s possession of such documents and records shall be at the will of the related Issuer and the Indenture Trustee for the sole purpose of facilitating the servicing of the applicable Leases, Mortgage Loans and Properties pursuant to this Agreement and such possession by the Property Manager shall be in a custodial capacity only on behalf of the Indenture Trustee. The ownership of such documents and records shall be vested in each Issuer, as applicable, subject to the lien of the Indenture, and the ownership of all documents and records with respect to the applicable Leases, Mortgage Loans and Properties that are prepared by or which come into possession of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall immediately vest in such Issuer, subject to the lien of the Indenture, and shall be delivered to and deposited with the Property Manager, in the case of documents or records in the hands of the Special Servicer, and retained and maintained in trust by the Property Manager in such custodial capacity only on behalf of the Indenture Trustee,

 

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except as otherwise provided herein. All such documents and records shall be appropriately maintained in a manner to clearly reflect the ownership of such documents and records by the applicable Issuer, subject to the lien of the Indenture, and that such documents and records are being held on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, and the Property Manager shall release such documents and records from its custody only in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   If any party hereto discovers that any document constituting a part of a Lease File or Loan File has not been properly executed, is missing, contains information that does not conform in any respect with the corresponding information set forth in the Owned Property Schedule or Mortgage Loan Schedule (and the terms of such document have not been modified by written instrument contained in the Lease File or the Loan File) or does not appear to be regular on its face (each, a “ Document Defect ”), such party shall give prompt written notice thereof to the other parties thereto. Upon its discovery or receipt of notice of any such Document Defect, the Property Manager shall notify the Issuers and any applicable Rating Agency. If the applicable Issuer does not correct any Document Defect within 90 days of its receipt of such notice and such Document Defect materially and adversely affects the value of, or the interests of such Issuer in, the related Lease, Property or Mortgage Loan, the Property Manager shall, on behalf of such Issuer, and subject to the provisions of Section 2.03 to the same extent as if such Document Defect were a Collateral Defect, exercise such rights and remedies as such Issuer may have under Section 2.03 with respect to such Document Defect in such manner as it determines, in its good faith and reasonable judgment, is in the best interests of such Issuer.

 

(d)                                  The Property Manager shall monitor the delivery of the Lease Files and the Loan Files to the Custodian, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the delivery of a commitment to issue a policy of owner’s title insurance in lieu of the delivery of the actual policy of owner’s title insurance shall not be considered a Document Defect with respect to any Lease File if such actual policy of insurance is delivered to the Custodian not later than 270 days after the Closing Date.

 

Section 2.03                   Repurchase or Transfer and Exchange for Document Defects, Collateral Defects and Breaches of Representations and Warranties .

 

(a)                                  If any party hereto discovers or receives notice that any document required to be included in any Loan File or Lease File is missing (after the date it is required to be delivered) or is otherwise deficient or that there exists a breach of any representation or warranty relating to any Mortgage Loan, Property or Lease set forth in Section 2.20, Section 2.21 or Section 2.22 of the Indenture and if such absence, deficiency or breach materially and adversely affects (a) the interests of the applicable Issuer in, or the value of, such Mortgage Loan, Property or Lease or (b) the collectability or enforceability of the Lease or Mortgage with respect to the Property (a “ Collateral Defect ”), the party discovering such Collateral Defect shall give prompt written notice thereof to the other parties hereto. Promptly upon becoming aware of any such Collateral Defect, the Property Manager shall request that such Issuer, not later than 60 days from the receipt by such Issuer of such request, (i) cure such Collateral Defect in all material

 

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respects, (ii) cause such Property, Lease or Mortgage Loan to be released from the Collateral in accordance with Section 7.04 of this Agreement, or (iii) substitute one or more Qualified Substitute Properties for the subject Property, one or more Qualified Substitute Properties or Qualified Substitute Loans for the subject Mortgage Loan or one or more Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases for the subject Hybrid Lease in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 7.01 of this Agreement; provided that if (i) such Collateral Defect is capable of being cured but not within such 60-day period, (ii) such Issuer has commenced and is diligently proceeding with the cure of such Collateral Defect within such 60-day period, and (iii) such Issuer shall have delivered to, the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee and the Custodian a certification executed on behalf of such Issuer by an officer thereof setting forth the reason such Collateral Defect is not reasonably capable of being cured within an initial 60-day period and what actions such Issuer is pursuing in connection with the cure thereof and stating that such Issuer anticipates that such Collateral Defect will be cured within an additional period not to exceed 60 more days, then such Issuer shall have up to an additional 60 days commencing on the 61st day from receipt by such Issuer of such request to complete such cure.

 

(b)                                  If an Issuer has elected to release or to substitute one or more of the Properties or Mortgage Loans and the Property Manager and/or such Issuer has delivered the Officer’s Certificates referenced in Sections 7.01 and 7.04, respectively, the Property Manager shall, and is hereby authorized and empowered by such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee to, prepare, execute and deliver in its own name, on behalf of such Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, or any of them, the endorsements, assignments and other documents contemplated by Section 7.01 or Section 7.04 necessary to effectuate an exchange or release pursuant to Section 2.03(a), and such Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver any limited powers of attorney substantially in the form of Exhibit D prepared by the Property Manager and necessary to permit the Property Manager to do so; provided , however , that none of the applicable Issuer, the applicable Issuer Member, the applicable Issuer board of managers, the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent shall be held liable for any misuse of any such power of attorney by the Property Manager and the Property Manager hereby agrees to indemnify such Issuer, such Issuer Member, such Issuer board of managers, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent against, and hold such Issuer, such Issuer Member, such Issuer board of managers, the Indenture Trustee and the Collateral Agent harmless from, any loss or liability arising from any misuse of such power of attorney. In connection with any such release or substitution by an Issuer, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as appropriate, shall concurrently deliver the related Lease File or Loan File, as applicable, to such Issuer.

 

(c)                                   Subject to the terms of the Guaranty, this Section 2.03 provides the sole remedies available to the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders with respect to any Collateral Defect. If any Issuer defaults on its obligations to release or substitute for any Property or Mortgage Loan as contemplated by Section 2.03(a), such default shall be deemed an Event of Default under the Indenture and the Property Manager shall promptly notify the Indenture Trustee and any applicable Rating Agency and shall take such actions with respect to the enforcement of such obligations, including the institution and prosecution of appropriate

 

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proceedings, and the Property Manager shall notify the Controlling Party of each Series of any proposed action and, prior to the Property Manager taking such action, such Controlling Parties shall consent to such action. Any and all expenses incurred by the Property Manager or the Indenture Trustee with respect to the foregoing shall constitute Property Protection Advances in respect of the affected Property or Mortgage Loan.

 

Section 2.04                       Non Petition Agreement .

 

Each Issuer will cause each party to any Purchase and Sale Agreement to covenant and agree that such party shall not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, any Issuer, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding, or any other proceeding under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.

 

ARTICLE III

 

ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF PROPERTIES, LEASES AND MORTGAGE

LOANS

 

Section 3.01                       Administration of the Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans .

 

(a)                                  Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall service and administer the Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans that it is obligated to service and administer pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of the Issuers and in the best interests and for the benefit of the Noteholders and the holders of the Issuer Interests (as a collective whole), in accordance with any and all applicable laws and the terms of this Agreement, the Property Insurance Policies and the respective Leases and Mortgage Loans and, to the extent consistent with the foregoing, in accordance with the Servicing Standard. Without limiting the foregoing, and subject to Section 3.18, (i) the Property Manager shall service and administer each Lease (and each related Property) and each Mortgage Loan as to which no Servicing Transfer Event has occurred and each Corrected Unit, and (ii) the Special Servicer shall service and administer each Lease (and each related Property) and each Mortgage Loan as to which a Servicing Transfer Event has occurred and that is not a Corrected Unit or has not been released from the Lien of the related Mortgage in accordance with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents; provided , however , that the Property Manager shall continue to collect information and prepare and deliver all reports to the Indenture Trustee and each Issuer required hereunder with respect to any Specially Managed Unit (and the related Mortgage or Leases), and further to render such incidental services with respect to any Specially Managed Unit as are specifically provided for herein. No direction, consent or approval or lack of direction, consent or approval of any Controlling Party or the Requisite Global Majority may (and the Special Servicer or the Property Manager will ignore and act without regard to any such advice or approval or lack of approval that the Special Servicer or the Property Manager has determined, in its reasonable, good faith judgment, would) (A) require or cause the Special Servicer or the Property Manager to violate applicable law, the Servicing Standard (unless STORE Capital is the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable) or the terms of any Mortgage Loan or any Lease or (B) expand

 

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the scope of the Property Manager’s or Special Servicer’s responsibilities under this Agreement. In addition, neither the Property Manager nor the Special Servicer, acting in its individual capacity, shall take any action or omit to take any action as lessor of any Property or holder of any Mortgage Loan if such action or omission would materially and adversely affect the interests of the Noteholders or the Issuer Interests, or any Issuer. None of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager shall be liable to the Indenture Trustee, any Noteholder or any other Person for following any direction of a Controlling Party hereunder.

 

(b)                                  Subject to Section 3.01(a), the Property Manager and the Special Servicer each shall have full power and authority, acting alone, to do or cause to be done any and all things in connection with such servicing and administration in accordance with the Servicing Standard. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, in its own name, with respect to each of the Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans it is obligated to service hereunder, is hereby authorized and empowered by the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee to execute and deliver, on behalf of each such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee: (i) any and all UCC Financing Statements, continuation statements and other documents or instruments necessary to maintain the lien created by any Mortgage or other security document in the related Lease File or Loan File on the related Collateral; (ii) in accordance with the Servicing Standard and subject to Section 3.16, any and all modifications, waivers, amendments or consents to or with respect to any documents contained in the related Lease File or Loan File, other than the Transaction Documents, (iii) subject to the Servicing Standard, all documents to be executed by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances and (iv) any and all instruments of satisfaction or cancellation, or of partial or full release or discharge, and all other comparable instruments. Subject to Section 3.08, each applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall, at the written request of a Servicing Officer of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, execute and deliver to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, any limited powers of attorney (substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto) and other documents furnished by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, and necessary or appropriate to enable it to carry out its servicing and administrative duties hereunder; provided , however , that none of the Issuers, the Issuer Members or the Indenture Trustee shall be held liable for any misuse of any such power of attorney by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer and each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer hereby agree to indemnify each Issuer, the Issuer Members and the Indenture Trustee against, and hold each Issuer, the Issuer Members and the Indenture Trustee harmless from, any cost, loss or liability arising from any misuse by of such power of attorney. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Property Manager shall not, without the Indenture Trustee’s written consent: (i) initiate any action, suit or proceeding solely under the Indenture Trustee’s name without indicating the Indenture Trustee’s representative capacity or (ii) take any action with the intent to cause, and which actually does cause, the Indenture Trustee to be registered to do business in any state.

 

(c)                                   Promptly after any request therefor, the Property Manager shall provide to the Indenture Trustee: (i) the most recent inspection report prepared or obtained by the Property

 

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Manager or the Special Servicer in respect of each Property pursuant to Section 3.10(a); (ii) the most recent available operating statement and financial statements of the related Tenant or Borrower collected by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer pursuant to Section 3.10(d), together with the accompanying written reports to be prepared by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 3.10(b); and (iii) any and all notices and reports with respect to any Property as to which environmental testing is contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

 

(d)                                  The relationship of each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee under this Agreement is intended by the parties to be and shall be that of an independent contractor and not that of a joint venturer, partner or agent.

 

Section 3.02                    Collection of Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments; General Receipts Accounts; Lockbox Transfer Accounts; Collection Account; Release Account .

 

(a)                                  Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall undertake reasonable efforts to collect all payments called for under the terms and provisions of the Leases and the Mortgage Loans it is obligated to service hereunder and shall, to the extent such procedures shall be consistent with this Agreement, follow such collection procedures as it would follow were it the owner of such Leases and Mortgage Loans. Consistent with the foregoing and the Servicing Standard, the Special Servicer or the Property Manager, as the case may be, may waive any Net Default Interest or late payment charge it is entitled to in connection with any delinquent payment on a Lease or Mortgage Loan it is obligated to service hereunder.

 

(b)                                  The Property Manager shall establish and maintain, or cause to be established and maintained, one or more accounts (each, a “ General Receipts Account ”) with one or more banks (each, a “ General Receipts Account Bank ”). On or prior to the applicable Series Closing Date (or, if later, the date the related Lease or Mortgage Loan is first included in the Collateral Pool), the Property Manager shall instruct each Tenant and Borrower to make all payments into a General Receipts Account. Each General Receipts Account shall (i) be maintained at an institution that satisfies the institutional requirements of clauses (i) or (ii) of the definition of Eligible Account or (ii) is otherwise acceptable to the Rating Agencies (as evidenced by written confirmation from such Rating Agencies) and may be an account to which payments relating to other assets serviced or managed by the Property Manager are paid; provided , that such account shall be in the nature of a clearing account and STORE Capital or any successor thereto (except for successor Property Managers not affiliated with STORE Capital) shall not have access to, or control over, such account. Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall, on or prior to each Series Closing Date (or, if applicable, such other date of acquisition), as to those Leases and Mortgage Loans it is obligated to service hereunder, instruct the related Tenant or Borrower to make all Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments to a General Receipts Account. The Property Manager shall cause all amounts deposited into the General Receipts Account with respect to the Collateral to be transferred to the Collection Account or the Lockbox Transfer Account within one Business Day

 

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after such funds have been identified, cleared and become available in accordance with the polices of the General Receipts Account Bank.

 

(c)                                   The Property Manager may establish and maintain one or more segregated accounts in the name of the Property Manager on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, held for the benefit of the Noteholders (each, a “ Lockbox Transfer Account ”) with one or more banks (each, a “ Lockbox Transfer Account Bank ”). Each Lockbox Transfer Account shall be an Eligible Account. Each Lockbox Transfer Account shall be subject to an Account Control Agreement among the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager, the Indenture Trustee and the applicable Lockbox Transfer Account Bank. Except as expressly permitted herein, neither the Property Manager nor any Issuer will have any right of withdrawal from the Lockbox Transfer Account, and each of the Property Manager and the Back-Up Manager hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not withdraw, or direct any Person to withdraw, any funds from the Lockbox Transfer Account.

 

(d)                                  The Property Manager shall establish and maintain one segregated account in the name of the Issuers for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders, for the collection of payments on and other amounts received in respect of the Leases, the Properties and the Mortgage Loans (collectively, the “ Collection Account ”), which shall be established in such manner and with the type of depository institution (the “ Collection Account Bank ”) specified in this Agreement. Initially, the Collection Account Bank shall be Citibank, N.A. The Collection Account shall be an Eligible Account. If the Collection Account Bank is not the same depository institution as the Indenture Trustee, then the Collection Account will be subject to an Account Control Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to which the Collection Account Bank agrees to follow the instructions of the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Collection Account and the amounts on deposit therein. Subject to Section 3.04, neither the Property Manager nor any Issuer will have any right of withdrawal from the Collection Account, and the Property Manager hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not withdraw, or direct any Person to withdraw, any funds from the Collection Account. The Collection Account shall be maintained by the Indenture Trustee as a segregated account, separate and apart from trust funds created for trust certificates or bonds of other series serviced and the other accounts of the Property Manager.

 

(e)                                   The Property Manager shall deposit or cause to be deposited in the Collection Account, on each Business Day and within two (2) Business Days after receipt, the following payments and collections received or made by or on behalf of the Property Manager on or after the later of the related Series Closing Date and the applicable Transfer Date (other than payments due before the applicable Transfer Date) or, in the case of collections and payments to the General Receipts Account, on each Business Day, the Property Manager shall instruct each General Receipts Account Bank to transfer the following payments and collections deposited in the General Receipts Account prior to the end of such Business Day (A) to the Lockbox Transfer Account and, within one Business Day thereafter from the Lockbox Transfer Account into the Collection Account or (B) directly into the Collection Account, in each case, immediately after such funds have been identified, cleared and become available in accordance with the policies of the General Receipts Account Bank:

 

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(i)                                      all payments on account of Monthly Lease Payments and Monthly Loan Payments;

 

(ii)                                   all payments of other amounts payable by the Tenants on the Leases and Borrowers on the Mortgage Loans, except for escrows and impounds and including without limitation amounts in respect of Additional Servicing Compensation pursuant to Section 3.09;

 

(iii)                                all Insurance Proceeds, Condemnation Proceeds and Liquidation Proceeds received in respect of any Property, Lease or Mortgage Loan other than (A) proceeds applied to the restoration of property or released to the related Tenant or Borrower in accordance with this Agreement, or (B) proceeds deposited into the Release Account in accordance with this Agreement because such amounts were greater than or equal to the Collateral Value of the related Property or Mortgage Loan;

 

(iv)                               the Release Price from the release of any Property to the extent not deposited into the Release Account; and the Release Price from the release of any Property transferred from the Release Account to the Collection Account pursuant to this Agreement and all proceeds representing earnings on investments in the Release Account (including interest on any Permitted Investments) made with such proceeds;

 

(v)                                  any amounts required to be deposited by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in the Collection Account in connection with losses resulting from a deductible clause in a blanket hazard insurance policy;

 

(vi)                               any amounts paid by any party to indemnify the Issuers, the Issuer Members, the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager, Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or the Indenture;

 

(vii)                            any amounts received on account of payments under the guaranties provided by related Lease Guarantors or Loan Guarantor; and

 

(viii)                         any other amounts required to be so deposited under this Agreement.

 

Upon receipt of any of the amounts described in clauses (i) through (iii) above with respect to any Specially Managed Unit, the Special Servicer shall promptly but in no event later than the second Business Day after receipt remit such amounts to the Property Manager for deposit into the Collection Account in accordance with the third preceding paragraph, unless the Special Servicer determines, consistent with the Servicing Standard, that a particular item should not be deposited because of a restrictive endorsement or other reasonably appropriate reason. With respect to any such amounts paid by check to the order of the Special Servicer, the Special Servicer shall endorse such check to the order of the Property Manager and shall deliver promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day after receipt, any such check to the Property Manager by overnight courier, unless the Special Servicer determines, consistent with

 

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the Servicing Standard, that a particular item cannot be so endorsed and delivered because of a restrictive endorsement or other reasonably appropriate reason.

 

(f)                                    The Property Manager shall establish and maintain at a bank designated by the Indenture Trustee a Release Account. The Release Account shall be an Eligible Account. The funds held in the Release Account may be held as cash or invested in Permitted Investments in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.05(a). The Release Account and the amounts on deposit therein will be pledged to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture. The Property Manager will deposit or cause to be deposited in the Release Account, on the date of receipt, (i) any cash proceeds from the sale of any Released Property or Released Loan and (ii) provided that such amounts are greater than or equal to the Collateral Value of the related Property or Mortgage Loan, Condemnation Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds and proceeds of an Insured Casualty.

 

Section 3.03                       Advances .

 

(a)                                  Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall, as to those Properties and Mortgage Loans it is obligated to service hereunder, maintain accurate records with respect to each Property and Mortgage Loan reflecting the status of real estate taxes, ground rents, assessments and other similar items that are or may become a lien thereon, and Ground Lease renewals and the status of insurance premiums payable in respect thereof that, in each case, the related Tenant or Borrower is contractually or legally obligated to pay under the terms of the applicable Lease or Mortgage Loan, and, subject to Section 3.03(c) below, the Property Manager shall effect payment thereof, as an Advance or otherwise as payment of an Emergency Property Expense from funds on deposit in the Collection Account, as described below, if not paid by such Tenant or Borrower prior to the applicable penalty or termination date, promptly after the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable, receives actual notice from any source of such nonpayment by such Tenant or Borrower. For purposes of effecting any such payment for which it is responsible, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall apply Escrow Payments as allowed under the terms of the related Lease or Mortgage Loan or, if such Lease or Mortgage Loan does not require the related Tenant or Borrower to escrow for the payment of real estate taxes, assessments and insurance premiums, each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall, as to those Leases and Mortgage Loans it is obligated to service hereunder, enforce the requirement of the related Lease and Mortgage Loan that such Tenant or Borrower make payments in respect of such items at the time they first become due.

 

(b)                                  In the event that (i) a Monthly Lease Payment, or any portion thereof, on any Lease, or a Monthly Loan Payment, or any portion thereof, on any Mortgage Loan, has not been made on the related Due Date or (ii) the Notes of any Series are not paid in full on the related Rated Final Payment Date or (iii) any Property has become untenanted, then the Property Manager, subject to its determination that such amounts are not Nonrecoverable Advances, will be obligated to make a P&I Advance; provided, that the Property Manager will not be required to make any advance to cover (A) any resulting shortfall in the scheduled payment of principal on any Class of Notes on or after the Anticipated Repayment Date, (B) the Make Whole Amount,

 

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(C) Post-ARD Additional Interest, or (D) Deferred Post-ARD Additional Interest. The Property Manager will be required to deposit such P&I Advance into the Payment Account not later than 11:00 a.m. New York time on the Remittance Date, in an amount equal to the excess of (x) the scheduled monthly amount required to be paid with respect to principal and interest on the Notes on the related Payment Date, over (y) the amount on deposit in the Payment Account prior to such deposit by the Property Manager, taking into account all amounts on deposit in the Collection Account that are required to be transferred to the Payment Account for such Payment Date. If a late payment of a Monthly Lease Payment is received on or prior to the Remittance Date, the Property Manager shall immediately set-off such late payment against such P&I Advance, and no interest shall be payable on such P&I Advance unless such late payment shall have been received too late on the date of its receipt for the Property Manager to invest such funds. On or before 5:00 p.m. New York time on the Remittance Date in the event that that the full amount of any P&I Advance required to be made by the Property Manager has not been so made, the Indenture Trustee shall provide notice of such failure to a Servicing Officer of the Property Manager and the Back-Up Manager. The Back-Up Manager, as successor Property Manager, will be required to make any required P&I Advance by 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the related Payment Date to the extent that any P&I Advance required to be made by the Property Manager pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is not made and the Back-Up Manager, as successor Property Manager, receives notice thereof, subject to the Back-Up Manager’s sole discretion exercised in good faith and in accordance with Section 3.03(g) below, that the P&I Advance will not be a Nonrecoverable Advance. If the Property Manager (including the Back-Up Property Manager, as successor Property Manager) fails to make such Advance, the Indenture Trustee will be required to make any required P&I Advance by 3:00 p.m. New York City time on the related Payment Date to the extent that any P&I Advance required to be made by the Property Manager pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is not made and the Indenture Trustee receives notice thereof, subject to the Indenture Trustee’s sole discretion exercised in good faith, that the P&I Advance will ultimately be recoverable from subsequent payments or collections on or in respect of Mortgage Loans, Leases or the Properties.

 

(c)                                   In accordance with the Servicing Standard, the Property Manager shall advance with respect to each Property any and all Property Protection Advances; provided that the particular advance would not, if made, constitute a Nonrecoverable Advance and a prudent property manager would make such advance. The Property Manager shall not have any obligation under this Section 3.03(c) to advance any funds in respect of real estate taxes or premiums on Insurance Policies that the related Tenant or Borrower or the applicable Issuer is not contractually or legally obligated to pay, nor to monitor the timely payment of real estate taxes and insurance premiums the payment of which is the responsibility of a person other than such Tenant, Borrower or Issuer, unless it has actual knowledge of the non-payment of such items and would otherwise make such advance in accordance with the Servicing Standard. The Back-Up manager, as successor Property Manager, will be required to make any required Property Protection Advance to the extent that any Property Protection Advance required to be made by the Property Manager pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is not made and the Back-Up Manager, as successor Property Manager, receives notice thereof, subject to the Back-Up Manager’s sole discretion exercised in good faith, that the Property Protection Advance

 

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will not be a Nonrecoverable Advance. The Indenture Trustee will be required to make any required Property Protection Advance to the extent that any Property Protection Advance required to be made by the Property Manager (or the Back-Up Manager, as successor Property Manager) pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is not made and the Indenture Trustee receives notice thereof, subject to the Indenture Trustee’s sole discretion exercised in good faith, that the Property Protection Advance will ultimately be recoverable from subsequent payments or collections on or in respect of Leases, Properties or Mortgage Loans.

 

(d)                                  All Advances, together with Advance Interest thereon, shall be reimbursable in the first instance from collections from the related Leases, Properties and Mortgage Loans and further as provided in Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

(e)                                   If, prior to making any Property Protection Advance, the Property Manager shall have determined, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, (i) that such Property Protection Advance, if made, would constitute a Nonrecoverable Advance, and (ii) that the payment of such cost, expense or other amount for which a Property Protection Advance might be made is nonetheless in the best interest of the Noteholders, the Property Manager shall, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, withdraw funds from the Collection Account and use such funds in order to pay such costs, expenses and other amounts (collectively, “ Emergency Property Expenses ”) to the extent necessary to preserve the security interest in, and value of, any Property or Mortgage Loan, as applicable. Any such funds withdrawn from the Collection Account to pay Emergency Property Expenses shall not constitute part of the Available Amount on any Payment Date.

 

(f)                                    The determination by the Property Manager (or the Back-Up Manager as successor Property Manager) that it has made a Nonrecoverable Advance or that any proposed Advance, if made, would constitute a Nonrecoverable Advance, shall be in accordance with (i) with respect to Property Protection Advances, the Servicing Standard and (ii) with respect to P&I Advances, Section 3.03(g) below, and, in each case, shall be evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate delivered promptly to each Issuer and to the Indenture Trustee setting forth the basis for such determination. The determination by the Indenture Trustee that it has made a Nonrecoverable Advance or that any proposed Advance, if made, would constitute a Nonrecoverable Advance, shall be made in good faith. The Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on any determination by the Property Manager that an Advance, if made, would be a Nonrecoverable Advance.

 

(g)                                   In making a nonrecoverability determination with respect to any P&I Advance, the Property Manager (including the Back-Up Manager as successor Property Manager) and the Special Servicer may only consider the obligations of the Issuers under the terms of the Transaction Documents as they may have been modified, the related Collateral in its “as is” or then current conditions and the timing and availability of anticipated cash flows as modified by such party’s assumptions regarding the possibility and effect of future adverse changes, together with such other factors, including but not limited to an estimate of future expenses, timing of recovery, the inherent risk of a protracted period to complete liquidation or the potential inability to liquidate Collateral as a result of intervening creditor claims or of a

 

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bankruptcy proceeding affecting any Issuer and the effect thereof on the existence, validity and priority of any security interest encumbering the Collateral, the direct and indirect equity interests in the Issuers, available cash on deposit in the Collection Account, the future allocations and disbursements of cash on deposit in the Collection Account, and the net proceeds derived from any of the foregoing. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the Property Manager, the Backup Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, shall take into account amounts on deposit in the Post-Closing Acquisition Reserve Account in making any nonrecoverability determination with respect to any P&I Advance.

 

Section 3.04                       Withdrawals From the Collection Account and Release Account .

 

The applicable Account Control Agreement shall provide that on each Remittance Date the Collection Account Bank shall deliver the Available Amount by wire transfer of immediately available funds for deposit into the Payment Account for application by the Indenture Trustee to make payments in accordance with the priorities set forth pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture. On or prior to each Remittance Date, the Property Manager may withdraw funds from the Collection Account to pay the Property Management Fee, Back-Up Fee, Workout Fees, Liquidation Fees, Additional Servicing Compensation, any applicable Special Servicing Fee due and payable to the Property Manager, Back-Up Manager and Special Servicer, and to pay any Emergency Property Expenses (pursuant to Section 3.03(e)) and Advances (including Nonrecoverable Advances) plus interest thereon (including to reimburse the Indenture Trustee therefor); provided, however, that no other amounts may be withdrawn from the Collection Account by the Property Manager, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Funds withdrawn by the Property Manager for the payment of the Property Management Fee, Back-Up Fee, Workout Fees, Liquidation Fees, Additional Servicing Compensation, any reimbursements of Advances (including Nonrecoverable Advances) plus interest thereon, and any applicable Special Servicing Fee shall not constitute part of the Available Amount on any Payment Date.

 

Section 3.05                       Investment of Funds in the Collection Account and the Release Account .

 

(a)                                  The Property Manager shall direct the Collection Account Bank to invest the funds held in the Collection Account in one or more Permitted Investments selected by such Issuer bearing interest or sold at a discount, and maturing, unless payable on demand, not later than the Business Day immediately preceding the next succeeding Remittance Date, which may be in the form of a standing direction. The Property Manager may direct any institution maintaining the Release Account to invest the funds held therein in one or more specific Permitted Investments bearing interest or sold at a discount, and maturing, unless payable on demand, not later than the Business Day immediately preceding the day such amounts are required to be distributed pursuant to this Agreement, which may be in the form of a standing direction. All such Permitted Investments in the Collection Account and the Release Account shall be held to maturity, unless payable on demand. Any investment of funds in the Collection Account and the Release Account shall be made in the name of the applicable Issuer for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee (in its capacity as such). The Property Manager shall promptly

 

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deliver to the Indenture Trustee, and the Indenture Trustee shall maintain continuous possession of, any Permitted Investment that is either (i) a “certificated security,” as such term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, or (ii) other property in which a secured party may perfect its security interest by possession under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law. If amounts on deposit in the Collection Account or the Release Account are at any time invested in a Permitted Investment payable on demand, the Property Manager shall:

 

(x)               consistent with any notice required to be given thereunder, demand that payment thereon be made on the last day such Permitted Investment may otherwise mature hereunder in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) all amounts then payable thereunder and (2) the amount required to be withdrawn on such date; and

 

(y)               demand payment of all amounts due thereunder promptly upon determination by the Property Manager that such Permitted Investment would not constitute a Permitted Investment in respect of funds thereafter on deposit in the Collection Account or the Release Account, as applicable.

 

(b)                                  In the event that any Issuer elects to remove a Property or Mortgage Loan from the Collateral Pool under Section 2.03 or Section 7.04, amounts deposited in the Release Account shall be applied by the Property Manager (or the Indenture Trustee based solely on the instructions of the Property Manager if the Property Manager is STORE Capital), first , to reimburse the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Indenture Trustee any amounts owed with respect to unreimbursed Extraordinary Expenses and Advances (plus Advance Interest) thereon and Emergency Property Expenses related to such Mortgage Loan, Lease or Property and to pay the expenses related to such release and, second , either to acquire a Qualified Substitute Loan, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Property within twelve (12) months following the removal of the related Released Property or Released Loan. Any amounts remaining in the Release Account following the twelve (12) month period from the related Release shall be transferred as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account and applied as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the following Payment Date. During an Early Amortization Period, other than any portion of the Future Funding Deposit (as defined in the Indenture) remaining on deposit in the Release Account, all amounts in the Release Account shall be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account and will be included in the Available Amount on the following Payment Date to be applied as Unscheduled Principal Payments.

 

(c)                                   Whether or not the Property Manager directs the investment of funds in the Collection Account or the Release Account, interest and investment income realized on funds deposited therein, to the extent of the Net Investment Earnings, if any, for the Collection Account or the Release Account for each Collection Period, shall be added to the Available Amount for such Collection Period.

 

(d)                                  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, if any default occurs in the making of a payment due under any Permitted Investment, or if a default occurs in

 

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any other performance required under any Permitted Investment, the Indenture Trustee may take such action as may be appropriate to enforce such payment or performance, including the institution and prosecution of appropriate proceedings.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding the investment of funds held in the Collection Account or the Release Account, for purposes of the calculations hereunder, including the calculation of the Available Amount, the amounts so invested shall be deemed to remain on deposit in the Collection Account or the Release Account, as applicable.

 

(f)                                    Any actual losses sustained on the liquidation of a Permitted Investment in the Collection Account or the Release Account shall be deposited by the applicable Issuer immediately, but in no event later than one Business Day following such liquidation, into the Collection Account or the Release Account, as applicable.

 

Section 3.06                       Maintenance of Insurance Policies: Errors and Omissions and Fidelity Coverage .

 

(a)                                  The Property Manager (other than with respect to Specially Managed Units) and the Special Servicer (with respect to Specially Managed Units) shall use reasonable efforts in accordance with the Servicing Standard to cause the related Tenant or Borrower to maintain for each Property all insurance coverage as is required under the terms of the related Lease or Mortgage Loan, as applicable (including for the avoidance of doubt, any Environmental Policy); provided , that if and to the extent that any such Lease or Mortgage Loan permits the lessor thereunder any discretion (by way of consent, approval or otherwise) as to the insurance coverage that the related Tenant or Borrower is required to maintain, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall exercise such discretion in a manner consistent with the Servicing Standard, with a view towards requiring insurance comparable to that required under other similar leases or mortgage loans with express provisions governing such matters; and provided , further , that, if and to the extent that a Lease or Mortgage Loan so permits, the related Tenant or Borrower shall be required to obtain the required insurance coverage from Qualified Insurers that have a claims-paying ability rated at least “A:VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. If such Tenant or Borrower does not maintain the required insurance or, with respect to any Environmental Policy in place as of the related Series Closing Date or Transfer Date, the Property Manager will itself cause such insurance to be maintained with Qualified Insurers; provided , that the Property Manager shall not be required to maintain such insurance if the Indenture Trustee (as mortgagee of record on behalf of the Noteholders) does not have an insurable interest or the Property Manager has determined (in its reasonable judgment in accordance with the Servicing Standard) that either (i) such insurance is not available at a commercially reasonable rate and the subject hazards are at the time not commonly insured against by prudent owners of properties similar to the Property located in or around the region in which such Property is located or (ii) such insurance is not available at any rate. The Special Servicer shall also use reasonable efforts to cause to be maintained for each REO Property no less property insurance coverage than was previously required of the Tenant or Borrower under the related Mortgage or Lease and at a minimum, (i) hazard insurance with a replacement cost rider and (ii) comprehensive general liability insurance, in each case, in an amount customary for

 

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the type and geographic location of such REO Property and consistent with the Servicing Standard; provided , that all such insurance shall be obtained from Qualified Insurers that, if they are providing casualty insurance, shall have a claims-paying ability rated at least “A-:VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. The cost of any such insurance coverage obtained by either the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall be a Property Protection Advance to be paid by the Property Manager. All such insurance policies shall contain (if they insure against loss to property) a “standard” mortgagee clause, with loss payable to the Property Manager, as agent of and for the account of the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, and shall be issued by an insurer authorized under applicable law to issue such insurance. Any amounts collected by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer under any such policies (other than amounts to be applied to the restoration or repair of the related Property or amounts to be released to the related Tenant, in each case in accordance with the Servicing Standard) shall be deposited in the Collection Account, subject to withdrawal pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                  The Property Manager or Special Servicer may satisfy its obligations under Section 3.06(a)  by obtaining, maintaining or causing to be maintained a blanket or forced place insurance policy. If applicable, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall obtain and maintain, or cause to be obtained and maintained on behalf of each applicable Issuer, a master forced place insurance policy or a blanket policy (or an endorsement to an existing policy) insuring against hazard losses (not otherwise insured by a Tenant or Borrower due to a default by such Tenant or Borrower under the insurance covenants of its Lease or Mortgage Loan or because a Tenant or Borrower permitted to self-insure fails to pay for casualty losses) on the applicable Properties that it is required to service and administer, which policy shall (i) be obtained from a Qualified Insurer having a claims-paying ability rated at least “A:VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide and at least “A” by S&P, and (ii) provide protection equivalent to the individual policies otherwise required under Section 3.06(a) . The Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall bear the cost of any premium payable in respect of any such blanket policy (other than blanket policies specifically obtained for Properties or REO Properties) without right of reimbursement; provided , that if the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, causes any Property or REO Property to be covered by such blanket policy, the incremental costs of such insurance applicable to such Property or REO Property shall constitute, and be reimbursable as, a Property Protection Advance to the extent that, except with respect to an REO Property, such blanket policy provides insurance that the related Tenant or Borrower, as applicable, has failed to maintain. If the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable, causes any Property or REO Property to be covered by a force-placed insurance policy, the incremental costs of such insurance applicable to such Property or REO Property ( i.e. , other than any minimum or standby premium payable for such policy whether or not any Property or REO Property is covered thereby) shall be paid as a Property Protection Advance. Such policy may contain a deductible clause (not in excess of a customary amount) in which case the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as appropriate, shall, if there shall not have been maintained on the related Property or REO Property a hazard insurance policy complying with the requirements of Section 3.06(a)  and there shall have been one or more losses that would have been covered by such policy, promptly deposit into the Collection Account from its own funds the amount not otherwise payable under the blanket policy in connection with such loss or losses because of

 

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such deductible clause. The Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as appropriate, shall prepare and present, on behalf of itself, the Indenture Trustee and the applicable Issuer, claims under any such blanket policy in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms of such policy. Any payments on such policy shall be made to the Property Manager as agent of and for the account of the applicable Issuer, the Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee.

 

(c)                                   Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall at all times during the term of this Agreement (or, in the case of the Special Servicer, at all times during the term of this Agreement in which Specially Managed Units exist as part of the Collateral) keep in force with a Qualified Insurer having a claims paying ability rated at least “A:VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide and at least “A” by S&P, a fidelity bond in such form and amount as would not adversely affect any rating assigned by any Rating Agency to the Notes (as evidenced in writing from each Rating Agency). Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall be deemed to have complied with the foregoing provision if an Affiliate thereof has such fidelity bond coverage and, by the terms of such fidelity bond, the coverage afforded thereunder extends to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be. Such fidelity bond shall provide that it may not be canceled without ten (10) days’ prior written notice to each Issuer.

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall at all times during the term of this Agreement (or, in the case of the Special Servicer, at all times during the term of this Agreement in which Specially Managed Units exist as part of the Collateral) also keep in force with a Qualified Insurer having a claims-paying ability rated at least “A: VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide and at least “A” by S&P, a policy or policies of insurance covering loss occasioned by the errors and omissions of its officers, employees and agents in connection with its servicing obligations hereunder, which policy or policies shall name the Indenture Trustee as an additional insured and shall be in such form and amount as would not adversely affect any rating assigned by any Rating Agency to the Notes (as evidenced in writing from each Rating Agency). Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall be deemed to have complied with the foregoing provisions if an Affiliate thereof has such insurance and, by the terms of such policy or policies, the coverage afforded thereunder extends to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be. Any such errors and omissions policy shall provide that it may not be canceled without ten (10) days’ prior written notice to each Issuer.

 

The Back-Up Manager (whether as Back-Up Manager, Property Manager or Special Servicer) shall at all times during the term of this Agreement maintain insurance in conformity with market requirements and shall keep in force with a Qualified Insurer having a claims paying ability rated by at least one of the following Rating Agencies of at least (a) “A3” by Moody’s, (b) “A-” by S&P, (c) “A-” by Fitch or (d) “A:X” by A.M. Best Company, Inc., (i) a fidelity bond (employee dishonesty insurance) in such form and amount as is consistent with the Servicing Standard, and (ii) a policy or policies of insurance covering loss occasioned by the errors and omissions of its officers and employees in connection with its servicing obligations hereunder, which policy or policies shall be in such form and amount as is consistent with the Servicing Standard. The Back-Up Manager shall cause any awards or other amounts payable under such policy or policies that result from the errors or omissions of its officers and

 

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employees in connection with its servicing obligations hereunder to be promptly remitted to the Indenture Trustee for application in accordance with the Indenture. The Back-Up Manager shall be deemed to have complied with the foregoing provision if an Affiliate thereof has such fidelity bond and/or errors and omissions coverage and, by the terms of such fidelity bond and/or errors and omissions policy, the coverage afforded thereunder extends to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be.

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall at all times during the term of this Agreement (or, in the case of the Special Servicer, at all times during the term of this Agreement in which Specially Managed Units exist as part of the Collateral) also, on behalf of each Issuer, keep in force with a Qualified Insurer having a claims-paying ability rated at least “A:VIII” by A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide and at least “A” by S&P, a lessor’s general liability insurance policy or policies, which policy or policies shall be in such form and amount as would not adversely affect any rating assigned by any Rating Agency to the Notes without giving effect to any Insurance Policy (as evidenced in writing from each Rating Agency). Any such general liability insurance policy shall provide that it may not be canceled without ten (10) days’ prior written notice to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee. Any payments on such policy shall be made to the Property Manager as agent of and for the account of any applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee.

 

If the Property Manager (or its corporate parent), the Special Servicer (or its corporate parent) or the Back-Up Manager (or its corporate parent), as applicable, are rated not lower than “A” by S&P, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager, as applicable, may self-insure with respect to any insurance coverage or fidelity bond coverage required hereunder, in which case it shall not be required to maintain an insurance policy with respect to such coverage; provided , that STORE Capital may not self-insure with respect to any such insurance coverage or fidelity bond.

 

Section 3.07                       DSCR Reserve Account .

 

On each Payment Date occurring during any DSCR Sweep Period, the Indenture Trustee shall deposit funds into the DSCR Reserve Account in accordance with Section 2.11(b) and 2.18 of the Indenture. The DSCR Reserve Account shall be an Eligible Account. The Property Manager shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee a calculation of the Monthly DSCR on or before each Remittance Date. The Issuers grant to the Indenture Trustee a first-priority perfected security interest in the DSCR Reserve Account and any and all monies now or hereafter deposited in the DSCR Reserve Account as additional security for payment of the Notes. Until disbursed or applied in accordance herewith, the DSCR Reserve Account shall constitute additional security for the Notes. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Indenture Trustee may, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies available to the Indenture Trustee, apply any sums then present in the DSCR Reserve Account to the payment of the Notes in such order and priority as set forth in the Indenture.

 

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Section 3.08                       Issuers, Custodian and Indenture Trustee to Cooperate; Release of Lease Files and Loan Files .

 

(a)                                  If from time to time, and as appropriate for servicing of any Mortgage Loan, Lease, assumption of a Lease, modification of a Lease or the re-lease or sale of any Property, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall otherwise require the use of any Lease File or Loan File, as applicable (or any portion thereof), the Custodian, upon written request of the Property Manager and receipt from the Property Manager of a Request for Release in the form of Exhibit B-l attached hereto signed by a Servicing Officer thereof, or upon request of the Special Servicer and receipt from the Special Servicer of a Request for Release in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto, shall release such Lease File or Loan File, as applicable (or portion thereof) to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be. Upon return of such Lease File or Loan File, as applicable (or portion thereof) to the Custodian, or upon the Special Servicer’s delivery to the Indenture Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate stating that (i) such Lease has become a Liquidated Lease or such Mortgage Loan has been liquidated and all amounts received or to be received in connection with such Lease are required to be deposited into the Collection Account pursuant to Section 3.02(a) have been or will be so deposited or (ii) such Property or Mortgage Loan has been sold, a copy of the Request for Release shall be released by the Custodian to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable.

 

(b)                                  Within seven (7) Business Days of the Special Servicer’s request therefor (or, if the Special Servicer notifies each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee of an exigency, within such shorter period as is reasonable under the circumstances), each of the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver to the Special Servicer, in the reasonable form supplied to such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee by the Special Servicer, any court pleadings, leases, sale documents or other documents reasonably necessary to the re-lease, foreclosure or sale in respect of any Mortgage Loan or Property or to any legal action brought to obtain judgment against any Tenant or Borrower on the related Lease or Mortgage Loan or to obtain a judgment against an Tenant or Borrower, or to enforce any other remedies or rights provided by the Lease or Mortgage Loan or otherwise available at law or in equity or to defend any legal action or counterclaim filed against such Issuer, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer; provided that each of such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee may alternatively execute and deliver to the Special Servicer, in the form supplied to such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee by the Special Servicer, a limited power of attorney substantially in the form of Exhibit D issued in favor of the Special Servicer and empowering the Special Servicer to execute and deliver any or all of such pleadings or documents on behalf of such Issuer or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be, provided , however , that neither the applicable Issuer nor the Indenture Trustee shall be held liable for any misuse of such power of attorney by the Special Servicer and the Special Servicer hereby agrees to indemnify such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee against, and hold such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee harmless from, any loss or liability arising from any misuse of such power of attorney. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Special Servicer shall not, without the Indenture Trustee’s written consent (i) initiate any action, suit or proceeding solely under the Indenture Trustee’s name without indicating its representative capacity or (ii) take any

 

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action with the primary purpose of causing, and which actually does cause, the Indenture Trustee to be registered to do business in any state. Together with such pleadings or documents (or such power of attorney empowering the Special Servicer to execute the same on behalf of such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee), the Special Servicer shall deliver to each of such Issuer and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate requesting that such pleadings or documents (or such power of attorney empowering the Special Servicer to execute the same on behalf of such Issuer or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be) be executed by such Issuer or the Indenture Trustee and certifying as to the reason such pleadings or documents are required.

 

Section 3.09                      Servicing Compensation: Interest on Advances .

 

(a)                                  As compensation for its activities hereunder, the Property Manager shall be entitled to receive the Property Management Fee with respect to each Property and Mortgage Loan included in the Collateral Pool (excluding the Specially Managed Units, if any). The Property Management Fee with respect to any Property and Mortgage Loan shall cease to accrue if the Property or Mortgage Loan becomes a Specially Managed Unit. The right to receive the Property Management Fee may not be transferred in whole or in part except in connection with the transfer of all of the Property Manager’s responsibilities and obligations under this Agreement. Earned but unpaid Property Management fees shall be distributable monthly on the Payment Date by the Indenture Trustee from the Available Amount pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                  On each Payment Date, the Property Manager shall be entitled to receive, and the Indenture Trustee shall distribute to the Property Manager from the Payment Account, all transaction, returned check, assumption, modification and similar fees and late payment charges received with respect to Mortgage Loans and Properties that are not Specially Managed Units. The Property Manager will also be entitled to any Default Interest collected on a Lease or Mortgage Loan, but only to the extent that (i) such Default Interest is allocable to the period (not to exceed 60 days) when the related Property or Mortgage Loan did not constitute a Specially Managed Unit and (ii) such Default Interest is not allocable to cover interest payable to the Property Manager or the Indenture Trustee with respect to any Advances made in respect of the related Property or Mortgage Loan.

 

(c)                                   As compensation for its activities hereunder, the Special Servicer shall be entitled to receive the Special Servicing Fee with respect to each Specially Managed Unit. The Special Servicing Fee with respect to any Specially Managed Unit shall cease to accrue if (i) the related Property or Mortgage Loan is sold or otherwise released from the lien of the related Mortgage, or (ii) such Specially Managed Unit becomes a Corrected Unit. Earned but unpaid Special Servicing Fees shall be distributable monthly on the Payment Date by the Indenture Trustee out of general collections on the Leases, Mortgage Loans and the Properties on deposit in the Payment Account pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

The Special Servicer’s right to receive the Special Servicing Fee may not be transferred in whole or in part except in connection with the transfer of all of the Special Servicer’s responsibilities and obligations under this Agreement.

 

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(d)                                  On each Payment Date, the Special Servicer shall be entitled to receive, and the Indenture Trustee shall distribute to the Special Servicer from the Payment Account, all returned check, assumption, modification and similar fees and late payment charges received on or with respect to the Specially Managed Units as Special Servicer Additional Servicing Compensation out of funds available for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

(e)                                   The Property Manager, Back-Up Manager and the Special Servicer shall each be required to pay all ordinary expenses incurred by it in connection with its servicing activities under this Agreement, including fees of any subservicers retained by it; provided, however, that if Midland is the Back-Up Manager and assumes the role of Property Manager or Special Servicer hereunder, in accordance with the Servicing Standard and the terms of this Agreement it shall be permitted to engage third party valuation experts and other consultants to conduct appraisals at the cost of the Issuers. As and to the extent permitted by Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture, the Property Manager and the Indenture Trustee shall each be entitled to receive interest at the Reimbursement Rate in effect from time to time, accrued on the amount of each Advance and unreimbursed Extraordinary Expenses made by it for so long as such Advance is outstanding.

 

(f)                                    As compensation for its activities hereunder, the Back-Up Manager shall be entitled to receive the monthly Back-Up Fee with respect to each Property and Mortgage Loan included in the Collateral Pool. The right to receive the monthly Back-Up Fee may not be transferred in whole or in part except in connection with the transfer of all of the Back-Up Manager’s responsibilities and obligations under this Agreement. Earned but unpaid Back-Up Fees shall be payable monthly pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

Section 3.10                         Property Inspections; Collection of Financial Statements; Delivery of Certain Reports .

 

(a)                                  The Property Manager shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, all Properties in the Collateral Pool at least once every five (5) years, with at least 20% of the Properties in the Collateral Pool to be inspected every year (beginning in 2013), including any Properties with Unit FCCRs below 1.0x. The Property Manager shall prepare a written report of each such inspection performed by it that sets forth in detail the condition of the related Property and that specifies the existence of (i) any sale or transfer of such Property, or (ii) any change in the condition or value of such Property that it, in its good faith and reasonable judgment, considers material.

 

(b)                                  If a Lease or Mortgage Loan becomes a Specially Managed Unit, the Special Servicer shall perform or obtain a physical inspection of the related Property as soon as practicable thereafter. The Special Servicer shall prepare a written report of each such inspection performed by it that sets forth in detail the condition of the related Property and that specifies the existence of (i) any sale or transfer of such Property, or (ii) any change in the condition or value of such Property that it, in its good faith and reasonable judgment, considers material. The Special Servicer shall deliver to each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Property Manager a

 

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copy of each such written report prepared by it during each calendar quarter within 15 days of the end of such quarter.

 

(c)                                   The Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable, shall receive reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to any Property inspections from the applicable Issuer pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

(d)                                  The Special Servicer, in the case of any Specially Managed Unit, and the Property Manager, in the case of all other Leases and Mortgage Loans, shall make reasonable efforts to collect promptly from each related Tenant or Borrower and review annual and quarterly financial statements of such Tenant or Borrower and the Properties it operates as the same are required to be delivered by the Tenant or Borrower to the applicable Issuer under its Lease or Mortgage Loan.

 

Section 3.11                Quarterly Statement as to Compliance .

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall deliver to the Issuers, to the Indenture Trustee and, in the case of the Special Servicer, to the Property Manager, within 60 days after the end of the first three calendar quarters of each year and within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, an Officer’s Certificate stating, as to each signer thereof, that (i) a review of the activities of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer throughout the preceding calendar quarter, and of its performance under this Agreement, has been made under such officer’s supervision, and (ii) to the best of such officer’s knowledge, based on such review, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, complied in all material respects throughout such period with the minimum servicing standards in this Agreement and fulfilled in all material respects throughout such period its obligations under this Agreement or, if there was noncompliance with such standards or a default in the fulfillment of any such obligation in any material respect, such Officer’s Certificate shall include a description of such noncompliance or specify each such default, as the case may be, known to such officer and the nature and status thereof.

 

Section 3.12                Reports by Independent Public Accountants .

 

On or before April 30 of each year, beginning April 30, 2013, each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, at its expense, shall cause an independent, registered public accounting firm (which may also render other services to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be) to furnish to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee and, in the case of the Special Servicer, to the Property Manager a report containing such firm’s opinion that, on the basis of an examination conducted by such firm substantially in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the assertion made pursuant to Section 3.11 regarding compliance by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, with the minimum servicing standards identified in the Uniform Single Attestation for Mortgage Bankers (to the extent applicable to commercial properties) during the preceding fiscal year (or from the Initial Closing Date through December 31, 2012, in the case of the first such report) is fairly stated in all material respects, subject to such exceptions

 

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and other qualifications that, in the opinion of such firm, such institute’s standards require it to report. In rendering such statement, such firm may rely, as to matters relating to direct servicing of leases and mortgage loans by Sub-Managers, upon comparable reports for examinations conducted substantially in accordance with such institute’s standards (rendered within one year of such report) of independent public accountants with respect to the related Sub-Managers.

 

Section 3.13                Access to Certain Information; Delivery of Certain Information.

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall afford to the other, to the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee and the Rating Agencies and to the OTS, the FDIC and any other banking or insurance regulatory authority that may exercise authority over any Noteholder or holder of Issuer Interests, reasonable access to any documentation regarding the Leases, Mortgage Loans and Properties and its servicing thereof within its control, except to the extent it is prohibited from doing so by applicable law or contract or to the extent such information is subject to a privilege under applicable law to be asserted on behalf of an Issuer, the Noteholders or the holders of Issuer Interests. Such access shall be afforded without charge but only upon reasonable prior written request and during normal business hours at the offices of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, designated by it.

 

The Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall notify the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager of any Property whose Tenant has ceased to exercise its business activity on such Property within 30 days of becoming aware of such a circumstance.

 

Section 3.14               Management of REO Properties and Properties Relating to Defaulted Assets .

 

(a)                                  At any time that a Property is not subject to a Mortgage Loan or a Lease or is subject to a Mortgage Loan or a Lease that is a Defaulted Asset or with respect to an REO Property, the Special Servicer’s decision as to how such Property or REO Property shall be managed and operated shall be based on the good faith and reasonable judgment of the Special Servicer as to the best interest of the applicable Issuer and the Noteholders by maximizing (to the extent commercially feasible) the net after-tax revenues received by the applicable Issuer with respect to such property and, to the extent consistent with the foregoing, in the same manner as would commercial loan and lease servicers and asset managers operating property comparable to the respective Property or REO Property under the Servicing Standard. The applicable Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Special Servicer may consult with counsel at the expense of the applicable Issuer in connection with determinations required under this Section 3.14(a). None of the Indenture Trustee, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall be liable to any Issuer, the Noteholders, the other parties hereto or each other, nor shall any Issuer be liable to any Noteholders or to the other parties hereto, for errors in judgment made in good faith in the exercise of their discretion while performing their respective responsibilities under this Section 3.14(a). Nothing in this Section 3.14(a) is intended to prevent the sale or release of a Property or REO Property pursuant to the terms and conditions contained elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

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(b)                                  With respect to any Property not subject to a Mortgage Loan or a Lease and any REO Property, the Special Servicer shall manage, conserve, protect and operate such Property or REO Property for the benefit of the Issuers in accordance with the Servicing Standard. Subject to the foregoing, however, the Special Servicer shall have full power and authority to do any and all things in connection therewith as are consistent with the Servicing Standard and, consistent therewith, shall direct that the Property Manager make, and the Property Manager shall make, Property Protection Advances, or pay Emergency Property Expenses from funds on deposit in the Collection Account, necessary for the proper operation, management, maintenance and disposition of such Property or REO Property, including:

 

(i)                                      all insurance premiums due and payable in respect of such Property or REO Property;

 

(ii)                                   all real estate and personal property taxes and assessments in respect of such Property or REO Property that may result in the imposition of a lien thereon (including taxes or other amounts that could constitute liens prior to or on parity with the lien of the related Mortgage);

 

(iii)                                any Ground Lease rents in respect of such Property or REO Property; and

 

(iv)                               all costs and expenses necessary to maintain, lease, sell, protect, manage, operate and restore such Property or REO Property.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Property Manager shall have no obligation to make any such Property Protection Advance if (as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee) the Property Manager determines, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, that such payment would be a Nonrecoverable Advance. The Special Servicer shall submit requests to make Property Protection Advances to the Property Manager not more than once per month unless the Special Servicer determines on an emergency basis in accordance with the Servicing Standard that earlier payment is required to protect the interests of each Issuer and the Noteholders.

 

(c)                                   If title to any REO Property is acquired by the Special Servicer on behalf of an Issuer, the deed or certificate of sale shall be issued to the applicable Issuer and the Property Manager shall deliver to the applicable Rating Agency, the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers an amended Owned Property Schedule and Mortgage Loan Schedule reflecting the removal of the related Mortgage Loan from the Collateral Pool and the addition of any related Property to the Collateral Pool. Upon acquisition of such REO Property, the Special Servicer shall, if any amounts remain due and owing under the related Mortgage Note, cause the applicable Issuer to execute and deliver to the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent a new Mortgage (along with appropriate UCC Financing Statements), as applicable, in favor of the Indenture Trustee or the Collateral Agent to secure the lien of the Indenture. The Special Servicer shall remit to the Property Manager for deposit in the Collection Account or Release Account, as applicable, upon receipt, all REO Revenues, Insurance Proceeds and Liquidation Proceeds received in respect of an REO Property.

 

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Section 3.15                         Release, Sale and Exchange of Defaulted Assets and Terminated Lease Properties .

 

(a)                                  The Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the applicable Issuer may release, sell or purchase, or permit the release, sale or purchase of, a Mortgage Loan or Property only on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 3.15 or as otherwise expressly provided in or contemplated by Section 2.03 and Article VII or elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  The Special Servicer and the Property Manager, as applicable, shall exercise reasonable efforts, to the extent consistent with the Servicing Standard, to enforce a Defaulted Asset, including, without limitation, the commencement and prosecution of any eviction or foreclosure proceedings, as to which no satisfactory arrangements can be made for collection of delinquent payments. In the event any Property becomes a Terminated Lease Property or an Issuer obtains title to an REO Property, the Special Servicer shall use reasonable efforts, consistent with the Servicing Standard, to (i) with respect to such Terminated Lease Property, attempt to induce another Tenant to assume the obligations under the existing Lease, with or without modification, (ii) lease the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property under a new Lease on economically desirable terms or (iii) dispose of the Property or REO Property. The decision to enter into a lease assumption or re-lease the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property shall be made by the Special Servicer in accordance with the Servicing Standard. The Special Servicer shall pay all costs and expenses (other than costs or expenses that would, if incurred, constitute a Nonrecoverable Advance) incurred by it in connection with the foregoing as a Property Protection Advance, and shall be entitled to reimbursement therefor as provided herein. If the Special Servicer is successful in leasing the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, a new Appraised Value will be obtained by the Special Servicer for the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property in the Special Servicer’s discretion, and the costs of any such appraisal shall be a Property Protection Advance. If the Special Servicer leases any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, the Property Manager shall deliver to the applicable Rating Agency, the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers an amended Owned Property Schedule reflecting the addition of such Lease to the Collateral Pool. Monthly Lease Payments on the modified or new Lease will be applied pursuant to the Indenture.

 

(c)                                   If the Lease has not been assumed or the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property has not been leased to a new tenant and the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property has not been released from the lien of the Mortgage pursuant to Section 3.15(h) below within twenty-four (24) months of becoming a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, the Special Servicer may offer to sell the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property pursuant to this Section 3.15, for a fair price, free and clear of the lien of the related Mortgage, if and when the Special Servicer determines, consistent with the Servicing Standard, that such a sale would be in the best interests of the Noteholders. No Interested Person shall be obligated to submit a bid to purchase any such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property. The Liquidation Proceeds shall be deposited into the Collection Account and applied as set forth herein.

 

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(d)                                  If and when the Special Servicer deems it necessary and prudent for purposes of establishing a fair price for any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property for purposes of conducting a sale of such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property pursuant to subsection (c) above, the Special Servicer is authorized to have an appraisal conducted by an Independent MAI-designated appraiser or other expert (the cost of which appraisal shall constitute a Property Protection Advance).

 

(e)                                   Whether any cash bid constitutes a fair price for any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property for purposes of Section 3.15(c) shall be determined by the Special Servicer or, if such cash bid is from an Interested Person, by the Indenture Trustee or, if the expected Liquidation Proceeds with respect to such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property would be insufficient to provide reimbursement for all unreimbursed Advances made with respect to the subject Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, together with any related Advance Interest thereon, by the Property Manager. In determining whether any bid received from an Interested Person represents a fair price for any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, the Indenture Trustee shall be supplied with and may conclusively rely on the most recent appraisal conducted in accordance with Section 3.15(d) within the preceding 12-month period or, in the absence of any such appraisal, on a narrative appraisal prepared by an Independent MAI-designated appraiser or other expert retained by the Special Servicer, at Issuer’s cost or as a Property Protection Advance. Such appraiser shall be selected by the Special Servicer if the Special Servicer is not bidding with respect to a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property and shall be selected by the Property Manager if the Special Servicer is bidding, provided that if the Property Manager and the Special Servicer are the same Person and such Person is bidding, then such appraiser shall be selected by the Indenture Trustee. In determining whether any bid constitutes a fair price for any such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee (if applicable) or the Property Manager, as applicable, shall take into account, among other factors, the occupancy status and physical condition of the Terminated Lease Property or REO Property, the state of the local economy, and, with respect to Terminated Lease Properties, the period and amount of any delinquency on the effected Lease. In connection therewith, the Special Servicer may charge prospective bidders fees that approximate the Special Servicer’s actual costs in the preparation and delivery of information pertaining to such sales or evaluating bids without obligation to deposit such amounts into the Collection Account.

 

(f)                                    The Special Servicer shall act on behalf of the applicable Issuer and the Indenture Trustee in negotiating and taking any other action necessary or appropriate in connection with the sale of any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property and the collection of all amounts payable in connection therewith. Any sale of a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property shall be free and clear of the lien of the Indenture and shall be final and without recourse to the applicable Issuer or the Indenture Trustee. If such sale is consummated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, none of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Indenture Trustee shall have any liability to any Issuer or any Noteholder with respect to the purchase price therefor accepted by the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be.

 

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(g)                                   The Special Servicer shall accept the first (and, if multiple bids are received contemporaneously, highest) cash bid received from any Person that constitutes a fair price for such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Special Servicer shall not be obligated to accept the highest cash bid if the Special Servicer determines, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, that rejection of such bid would be in the best interests of the Noteholders, and the Special Servicer may accept a lower cash bid if it determines, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, that acceptance of such bid would be in the best interests of the Noteholders (for example, if the prospective buyer making the lower bid is more likely to perform its obligations or the terms offered by the prospective buyer making the lower bid are more favorable).

 

(h)                                  At any time that a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property has not already been sold or leased pursuant to the terms hereof, the related Issuer may at its option (i) release the lien of the Indenture and the related Mortgage from such Terminated Lease Property or REO Property pursuant to Section 7.04 or (ii) exchange one or more Qualified Substitute Properties or Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases, as applicable, for the subject Terminated Lease Property or REO Property or Qualified Substitute Loans for the subject Mortgage Loan pursuant to Section 7.01.

 

(i)                                      The Special Servicer shall, and is hereby authorized and empowered by the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee to, prepare, execute and deliver in its own name, on behalf of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee or any of them, the endorsements, assignments and other documents necessary to effectuate a sale of a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property pursuant to this Section 3.15, and the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver any limited powers of attorney substantially in the form of Exhibit D necessary to permit the Special Servicer to do so; provided , however , that none of the Issuers, the Issuer Members or the Indenture Trustee shall be held liable for any misuse of any such power of attorney by the Special Servicer and the Special Servicer hereby agrees to indemnify the Issuers, the Issuer Members and the Indenture Trustee against, and hold the Issuers, the Managers and the Indenture Trustee harmless from, any loss or liability arising from any misuse in the exercise of such power of attorney.

 

(j)                                     The Special Servicer shall give the applicable Rating Agencies, the applicable Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Property Manager not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of its intention to sell any Terminated Lease Property or REO Property pursuant to this Section 3.15.

 

Section 3.16                         Renewals, Modifications, Waivers, Amendments; Consents and Other Matters .

 

(a)                                  The applicable Issuer and the Property Manager may enter into renewals of Leases and new Leases that provide for rental rates comparable to existing local market rates and are on commercially reasonable terms. All Leases executed after the Initial Closing Date shall provide that they are subordinate to the Mortgage encumbering the applicable Property and that the lessee agrees to attorn to the Indenture Trustee or any purchaser at a sale by foreclosure

 

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or power of sale. The Indenture Trustee shall, at the request of the related Issuer or the Property Manager, enter into an SNDA with the Tenant under a Lease to the extent such Lease does not contain provisions subordinating such Lease to the lien of the related Mortgage and requiring the related Tenant to attorn and recognize the holders of the beneficial interests under such Mortgage or such other party as may acquire title to the related Property by foreclosure, deed-in-lieu thereof or otherwise. The Property Manager shall observe and perform the obligations imposed upon the lessor under the Leases in accordance with the Servicing Standard. The applicable Issuer shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, at the request of any party hereto all such further assurances, confirmations and assignments in connection with the Leases as may be required by such party.

 

(b)                                  Except as specifically set forth herein, neither the applicable Issuer nor the Property Manager (i) shall amend or modify in any material respect, or terminate (other than in connection with a bona fide default by the Tenant or Borrower thereunder beyond any applicable notice or grace period or with respect to Lease Transfer Properties), any Lease or Mortgage Loan other than in accordance with the Servicing Standard, (ii) unless permitted by the related Lease or Mortgage Loan and remitted and initiated thereunder by the related Tenant or Borrower, shall not collect any rents or principal or interest more than one (1) month in advance (other than security deposits), and (iii) shall not execute any other assignment of lessor’s interest in the Leases or the rents or the related Issuer’s interest in the Mortgage Loan (except as contemplated by the Transaction Documents or the Leases or Mortgage Loans, as applicable). For the purpose of this section, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any extension of the term of a Lease or Mortgage Loan that does not reduce the rent or principal or interest, payable thereunder shall be deemed not to be material and any amendment or modification of a Lease or Mortgage Loan that reduces the term thereof or the rent, or principal or interest, payable thereunder shall be deemed to be material.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(i)                                      The applicable Issuer, the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager and the Special Servicer, each may, consistent with the Servicing Standard, agree to any modification, waiver or amendment of any term of, forgive any payment on, and permit the release of the Tenant or Borrower on or any Lease Guarantor or Loan Guarantor, and approve of the assignment of a Tenant’s interest in its Lease or Borrower’s interest in its Mortgage Loan or the sublease of all or a portion of a Property (each, an “ Amendment ”) without the consent of the applicable Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Back-Up Manager or Notheholder or any other Person, provided that the Property Manager certifies to the Indenture Trustee that:

 

(A)                                such Amendment is entered into for a commercially reasonable purpose in an arm’s-length transaction on market terms; and

 

(B)                                subject to the provisions below, such Amendment shall not cause the Monthly DSCR to be less than 1.35; and

 

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(C)                                in the reasonable judgment of the applicable Issuer, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, as the case may be, such Amendment is in the best interest of the Noteholders and (other than in connection with a Tenant or Borrower default or with respect to Lease Transfer Properties) will not have an adverse effect on the Collateral Value of the related Property or Mortgage Loan.

 

Any Amendment that would cause the Monthly DSCR to fall below 1.35 shall require the approval of the Property Manager, if the Property Manager is not also the Special Servicer, in accordance with the Servicing Standard after notice thereof to the Indenture Trustee and Back-Up Manager. In the event that Property Manager shall fail to respond to any request for approval hereunder within such ten (10) Business Day period, the applicable Issuer may send a second notice, which shall state in capitalized, bold faced 16 point type at the top of the first page that: “If the Property Manager fails to approve or disapprove the proposed Amendment within ten (10) Business Days, the Amendment shall be deemed approved”, and if the Property Manager shall fail to respond to such second request within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Amendment shall be deemed approved by the Property Manager.”

 

(ii)                                   Any Amendment in connection with a bona fide default by the Tenant or Borrower shall not be subject to the foregoing terms of this Section 3.16. Regardless of whether any Amendment is material or not, the Property Manager will give the Indenture Trustee prompt written notice thereof and shall indicate whether such action is being taken pursuant to the preceding sentence and upon request will deliver a copy of any documents executed in connection therewith to the Rating Agencies and the Indenture Trustee.

 

(iii)                                To the extent that the applicable Issuer is not entitled, under the terms of any Lease or Mortgage Loan, to withhold its consent to an assignment, subletting or assumption thereunder, the granting of such consent shall not be restricted by this Section 3.16.

 

(iv)                               The limitations, conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 3.16(c)(i) above shall not apply to any Lease or Mortgage Loan with respect to which there exists a bona fide default by the related Tenant or Borrower, any Amendment or other action with respect to any Lease or Mortgage Loan that is required under the terms of such Lease or Mortgage Loan or that is solely within the control of the related Tenant or Borrower.

 

(v)                                  Neither the Property Manager nor the Special Servicer shall be required to oppose the confirmation of a plan in any bankruptcy or similar proceeding involving a Tenant or Borrower if in their reasonable and good faith judgment such opposition would not ultimately prevent the confirmation of such plan or one substantially similar.

 

(vi)                               The limitations, conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 3.16(c)(i) above shall not apply to the Property Manager’s or the Special Servicer’s ability to terminate a Lease or Mortgage Loan in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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(d)                                  The Issuers, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall have no liability to the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders or to any other Person if its analysis and determination that the Amendment or other action contemplated by Section 3.16(c) would not materially reduce the likelihood of timely payment of amounts due thereon, or that such Amendment or other action is reasonably likely to produce a greater recovery to the related Issuer on a present value basis than would liquidation, should prove to be wrong or incorrect, so long as the analysis and determination were made on a reasonable basis in accordance with the Servicing Standard in good faith by the applicable Issuer, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be.

 

(e)                                   The Property Manager and the Special Servicer each may, as a condition to its granting any request by a Tenant or Borrower for consent, modification, waiver or indulgence or any other matter or thing, the granting of which is within the Property Manager’s or Special Servicer’s, as the case may be, discretion pursuant to the terms of the instruments evidencing or securing the related Lease or Mortgage Loan and is permitted by the terms of this Agreement, require that such Tenant or Borrower, to the extent permitted by the subject Lease or Mortgage Loan, or, if not so permitted, the related Issuer, pay to the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as applicable, as additional servicing compensation a reasonable or customary fee for the additional services performed in connection with such request, together with any related costs and expenses incurred by it.

 

(f)                                    All modifications, waivers, amendments and other actions entered into or taken in respect of a Lease or Mortgage Loan pursuant to this Section 3.16 shall be in writing. Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall notify the other such party and each Issuer, the Back-Up Manager, the applicable Rating Agencies and the Custodian, in writing, of any modification, waiver, amendment or other action entered into or taken in respect of any Lease or Mortgage Loan pursuant to this Section 3.16 and the date thereof, and shall deliver to the Custodian for deposit in the related Lease File or Loan File an original counterpart of the agreements relating to such modification, waiver, amendment or other action, promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days) following the execution thereof. In addition, following any Amendment or other action agreed to by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer pursuant to Section 3.16(c) above, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall deliver to each Issuer, to the Indenture Trustee and, in the case of the Special Servicer, to the Property Manager, an Officer’s Certificate certifying compliance with such subsection (c).

 

Section 3.17                   Transfer of Servicing Between Property Manager and Special Servicer; Record Keeping .

 

(a)                                  Upon determining that a Servicing Transfer Event has occurred with respect to any Lease or Mortgage Loan and if the Property Manager is not also the Special Servicer, the Property Manager shall immediately give notice thereof, and shall deliver the related Servicing File, to the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager and shall provide the Special Servicer with all information, documents (or copies thereof) and records (including records stored electronically on computer tapes, magnetic discs and the like) relating to such Lease or Mortgage Loan and reasonably requested by the Special Servicer to the

 

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extent in Property Manager’s possession, to enable it to assume its functions hereunder with respect thereto without acting through a Sub-Manager. The Property Manager shall use its best efforts to comply with the preceding sentence within five (5) Business Days of its receipt of Special Servicer’s request following the occurrence of each related Servicing Transfer Event.

 

Upon determining that a Specially Managed Unit has become a Corrected Unit and if the Property Manager is not also the Special Servicer, the Special Servicer shall immediately give notice thereof, and shall return the related Servicing File, to the Property Manager and, upon giving such notice and returning such Servicing File, to the Property Manager, (i) the Special Servicer’s obligation to service such Lease or Mortgage Loan shall terminate, (ii) the Special Servicer’s right to receive the Special Servicing Fee with respect to such Lease or Mortgage Loan, shall terminate and (iii) the obligations of the Property Manager to service and administer such Lease or Mortgage Loan shall resume, in each case, effective as of the first day of the following calendar month.

 

(b)                                  In servicing any Specially Managed Unit, the Special Servicer shall provide to the Custodian, for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee, originals of documents included within the definition of “Lease File” for inclusion in the related Lease File and “Loan File” for inclusion in the related Loan File (with a copy of each such original to the Property Manager), and copies of any additional related Lease and Mortgage Loan information, including correspondence with the related Tenant or Borrower.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Property Manager and the Special Servicer are the same Person, all notices, certificates, information and consents required to be given by the Property Manager to the Special Servicer or vice versa shall be deemed to be given without the necessity of any action on such Person’s part.

 

Section 3.18                         Sub-Management Agreements .

 

(a)                                  The Property Manager and the Special Servicer may enter into Sub-Management Agreements to provide for the performance by third parties of any or all of their respective obligations hereunder; provided, that, in each case, the Sub-Management Agreement: (i) is consistent with this Agreement in all material respects and requires the Sub-Manager to comply with all of the applicable conditions of this Agreement; (ii) provides that if the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall for any reason no longer act in such capacity hereunder (including by reason of a Servicer Replacement Event), the Back-Up Manager (or if the Back-Up Manager is then terminated and another successor has not been named, the Indenture Trustee) may thereupon assume all of the rights and, except to the extent they arose prior to the date of assumption, obligations of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, under such agreement or, alternatively, may terminate such Sub-Management Agreement without cause and without payment of any penalty or termination fee; (iii) provides that each Issuer, the Back-Up Manager, the Indenture Trustee, the other parties hereto and, as and to the extent provided herein, the third party beneficiaries hereof shall be third party beneficiaries under such agreement, but that (except to the extent the Indenture Trustee, Back-Up Manager or their respective designees assume the obligations of the Property Manager

 

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or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, thereunder as contemplated by the immediately preceding clause (ii) and, in such case, only from the date of such assumption) none of any Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Back-Up Manager, any other party hereto, any successor Property Manager or Special Servicer, as the case may be, any Noteholder or holder of Issuer Interests or any other third party beneficiary hereof shall have any duties under such agreement or any liabilities arising therefrom; (iv) permits any purchaser of a Property or Mortgage Loan pursuant to this Agreement to terminate such agreement with respect to such purchased Property or Mortgage Loan at its option and without penalty; (v) does not permit the Sub-Manager to enter into or consent to any modification, waiver or amendment or otherwise take any action on behalf of the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as the case may be, contemplated by Section 3.16 hereof without the written consent of the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as the case may be; and (vi) does not permit the Sub-Manager any rights of indemnification that may be satisfied out of the Collateral. In addition, each Sub-Management Agreement entered into by the Property Manager shall provide that such agreement shall terminate with respect to any Lease and Property, and Mortgage Loan serviced thereunder at the time such Property or Mortgage Loan becomes a Specially Managed Unit, and each Sub-Management Agreement entered into by the Special Servicer shall relate only to Specially Managed Units and shall terminate with respect to any such Property or Mortgage Loan that ceases to be a Specially Managed Unit.

 

The Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall each deliver to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee copies of all Sub-Management Agreements, and any amendments thereto and modifications thereof, entered into by it promptly upon its execution and delivery of such documents. References in this Agreement to actions taken or to be taken by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer include actions taken or to be taken by a Sub-Manager on behalf of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, and in connection therewith, all amounts advanced by any Sub-Manager to satisfy the obligations of the Property Manager or Special Servicer hereunder to make Advances shall be deemed to have been advanced by the Property Manager or Special Servicer out of its own funds and, accordingly, such Advances shall be recoverable by such Sub-Manager in the same manner and out of the same funds as if such Sub-Manager were the Property Manager or Special Servicer. For so long as they are outstanding, Advances shall accrue Advance Interest in accordance with Sections 3.09(e), such interest to be allocable between the Property Manager and such Sub-Manager as they may agree. For purposes of this Agreement, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer each shall be deemed to have received any payment, and shall be obligated to handle such payment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, when a Sub-Manager retained by it receives such payment. The Property Manager and the Special Servicer each shall notify the other, each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager in writing promptly of the appointment by it of any Sub-Manager.

 

(b)                                  Each Sub-Manager shall be authorized to transact business in the state or states in which the Properties or Mortgage Loans it is to service are situated, if and to the extent required by applicable law.

 

(c)                                   The Property Manager and the Special Servicer, for the benefit of each Issuer, shall (at no expense to an Issuer or the Indenture Trustee) monitor the performance and

 

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enforce the obligations of their respective Sub-Managers under the related Sub-Management Agreements. Such enforcement, including the legal prosecution of claims, termination of Sub-Management Agreements in accordance with their respective terms and the pursuit of other appropriate remedies, shall be in such form and carried out to such an extent and at such time as the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, in its good faith and reasonable judgment, would require were it the owner of the Properties and Mortgage Loans. Subject to the terms of the related Sub-Management Agreement, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall each have the right to remove a Sub-Manager retained by it at any time it considers such removal to be in the best interests of each Issuer.

 

(d)                                  If the Property Manager or the Special Servicer ceases to serve as such under this Agreement for any reason (including by reason of a Servicer Replacement Event) and no successor Property Manager or Special Servicer, as the case may be, has succeeded to its rights and assumed its obligations hereunder or, in the case of the Special Servicer, no replacement Special Servicer has been designated pursuant to Section 5.06, so long as the Back-Up Manager is appointed as Property Manager and Special Servicer, as applicable, pursuant to Section 6.02, the Back-Up Manager shall succeed to the rights and assume the obligations of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer under any Sub-Management Agreement, unless the Back-Up Manager or the Indenture Trustee elects to terminate any such Sub-Management Agreement in accordance with its terms. In any event, if a Sub-Management Agreement is to be assumed by the Back-Up Manager, then the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, at its expense shall, upon request of the Back-Up Manager or the Indenture Trustee, deliver to the Back-Up Manager all documents and records relating to such Sub-Management Agreement and the Properties and the Mortgage Loans then being serviced thereunder and an accounting of amounts collected and held on behalf of it thereunder, and otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the orderly and efficient transfer of the Sub-Management Agreement to the assuming party.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding any Sub-Management Agreement, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall remain obligated and liable to each Issuer, the Noteholders, the Indenture Trustee and each other for the performance of their respective obligations and duties under this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof to the same extent and under the same terms and conditions as if each alone were servicing and administering the Mortgage Loans, the Properties and Leases for which it is responsible.

 

(f)                                    Any fees paid by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, to any Sub-Manager pursuant to any Sub-Management Agreement shall be paid solely from the Property Management Fee or the Special Servicing Fee, as applicable, and in no event shall such Sub-Manager have any claim against the Collateral with respect to such fees.

 

Section 3.19                         Casualty .

 

(a)                                  If any Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease shall be materially damaged or destroyed, in whole or in part, by fire or other casualty (an “ Insured Casualty ”), the applicable Issuer shall give prompt notice thereof to the Indenture Trustee and

 

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the Property Manager. Following the occurrence of an Insured Casualty, the applicable Issuer shall promptly (or shall promptly cause the Tenant or Borrower to) proceed to restore, repair, replace or rebuild the same to be of at least equal value and of substantially the same character as prior to such damage or destruction, all to be effected in accordance with applicable law; provided that if the Property Manager shall not direct the Indenture Trustee to make any amounts received in connection with such Insured Casualty available to reimburse the applicable Issuer for the costs of such restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding, such Issuer shall not be required to perform such restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding, provided , further , that such Issuer shall take at its own expense such steps as may be reasonably required to put and maintain the Improvements in a safe and secure condition. The expenses incurred by the Property Manager in the adjustment and collection of any amounts received in connection with an Insured Casualty shall be deemed a Property Protection Advance and be secured hereby and shall be reimbursed by the applicable Issuer to the Property Manager pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.

 

(b)                                  In case of loss or damages to a Property not securing a Mortgage Loan or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease covered by any of the Property Insurance Policies, the following provisions shall apply:

 

(i)                                      In the event of an Insured Casualty that does not exceed the greater of (a) $100,000.00 or (b) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, the applicable Issuer may settle and adjust any claim without the consent of the Property Manager and agree with the insurance company or companies on the amount to be paid upon the loss. In such case, such Issuer is hereby authorized to collect and to distribute such amounts distributed in connection with an Insured Casualty in accordance with the terms and provisions of the related Lease.

 

(ii)                                   In the event an Insured Casualty shall exceed the greater of (a) $100,000.00 or (b) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Properties or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, then and in that event, the applicable Issuer may settle and adjust any claim without the consent of the Property Manager and agree with the insurance company or companies on the amount to be paid on the loss and shall immediately deposit such amounts received in connection with an Insured Casualty into the Casualty and Condemnation Sub-Account, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and this Agreement.

 

(iii)                                In the event of an Insured Casualty where the loss is in an aggregate amount more than the greater of (a) $100,000.00 or (b) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Properties or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, and if, in the reasonable judgment of the Property Manager the Property can be restored within twenty-four (24) months to an economic unit not materially less valuable (including an assessment of the impact of the termination of any Leases due to such Insured Casualty) and not materially less useful than the same was prior to the Insured Casualty, then, if no Event of Default under the Indenture shall have occurred and be then

 

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continuing, the amounts received in connection with such an Insured Casualty (after reimbursement of any reasonable expenses incurred by the Property Manager) shall be collected by the Property Manager, and promptly delivered to and deposited by Indenture Trustee into the Casualty and Condemnation Proceeds Sub-Account, and shall be distributed to the applicable Issuer to reimburse such Issuer or the subject Tenant for the cost of restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding the Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease or part thereof subject to the Insured Casualty, in the manner set forth below, provided , the Indenture Trustee makes the amounts received in connection with such an Insured Casualty available for the same, such Issuer hereby covenants and agrees to commence and diligently prosecute, or cause the applicable Tenant to commence and diligently prosecute, such restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding; provided , that such Issuer or the subject Tenant shall pay all costs (and if required by the Property Manager, such Issuer shall deposit the total thereof with the Indenture Trustee in advance) of such restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding in excess of the net proceeds made available pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

(iv)                               Subject to clauses (i)-(iii) in this Section 3.19(b), an Issuer may elect for proceeds from an Insured Casualty or Condemnation to be (A) applied to the payment of the Notes without Make Whole Amount, (B) applied to reimburse the applicable Issuer or the subject Tenant for the cost of restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding the Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease or part thereof subject to the Insured Casualty, in the manner set forth below or (C) provided that such amounts are greater than or equal to the Collateral Value of the related Property, deposited into the Release Account to be used to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Qualified Substitute Loans, as applicable.

 

(v)                                  In the event the applicable Issuer is entitled to reimbursement out of the amounts held by the Indenture Trustee, such amounts shall be disbursed from time to time by the Indenture Trustee, at the written direction of the Property Manager, upon the Property Manager being furnished with (1) evidence satisfactory to it of the estimated cost of completion of the restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding, (2) funds or, at the Property Manager’s option, assurances reasonably satisfactory to the Property Manager that such funds are available, sufficient in addition to the proceeds to complete the proposed restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding, and (3) such architect’s certificates, waivers of lien, contractor’s sworn statements, title insurance endorsements, bonds, plats of survey and such other reasonable evidences of cost, payment and performance as the Property Manager may reasonably require and approve. No payment made prior to the final completion of the restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding shall exceed ninety percent (90%) of the value of the work performed from time to time; funds other than proceeds shall be disbursed prior to disbursement of such proceeds; and at all times, the undisbursed balance of such proceeds remaining in the hands of the Indenture Trustee, together with funds deposited for that purpose or irrevocably committed to the satisfaction of the Property Manager by or on behalf of such Issuer for that purpose, shall be at least sufficient in the reasonable judgment of the Property

 

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Manager to pay for the cost of completion of the restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding, free and clear of all liens or claims for lien. Any surplus which may remain out of proceeds held by the Indenture Trustee after payment of such costs of restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding shall be transferred to the Collection Account as Insurance Proceeds and be applied to the payment of the Notes as provided in subparagraph (iii)(A) above.

 

(vi)                               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any Permitted Lease shall obligate the Tenant thereunder to repair, restore or rebuild the affected Property after the occurrence of an Insured Casualty, the applicable Issuer, at the direction of the Property Manager, shall deposit the proceeds of an Insured Casualty in the Casualty and Condemnation Sub-Account and Indenture Trustee shall make such proceeds available, subject only to the conditions set forth in such Permitted Lease and the conditions set forth in the first sentence of subparagraph (iv) above.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including in Section 3.20 below), in the case of loss or damages covered by any of the Property Insurance Policies with respect to a Property securing a Mortgage Loan or any Condemnation with respect to any such Property, the related proceeds shall be applied in accordance with the related Loan Documents.

 

Section 3.20                         Condemnation .

 

(a)                                  Each applicable Issuer shall promptly give the Property Manager written notice of the actual or threatened commencement of any condemnation or eminent domain proceeding of which Issuer receives notice (a “ Condemnation ”) and shall deliver to the Property Manager copies of any and all papers served upon such Issuer in connection with such Condemnation. Following the occurrence of a Condemnation, the applicable Issuer shall, or shall promptly cause the related Tenant or Borrower to, proceed to restore, repair, replace or rebuild the same to the extent practicable to be of at least equal value and of substantially the same character as prior to such Condemnation, all to be effected in accordance with applicable law; provided that if the Property Manager shall not make the amounts received in connection with such Condemnation received by the Indenture Trustee available to reimburse such Issuer or Tenant or Borrower for the costs of such restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding, such Issuer shall not be required to perform such restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding; provided further that such Issuer shall take at its own expense such steps as may be reasonably required to put and maintain the Improvements in a safe and secure condition.

 

(b)                                  In the event of a Condemnation with respect to a Property not securing a Mortgage Loan or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, the proceeds for which will not exceed the greater of (a) $100,000, or (b) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, the applicable Issuer may settle and adjust any claim and release the lien of the Transaction Documents from the affected portion of the applicable Property or Improvements, as applicable, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee without the consent of the Property Manager and agree with the governmental

 

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authority having jurisdiction on the amount to be paid in connection with such Condemnation. In such case, the applicable Issuer is hereby authorized to collect and disburse the amounts received in connection with such Condemnation. In the event the amounts received in connection with a Condemnation shall exceed the greater of (i) $100,000, or (ii) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease, then in such event, the applicable Issuer may settle and adjust any claim without the consent of the Property Manager and agree with the condemning authority on the amount to be paid in connection with such Condemnation, and the amounts received in connection with such a Condemnation shall be due and payable solely to the Indenture Trustee and held in escrow by the Indenture Trustee in the Casualty and Condemnation Sub-Account, and disbursed by the Indenture Trustee, at the written direction of the Property Manager, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any Condemnation by any public or quasi-public authority (including, without limitation, any transfer made in lieu of or in anticipation of such a Condemnation), the applicable Issuer shall continue to pay the Notes at the time and in the manner provided for in the Notes, in the Indenture and the other Transaction Documents and the Notes shall not be reduced unless and until the amount shall have been actually received and applied by the Indenture Trustee to expenses of the Property Manager in collecting the amount and to discharge of the Notes. The Indenture Trustee shall not be limited to the interest paid on the amount paid in connection with such Condemnation by the condemning authority but shall be entitled to receive out of the amounts received in connection with such Condemnation interest at the applicable Note Rates.

 

(c)                                   In the event of any Condemnation with respect to a Property not securing a Mortgage Loan or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease where the amount to be paid in connection therewith are in an aggregate amount that shall exceed the greater of (i) $100,000.00, or (ii) five percent (5%) of the Fair Market Value of the applicable Properties or Improvements in connection with Hybrid Leases, and if, in the reasonable judgment of the applicable Issuer, the related Property can be restored within twenty-four (24) months to an economic unit not materially less valuable (including an assessment of the impact of the termination of any Leases due to such Condemnation) and not materially less useful than the same was prior to the Condemnation, then, if no Event of Default under the Indenture shall have occurred and be then continuing, the amount to be paid in connection with such Condemnation (after reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the Property Manager) shall be collected by the Indenture Trustee and deposited in the Casualty and Condemnation Sub-Account, and shall be applied to reimburse such Issuer or the Tenant for the subject Property for the cost of restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding the Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease or part thereof subject to Condemnation, in the manner set forth below. Such applicable Issuer hereby covenants and agrees to commence and diligently prosecute, or cause the applicable Tenant to commence and diligently prosecute, such restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding; provided , that such Issuer or the subject Tenant shall pay all costs (and if required by the Property Manager, such Issuer shall deposit the total thereof with the Indenture Trustee in advance) of such restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding in excess of the amount made available pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

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(d)                                  Except as otherwise provided herein, any amount received in connection with any Condemnation with respect to any Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease shall, at the option of such Issuer, be (i) deposited in the Collection Account as Condemnation Proceeds and applied to the payment of the Notes without Make Whole Amount, (ii) applied to the reimbursement of such Issuer or the subject Tenant or Borrower for the cost of restoring, repairing, replacing or rebuilding the Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease or part thereof subject to the Condemnation, in the manner set forth below or (iii) provided that such amounts are greater than or equal to the Collateral Value of the related Property or Mortgage Loan, deposited into the Release Account to be used to acquire Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Qualified Substitute Loans, as applicable. If the Property or Improvements in connection with a Hybrid Lease is sold through foreclosure prior to the receipt by the Indenture Trustee of the proceeds from such Condemnation, the Indenture Trustee shall have the right, if a deficiency judgment on the Notes shall be recoverable or shall have been sought, recovered or denied, to receive all or a portion of said proceeds sufficient to pay the Notes.

 

(e)                                   In the event an Issuer is entitled to reimbursement out of the amounts received in connection with a Condemnation received by the Indenture Trustee, such amounts shall be disbursed from time to time by the Indenture Trustee from the Casualty and Condemnation Sub-Account, at the written direction of the Property Manager, upon the Property Manager being furnished with (1) evidence satisfactory to it of the estimated cost of completion of the restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding resulting from such Condemnation, (2) funds or, at the Property Manager’s option, assurances reasonably satisfactory to the Property Manager that such funds are available, sufficient in addition to the amounts received in connection with a Condemnation to complete the proposed restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding, and (3) such architect’s certificates, waivers of lien, contractor’s sworn statements, title insurance endorsements, bonds, plats of survey and such other evidences of costs, payment and performance as the Property Manager may reasonably require and approve. No payment made prior to the final completion of the restoration, repair, replacement and rebuilding shall exceed ninety percent (90%) of the value of the work performed from time to time; funds other than amounts received in connection with a Condemnation shall be disbursed prior to disbursement of such amounts; and at all times, the undisbursed balance of such amounts remaining in hands of the Indenture Trustee, together with funds deposited for that purpose or irrevocably committed to the satisfaction of the Property Manager by or on behalf of such Issuer for that purpose, shall be at least sufficient in the reasonable judgment of the Property Manager to pay for the costs of completion of the restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding, free and clear of all liens or claims for lien. Any surplus which may remain out of the amount received in connection with a Condemnation after payment of such costs of restoration, repair, replacement or rebuilding may, at the option of such Issuer, be transferred to the Collection Account as Condemnation Proceeds and applied to payment of the Notes as provided in subparagraph (d)(i) above.

 

(f)                                    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any Permitted Lease shall obligate the Tenant thereunder to repair, restore or rebuild the affected

 

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Property after the occurrence of a Condemnation, the Indenture Trustee, at the written direction of the Property Manager, shall make the amounts received in connection with such Condemnation available, subject only to the conditions set forth in such Permitted Lease and the conditions set forth in the first sentence of Section 3.20(e) above.

 

Section 3.21                         Separateness Provisions.

 

(a)                                  So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of the Issuers is the Property Manager, the Property Manager shall at all times take all steps necessary and appropriate to maintain its own separateness from each Issuer, and maintain the separateness of all Affiliates of the Property Manager and other properties that the Property Manager manages from the Issuers and from the Properties and Mortgage Loans. Without limiting the foregoing: (i) the Property Manager will not hold its credit out as available to pay or support (as guarantor or otherwise) any of the Issuers’ obligations and it will not pay any such Issuer’s obligations or expenses from the Property Manager’s funds (other than expenses or advances required by this Agreement to be made by the Property Manager), (ii) the Property Manager will not make any loans to or borrow any funds from any Issuer (except as provided in clause (i) above), (iii) the Property Manager will not permit the Issuers’ assets to be included in or consolidated within the Property Manager’s financial statements without including a note indicating that the assets and credit of the Issuers are not available to pay the debts of the Property Manager and that its liabilities do not constitute obligations of any Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Property Manager or its Affiliates may make capital contributions, on a non-regular basis, to any of the Issuers.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in the Agreement and so long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the Property Manager agrees that each Issuer is a “single purpose entity” and that each Issuer must maintain such status so long as the Notes remain outstanding as set forth in such Issuer’s organizational documents. Accordingly, the Property Manager shall:

 

(i)                                      hold itself out to the public as the ultimate parent of each Issuer, legally distinct from such Issuer, and shall conduct its duties and obligations on behalf of such Issuer in its own name and shall correct any known misunderstanding regarding its separate identity from such Issuer, and shall not identify itself as a department or division of such Issuer or such Issuer as a division or department of the Property Manager;

 

(ii)                                   in the management, servicing and administration of the Properties, Leases and Mortgage Loans, use the related Issuer’s separate stationery, invoices or checks for letters, invoices or checks to be signed by such Issuer; and

 

(iii)                                shall pay each Issuer’s liabilities solely from such Issuer’s funds (except that the Property Manager shall make all Advances required to be made by the Property Manager by this Agreement).

 

(c)                                   So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the Property Manager shall bring any legal proceedings to collect rent, principal or

 

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interest or other income from the Properties and Mortgage Loans, or to oust or dispossess a Tenant or other Person from a Property or foreclose on a Mortgage Loan, only in the name of the related Issuer and at such Issuer’s expense.

 

(d)                                  So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the Property Manager shall submit Leases and Mortgage Loans, service contracts and other contracts, including amendments thereto, to the related Issuer for execution by such Issuer. So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of any Issuer is the Property Manager, the Property Manager shall not bind any Issuer in respect of any term or condition of any such Lease, Mortgage Loan or contract except in Leases, Mortgage Loans or other contracts that are executed by the applicable Issuer.

 

Section 3.22                       Estoppels.

 

The Property Manager shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee, promptly upon request but in no event later than twenty (20) days following receipt by Property Manager of such estoppel, from each applicable Issuer, certifications, duly acknowledged and certified, setting forth (i) the original Series Principal Balance of each Series of Notes, (ii) the outstanding Series Principal Balance of each Series of Notes, (iii) the applicable Note Rate of each Class of Notes in each Series, (iv) the last Payment Date, (v) any offsets or defenses to the payment of the Notes, if any, and (vi) that the Notes, this Indenture, the Mortgages, the organizational documents of such Issuer and the other Transaction Documents are valid, legal and binding obligations and have not been modified or, if modified, giving particulars of such modification.

 

Section 3.23                       Environmental Matters.

 

(a)                                  So long as an Issuer owns or is in possession of each Property or Mortgage Loan, each such Issuer shall, or shall cause the Property Manager to, promptly notify the Indenture Trustee in writing if such Issuer or the Property Manager shall become aware of any hazardous and/or toxic, dangerous and/or regulated, substances, wastes, materials, raw materials which include hazardous constituents, pollutants or contaminants including without limitation, petroleum, tremolite, anthlophylie, actinolite or polychlorinated biphenyls and any other substances or materials which are included under or regulated by Environmental Laws or which are considered by scientific opinion to be otherwise dangerous in terms of the health, safety and welfare of humans (collectively, “ Hazardous Substances ”) other than Hazardous Substances used or generated by any Tenant or Borrower in the ordinary course of business and treated in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws (“ Permitted Materials ”) on or near each Property and/or if such Issuer or the Property Manager shall become aware that any such Property is in direct violation of any Environmental Laws and/or if such Issuer or the Property Manager shall become aware of any condition on or near any such Property which violates any Environmental Laws, such Issuer shall, or shall cause the Property Manager to, cure such violations and remove any Hazardous Substances that pose a threat to the health, safety or welfare of humans, as shall be reasonably required by the Property Manager in accordance with reasonable commercial lending standards and practices, at such Issuer’s sole expense.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, each such Issuer and its related Tenants or Borrowers may use and store Hazardous Substances at each Property if such use or storage is in connection with the ordinary operation, cleaning and maintenance of each Property so long as such use and storage is in compliance with any applicable Environmental Laws. Nothing herein shall prevent such Issuer from recovering such expenses from any other party that may be liable for such removal or cure.

 

(b)                                  Each Issuer shall, or shall cause the Property Manager to, give prompt written notices to the Indenture Trustee and the Property Manager, as the case may be, of any of the following: (i) any demand, notice of any violation, notice of any potential responsibility, proceeding or official inquiry by any Governmental Authority with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Substance or asbestos or any substance or material containing asbestos (“ Asbestos ”) on, under, from or about any Property; (ii) all claims made by any third party against such Issuer or any Property relating to any loss or injury resulting from any Hazardous Substance or Asbestos; and (iii) such Issuer’s or the Property Manager’s discovery of any occurrence or condition on any real property adjoining or in the vicinity of any Property that causes such Property to be subject to any official investigation or cleanup pursuant to any Environmental Law. Subject to the rights of the applicable Tenant under the related Lease or Borrower under the related Mortgage Loan, each Issuer shall permit the Indenture Trustee to join and participate in, as a party if it so elects, any legal proceedings or actions initiated with respect to any Property in connection with any Environmental Law or Hazardous Substance and in such an instance, the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee shall be represented by the same counsel; provided, however, that, if a conflict of interest arises between any Issuer and the Indenture Trustee because potential claims could be brought against the Indenture Trustee, then the Indenture Trustee shall be represented by its own counsel and such Issuer shall pay all reasonable attorney’s fees and disbursements incurred by the Indenture Trustee in connection therewith.

 

(c)                                   Upon the Property Manager’s request and subject to the rights of the Tenants under the Leases and the rights of the Borrowers under the Mortgage Loans, at any time and from time to time while this Indenture is in effect, when (x) the Property Manager has determined (in the exercise of its good faith judgment) that reasonable cause exists for the performance of an environmental inspection or audit of any Property or (y) an Event of Default exists, each Issuer shall, or shall cause the Property Manager to, provide at such Issuer’s sole expense, (I) an inspection or audit of each such Property prepared by a licensed hydrogeologist or licensed environmental engineer indicating the presence or absence of Hazardous Substances on, in or near each such Property, and (II) an inspection or audit of such Property prepared by a duly qualified engineering or consulting firm, indicating the presence or absence of Asbestos on such Property. If such Issuer fails to provide such inspection or audit within thirty (30) days after such request, the Property Manager, at such Issuer’s sole expense, which shall be deemed a Property Protection Advance, may order the same, and such Issuer hereby grants to the Property Manager and its employees and agents access to each Property and a license to undertake such inspection or audit in each case subject to the rights of the Tenants under the Leases and the rights of the Borrowers under the Mortgage Loans. In the event that any environmental site assessment report prepared in connection with such inspection or audit reasonably recommends

 

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that an operations and maintenance plan be implemented for Asbestos or any Hazardous Substance, the related Issuer shall, to the-extent permitted under the related Lease or Mortgage Loan, cause such operations and maintenance plan to be prepared and implemented at such Issuer’s expense upon request of the Property Manager. In the event that any investigation, site monitoring, containment, cleanup, removal, restoration, or other work of any kind is reasonably necessary under an applicable Environmental Law (the “ Remedial Work ”), each Issuer shall, or shall cause the Property Manager to, promptly commence and thereafter diligently prosecute, or cause any related Tenant or Borrower to commence and thereafter diligently prosecute, to completion all such Remedial Work after written demand by the Property Manager for performance thereof. All Remedial Work shall be performed by contractors, and under the supervision of a consulting engineer. All costs and expenses of such Remedial Work shall be paid by the related Issuer. In the event such Issuer shall fail to timely commence, or cause to be commenced, or fail to diligently prosecute to completion, such Remedial Work, the Property Manager may, but shall not be required to, cause such Remedial Work to be performed, and all costs and expenses thereof, or incurred in connection therewith, shall be deemed a Property Protection Advance.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

REPORTS

 

Section 4.01                              Reports to the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee .

 

(a)                                  Not later than 3:00 p.m. (New York City time), three (3) Business Days prior to each Payment Date, the Property Manager shall deliver to each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency a report containing the information specified on Exhibit H hereto, and such other information with respect to the Mortgage Loans, the Leases and Properties as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably request (such report, the “ Determination Date Report ”) in a mutually agreeable electronic format, reflecting as of the close of business on the last day of the related Collection Period, the information required for purposes of making the payments required by Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture and the calculations and reports referred to in Section 6.01 of the Indenture, including, but not limited to, the maturity date and the required monthly rent or loan payment of each Lease or Mortgage Loan. So long as STORE Capital or an Affiliate of an Issuer is the Property Manager, the Determination Date Report shall also contain a certification by the Property Manager that each Issuer has not incurred any indebtedness except indebtedness permitted by any applicable limited liability company agreement of the related Issuer Member or the Transaction Documents. Such information shall be delivered by the Property Manager to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee in such form as may be reasonably acceptable to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, as applicable. The Special Servicer shall from time to time (and, in any event, as may be reasonably required by the Property Manager) provide the Property Manager with such information regarding the Specially Managed Units as may be necessary for the Property Manager to prepare each Determination Date Report and any supplemental information to be provided by the Property Manager to each Issuer or the Indenture Trustee.

 

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(b)                                  Not later than 3:00 p.m. (New York City time) three (3) Business Days prior to each Payment Date, the Special Servicer shall deliver to the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency a report containing such information relating to the Mortgage Loans, the Leases and Properties managed by it and in such form as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably request (such report, the “ Special Servicer Report ”) reflecting information as of the close of business on the last day of the immediately preceding Collection Period.

 

(c)                                   Not later than the 45th day following the end of each calendar quarter, commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2013 the Special Servicer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee, the Rating Agencies and the Property Manager (A) a report containing such information and in such form as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably request (such report, a “ Modified Collateral Detail and Realized Loss Report ”) with respect to all renewals, modifications, waivers, security deposits paid or rental concessions made pursuant to Section 3.16 and (B) subject to Section 6.03(a) of the Indenture, upon the reasonable request of the Indenture Trustee, the Rating Agencies or the Property Manager, operating statements and other financial information collected or otherwise obtained by the Special Servicer during such calendar quarter (together with copies of the operating statements and other financial information on which it is based) to the extent such information is not prohibited from being disclosed or restricted by confidentiality under the terms of the applicable Lease Documents or Loan Documents.

 

(d)                                  The Property Manager or the Special Servicer, to the extent received by such party, shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee and each applicable Rating Agency:

 

(i)                                      within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter the following items received by it, each executed by a Responsible Officer of each applicable Issuer as being true and correct: (A) a written statement dated as of the last day of each such calendar quarter identifying to its knowledge any defaults under a Lease or Mortgage Loan which continues after the expiration of applicable cure periods and not otherwise included in the Special Servicer Report, and (B) the principal amount, aggregate unfunded loan commitments and maturity dates of all credit and loan facilities then in place relating to STORE Capital or any of its subsidiaries so long as the maturity date of such indebtedness is scheduled to occur within 365 days of the end of such calendar quarter, which shall be calculated by STORE Capital; and

 

(ii)                                   within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each year the following items received by it, each executed by a Responsible Officer of each applicable Issuer as being true and correct (A) consolidated financial statements of the related Issuer (consolidated with any co-Issuer)’s financial affairs and condition, including a balance sheet and statement of profit and loss for the related Issuers in such detail as the Indenture Trustee may request for the Issuers for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, which statements shall be prepared by such Issuer, (B) consolidated financial statements of STORE Capital’s financial affairs and condition, including a balance sheet, a cash flow summary report for STORE Capital and

 

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an operating statement including detailed income and expense statement, in each case in such detail as the Indenture Trustee may request for STORE Capital for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, which statements shall be prepared by STORE Capital, and (C) the Net Worth of STORE Capital at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, which shall be calculated by STORE Capital; and

 

(iii)                                within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each calendar year, (A) consolidated financial statements of the financial affairs and condition of the related Issuer (consolidated with any co-Issuer), including a balance sheet and statement of profit and loss, in such detail as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably request for the immediately preceding calendar year, audited in conjunction with the audit of STORE Capital by a “Big Four” accounting firm or other nationally recognized independent certified public accountant reasonably acceptable to the Indenture Trustee and (B) consolidated financial statements of STORE Capital’s financial affairs and condition, including a balance sheet, a cash flow summary report for STORE Capital and an operating statement including detailed income and expense statement, audited in conjunction with the audit of STORE Capital by a “Big Four” accounting firm, or other nationally recognized independent certified public accountant reasonably acceptable to the Indenture Trustee, for the immediately preceding calendar year, and (C) the Net Worth of STORE Capital at the end of the immediately preceding year, which shall be calculated by STORE Capital; and

 

(iv)                               within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter copies of notices of defaults under, or any material modifications to, any of the Leases and Mortgage Loans; and

 

(v)                                  at any time and from time to time such other financial data as the Indenture Trustee or its agents shall reasonably request with respect to STORE Capital or any of its subsidiaries or the ownership, maintenance, use and operation of the Properties and servicing and administration of the Leases and Mortgage Loans, to the extent such information is not prohibited from being disclosed or restricted by confidentiality under the terms of the applicable Lease or Loan documents.

 

(e)                                   The Indenture Trustee and Property Manager shall have the right, at any time and from time to time when an Event of Default exists, upon reasonable notice to the Issuers and during normal business hours at the Issuers’ principal place of business, to conduct an inspection or review, at the Issuers’ expense, of the Issuers’ books and records. Each Issuer shall cooperate, and shall cause its agents and employees to cooperate in the conduct of any such inspection or review.

 

(f)                                    Following each Determination Date, the Property Manager shall determine whether the Available Amount distributable on such Payment Date pursuant to (and subject to the priorities set forth in) Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture will be sufficient to pay the obligations under the Indenture on such Payment Date. In the event the Property Manager determines that the Available Amount distributable on such Payment Date pursuant to (and subject to the

 

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priorities set forth in) Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture will not be sufficient to pay the obligations under the Indenture on such Payment Date (a “ Deficiency ”) the Property Manager shall notify the Indenture Trustee and Back-Up Manager in writing of such Deficiency, which written notice shall be delivered in the case of a Deficiency, on or before 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the third Business Day before such Payment Date.

 

Section 4.02                       Use of Agents .

 

The Property Manager may at its own expense utilize agents or attorneys-in-fact, including Sub-Managers, in performing any of its obligations under this Article IV, but no such utilization shall relieve the Property Manager from any of such obligations, and the Property Manager shall remain responsible for all acts and omissions of any such agent or attorney-in-fact. The Property Manager shall have all the limitations upon liability and all the indemnities for the actions and omissions of any such agent or attorney-in-fact that it has for its own actions hereunder pursuant to Article V hereof, and any such agent or attorney-in-fact shall have the benefit of all the limitations upon liability, if any, and all the indemnities provided to the Property Manager under Section 5.03. Such indemnities shall be expenses, costs and liabilities of each Issuer, and any such agent or attorney-in-fact shall be entitled to be reimbursed therefor from the Collection Account as provided in Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE V

 

THE PROPERTY MANAGER AND THE SPECIAL SERVICER

 

Section 5.01                              Liability of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager .

 

The Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager shall be liable in accordance herewith only to the extent provided in Section 5.03 with respect to the obligations specifically imposed upon and undertaken by the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager, respectively, herein.

 

Section 5.02                              Merger, Consolidation or Conversion of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager .

 

Subject to the following paragraph, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager shall each keep in full effect its existence, rights and franchises as a partnership, corporation, bank or association under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and each will obtain and preserve its qualification to do business as a foreign partnership, corporation, bank or association in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement or any of the Leases and the Mortgage Loans and to perform its respective duties under this Agreement.

 

Each of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager may be merged or consolidated with or into any Person, or may transfer all or substantially all of

 

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its assets to any Person, in which case any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager is a party, or any Person succeeding to the business of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager, will be the successor Property Manager, the successor Special Servicer or the successor Back-Up Manager, as the case may be, hereunder, and each of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager may transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement to an Affiliate or non-Affiliate; provided, however, that no such successor, surviving Person or transferee will succeed to the rights of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer unless it shall have furnished (other than with respect to Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association if the successor surviving entity is affiliated with PNC Bank, National Association) to the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee evidence that the Rating Condition is satisfied.

 

Section 5.03                       Limitation on Liability of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager .

 

None of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager or any director, officer, employee, agent or Control Person of any of them shall be under any liability to the Issuers, the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders or the holders of the Issuer Interests or to any other person for any action taken, or not taken, in good faith pursuant to this Agreement, or for errors in judgment; provided , however , that none of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager shall be protected against any liability that would otherwise be imposed by reason of misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance (including the failure to perform) of obligations or duties hereunder. The Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager and any director, officer, employee, agent or Control Person of any of them shall be entitled to indemnification by each Issuer, payable, subject to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture, out of the Payment Account, against any claim, loss, liability or expense incurred in connection with any legal action that relates to this Agreement, the Indenture, the Purchase and Sale Agreements, the Issuer Interests or the Notes; provided , however , that such indemnification shall not extend to any loss, liability or expense incurred by reason of misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance (including the failure to perform) of obligations or duties under this Agreement. None of the Property Manager the Special Servicer shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action that is not incidental to its respective responsibilities under this Agreement and that in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability; provided , however , that each of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager shall undertake any such action necessary or desirable with respect to the enforcement or protection of the rights and duties of the parties hereto or the interests of the Issuers hereunder. In such event, the legal expenses and costs of such action, and any liability resulting therefrom, shall be expenses, costs and liabilities of the Issuers as an Extraordinary Expense and the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, or the Back-Up Manager as the case may be, shall be entitled to be reimbursed therefor from the Payment Account, pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture.

 

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Section 5.04                       Term of Service; Property Manager and Special Servicer Not to Resign .

 

Each Issuer may, upon written consent by the Indenture Trustee acting at the direction of the Requisite Global Majority, and written notice (without any requirement of consent) to the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, transfer the servicing duties and obligations of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer to a new servicer; provided , that if the Indenture Trustee shall not have received the consent of the Requisite Global Majority within four (4) months after the making of such request, such consent shall be deemed granted unless the consent is not approved by the Requisite Global Majority. The Indenture Trustee’s written consent to any such transfer shall be contingent upon receipt by the Indenture Trustee, upon not less than fifteen (15) Business Days’ notice by the Issuers to the applicable Rating Agencies, of written confirmation from: (1) the applicable Rating Agency that such appointment will not adversely affect the higher of (A) the then current rating of any Class of the Notes and (B) the rating of any Class of Notes on the related Issuance Date of such Notes; (2) the replacement Property Manager and Special Servicer of its acceptance of its appointment; and (3) consent by the Requisite Global Majority. The written consent or confirmation may be made by facsimile confirmed in a written notice delivered to the Indenture Trustee by first class mail, postage prepaid, personal delivery or certified mail. The Issuers and the replacement Property Manager and Special Servicer shall execute and deliver a transfer agreement (the “ Servicing Transfer Agreement ”) mutually agreed upon in advance and effective on the transfer date (the “ Servicing Transfer Date ”), whereby the replacement Property Manager and the Special Servicer will agree to perform all of the duties and obligations of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer under this Agreement. The replacement Property Manager and Special Servicer shall be entitled to payment of a prorated portion (which shall be based on actual days of service and a year of 365/366 days) of the Property Management Fee and the Special Servicing Fee during its term of service. Each Servicing Transfer Agreement shall include any additional terms and provisions that the parties to this Agreement reasonably determine are necessary or appropriate and which additional terms and provisions shall be approved by all the parties to the Servicing Transfer Agreement, which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Transfer Agreement shall contain a provision stating that the former Property Manager and Special Servicer is relieved from all liability under this Agreement for acts or omissions occurring after the Servicing Transfer Date.

 

None of the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer (subject to Section 5.06) shall resign from the obligations and duties hereby imposed on it, except upon determination that its duties hereunder are no longer permissible under applicable law or are in material conflict by reason of applicable law with any other activities carried on by it, the other activities of the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, so causing such a conflict being of a type and nature carried on by the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, at the date of this Agreement. Any such determination permitting the resignation of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager, as applicable, shall be evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel to such effect that shall be delivered to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee. No such

 

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resignation shall become effective until the Back-Up Manager or another successor shall have assumed the responsibilities and obligations of the resigning party hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager and the Special Servicer may cause all of the obligations and duties imposed on it by this Agreement to be assumed by, and may assign its rights, benefits or privileges hereunder to, with the prior written approval of each applicable Issuer, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, an Affiliate or a servicer that is not an Affiliate, in each case, upon its delivery to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee of written confirmation from each Rating Agency that such a transfer and assignment will not adversely affect its then-current rating of any Class of the Notes, and the assumption by the assignee of all of the obligations and duties of the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager and/or the Special Servicer, as applicable. Upon any such assignment and assumption by the assignee of all of the obligations of the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager and/or the Special Servicer, the assignor, STORE Capital (or its successor acting prior to such assignment), shall be relieved from all liability hereunder for acts or omissions of the Property Manager and/or the Special Servicer, as applicable, occurring after the date of the assignment and assumption.

 

Except as expressly provided herein, neither the Property Manager nor the Special Servicer shall assign or transfer any of its rights, benefits or privileges hereunder to any other Person or delegate to or subcontract with, or authorize or appoint, any other Person to perform any of the duties, covenants or obligations to be performed by it hereunder, or cause any other Person to assume such duties, covenants or obligations. If, pursuant to any provision hereof, the duties of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer are transferred by an assignment and assumption to a successor thereto, the entire amount of compensation payable to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, that accrues pursuant hereto from and after the date of such transfer shall be payable to such successor.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association may resign as the Back-Up Manager, Property Manager and Special Servicer (provided that upon such resignation, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association shall be deemed to have resigned from all such duties) upon the issuance of any Series of Notes after the initial Issuance Date, and upon such resignation a successor Property Manager, Special Servicer or Back-Up Manager, as the case may be, shall be appointed in connection with the issuance of any such Series and otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.05                       Rights of Certain Persons in Respect of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer .

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall afford to the other and, also, to each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager, upon reasonable notice, during normal business hours (a) access to all records maintained by it relating to the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases included in the Collateral Pool and in respect of its rights and obligations hereunder, to the extent not prohibited by confidentiality (including attorney-client privilege), contract or applicable law, and (b) access to such of its officers as are

 

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responsible for such obligations. Upon reasonable request, the Property Manager and the Special Servicer shall each furnish the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee with its most recent financial statements and such other information as it possesses, and which it is not prohibited by confidentiality (including attorney-client privilege), applicable law or contract from disclosing, regarding its business, affairs, property and condition, financial or otherwise. Each Issuer may, but is not obligated to, enforce the obligations of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer hereunder and may, but is not obligated to, perform, or cause a designee to perform, any defaulted obligation of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer hereunder, or exercise the rights of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer hereunder; provided , however , that neither the Property Manager nor the Special Servicer shall be relieved of any of its obligations hereunder by virtue of such performance by any such Issuer or its designee. The Issuers shall not have any responsibility or liability for any action or failure to act by or with respect to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer.

 

Section 5.06                       Designation of Special Servicer by the Indenture Trustee .

 

Subject to Section 5.04 and Section 6.02, and only in the event that the Back-Up Manager cannot serve, the Indenture Trustee may from time to time designate a Person to serve as Special Servicer hereunder to replace any Special Servicer that has resigned or otherwise ceased to serve as Special Servicer. The Indenture Trustee shall so designate a Person to serve by the delivery to the Issuers, the Property Manager and the existing Special Servicer of a written notice stating such designation. The Indenture Trustee shall, promptly after delivering any such notice, deliver to the applicable Rating Agency an executed Notice and Acknowledgment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-1 . The designated Person shall become the Special Servicer on the date that any Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall have satisfied the Rating Condition with respect to such appointment. The appointment of such designated Person as Special Servicer shall also be subject to receipt by the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee of (i) an Acknowledgment of Proposed Special Servicer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-2 , executed by the designated Person, and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel (at the expense of the Person designated to become the Special Servicer) to the effect that the designation of such Person to serve as Special Servicer is in compliance with this Section 5.06 and all other applicable provisions of this Agreement, that upon the execution and delivery of the Acknowledgment of Proposed Special Servicer the designated Person shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement and that this Agreement shall be enforceable against the designated Person in accordance with its terms. Any existing Special Servicer shall be deemed to have resigned simultaneously with such designated Person’s becoming the Special Servicer hereunder; provided , however , that the resigning Special Servicer shall continue to be entitled to receive all amounts accrued or owing to it under this Agreement on or prior to the effective date of such resignation, whether in respect of Advances or otherwise, and it shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.03 notwithstanding any such resignation. Such resigning Special Servicer shall cooperate with the Indenture Trustee and the replacement Special Servicer in effecting the termination of the resigning Special Servicer’s responsibilities and rights hereunder.

 

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Section 5.07                              Property Manager or Special Servicer as Owner of Notes .

 

The Property Manager or an Affiliate of the Property Manager, or the Special Servicer or an Affiliate of the Special Servicer or Back-Up Manager or its Affiliates, may become the holder of any Notes or any Issuer Interests with the same rights as it would have if it were not the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or any such Affiliate. Subject to Section 3.17, if, at any time during which the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or any of their respective Affiliates is the holder of any Note or Issuer Interests, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer proposes to take or omit to take action (i) which action or omission is not expressly prohibited by the terms hereof and would not, in the Property Manager or the Special Servicer’s good faith judgment, violate the Servicing Standard, and (ii) which action, if taken, or omission, if made, might nonetheless, in the Property Manager’s or the Special Servicer’s good faith judgment, be considered by other Persons to violate the Servicing Standard, the Property Manager or the Special Servicer may, but need not, seek the approval of the Noteholders and the holders of the Issuer Interests to such action or omission by delivering to each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee a written notice that (a) states that it is delivered pursuant to this Section 5.07, (b) identifies the portion of Notes and Issuer Interests beneficially owned by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer or an Affiliate of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, and (c) describes in reasonable detail the action that the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, proposes to take. Upon receipt of such notice, each Issuer shall forward such notice to the applicable holders of the Issuer Interests. If, at any time, the holders of Issuer Interests representing greater than 50% of the Issuer Interests and a Requisite Global Majority (calculated without regard to the Notes or Issuer Interests beneficially owned by the Property Manager and its Affiliates or the Special Servicer and its Affiliates, as applicable) separately consent in writing to the proposal described in the related notices, and if the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall act as proposed in the written notice, and if the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, takes action or omits to take action as proposed in such notices, such action or omission will be deemed to comply with the Servicing Standard. It is not the intent of the foregoing provision that the Property Manager or the Special Servicer be permitted to invoke the procedure set forth herein with respect to routine servicing matters arising hereunder, but rather in the case of unusual circumstances.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

SERVICER REPLACEMENT EVENTS

 

Section 6.01                       Servicer Replacement Events .

 

(a)                                  Servicer Replacement Event ” wherever used herein with respect to the Property Manager or Special Servicer, means any one of the following events:

 

(i)                                      any failure by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer to remit to the Collection Account, the Release Account or the Payment Account (or to the Indenture Trustee for deposit into the Payment Account) any amount as and when required to be so

 

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remitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Indenture, which failure remains unremedied for two (2) Business Days; or

 

(ii)                                   the Property Manager fails to make any P&I Advance as required by this Agreement, which failure remains unremedied upon the time set forth in Section 3.03(b); or

 

(iii)                                the Property Manager fails to make any Property Protection Advance as required by the Indenture or this Agreement, which failure remains unremedied for the earlier of (A) four (4) Business Days and (B) the due date for which such Property Protection Advance is being made; or

 

(iv)                               any failure on the part of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer to observe or perform in any material respect any other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, contained in this Agreement which continues unremedied for a period of 30 days (or such longer period as is reasonably required to cure the subject matter provided that (A) the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall diligently prosecute such cure, (B) such extended cure period does not have a material adverse effect on any Issuer, the Noteholders or the Properties and (C) such longer period shall not exceed 60 days) after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Property Manager and the Special Servicer by any other party hereto or the Property Manager or the Special Servicer otherwise has notice of such failure; or

 

(v)                                  any breach on the part of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer of any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement that materially and adversely affects the interests of any Issuer, which remains unremedied for five (5) days after the earlier of the date on which written notice of such breach, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Property Manager and the Special Servicer by any other party hereto or the Property Manager or Special Servicer becomes aware of any such breach; or

 

(vi)                               there shall have been commenced before a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction an involuntary proceeding against the Property Manager or the Special Servicer under any present or future federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law for the appointment of a conservator, receiver, liquidator, trustee or similar official in any bankruptcy, insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, which action shall not have been dismissed for a period of ninety (90) days; or

 

(vii)                            the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall consent to the appointment of a conservator, receiver, liquidator, trustee or similar official in any bankruptcy, insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings of or relating to it or of or relating to all or substantially all of its property; or

 

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(viii)                         the Property Manager or the Special Servicer shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, file a petition to take advantage of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization statute, make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

 

(ix)                               either the Property Manager or the Special Servicer assigns any of its obligations under this Agreement to any third party other than as permitted under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; or

 

(x)                                  either the Property Manager or the Special Servicer fails to observe reporting requirements, which failure remains unremedied for five (5) days after notice; provided, that with respect to the delivery of the Determination Date Report, such period shall be for one (1) day after notice; or

 

(xi)                               a material adverse change occurs with respect to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, which remains unremedied for thirty (30) days; or

 

(xii)                            a Change of Control shall occur with respect to STORE Capital with respect to which consent was not previously obtained from the Requisite Global Majority; or

 

(xiii)                         any Issuer or the Indenture Trustee shall have received confirmation in writing from any Rating Agency that the failure to remove the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in such capacity would in and of itself cause a downgrade, qualification or withdrawal of any of the ratings then assigned by such Rating Agency to any Class of the Notes; or

 

(xiv)                        an Event of Default under Section 4.01(a), (b), (c), (f), (g) or (j) of the Indenture shall have occurred; or

 

(xv)                           any other Event of Default under the Indenture, other than an Event of Default under Section 4.01(a), (b), (c) (f), (g) or (j) thereof, shall have occurred and the Indenture Trustee shall have accelerated the Notes; or

 

(xvi)                        the Monthly DSCR shall be less than 1.1 for three (3) consecutive Payment Dates; or

 

(xvii)                     the Net Worth of STORE Capital shall be less than $100,000,000.

 

When a single entity acts as Property Manager and Special Servicer, a Servicer Replacement Event in one capacity shall constitute a Servicer Replacement Event in each capacity; provided , however , that, subject to this Section 6.01(a), each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the holders of the Notes and the Issuer Interests may at their option elect to terminate the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in one or the other capacity rather than both such capacities. Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer will notify the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager in writing of the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event

 

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or an event that, with the giving of notice or the expiration of any cure period, or both, would constitute a Servicer Replacement Event promptly upon obtaining knowledge thereof.

 

Section 6.02                       Appointment of Successor Servicer.

 

(a)                                  If any Servicer Replacement Event (other than under clauses (ii) or (iii) of Section 6.01(a) above) with respect to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer (in either case, for purposes of this Section 6.02, the “ Defaulting Party ”) shall occur and be continuing, then, and in each and every such case, subject to the remainder of this Section 6.02, the Indenture Trustee shall cause the initial Property Manager and/or the initial Special Servicer to be replaced with the Back-Up Manager, by notice in writing to the Defaulting Party (with a copy of such notice to each other party hereto) and (y) terminate all of the rights and obligations accruing from and after such notice of the Defaulting Party under this Agreement and in and to the Collateral (other than as a holder of any Note or Issuer Interest). All notices by the Indenture Trustee of a Servicer Replacement Event shall be concurrently delivered to the Noteholders with a notice advising the Noteholders of their right to waive such Servicer Replacement Event. In the event that the Noteholders (excluding STORE Capital or any of its Affiliates) representing the Requisite Global Majority have either approved of the removal of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer in accordance with this Agreement or not waived the occurrence of such Servicer Replacement Event within thirty (30) days of such notice, the Indenture Trustee will cause the initial Property Manager and/or the initial Special Servicer to be replaced with the Back-Up Manager. Upon the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event under clause (ii) or (iii) with respect to the initial Property Manager or the initial Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee shall immediately terminate the initial Property Manager and initial Special Servicer and shall replace them with the Back-Up Manager.

 

Upon the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event with respect to the Property Manager or the Special Servicer that is not STORE Capital or an Affiliate of an Issuer, the Indenture Trustee (i) may (with the consent of the Requisite Global Majority) cause the Property Manager and/or the Special Servicer to be replaced with a successor Property Manager (the “ Successor Property Manager ”) and/or successor Special Servicer (the “ Successor Special Servicer ”), and (ii) shall at the direction of the Requisite Global Majority cause the Property Manager and/or the Special Servicer to be replaced with a Successor Property Manager and/or Successor Special Servicer.

 

(b)                                  From and after the receipt by the Defaulting Party of such written notice, all authority and power of the Defaulting Party under this Agreement, whether with respect to the Issuers (other than as a holder of any Note or Issuer Interest) or the Mortgage Loans, Leases or Properties or otherwise, shall pass to and be vested in the Back-Up Manager pursuant to and under this Section, and, without limitation, the Back-Up Manager is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of and at the expense of the Defaulting Party, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, any and all documents and other instruments, and to do or accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such notice of termination, whether to complete the transfer and endorsement or assignment of the Mortgage Loans, Leases, Properties and related documents, or otherwise.

 

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(c)                                   The appointment of a Successor Property Manager or Successor Special Servicer will be subject to, among other things, (i) except in the case of the appointment of Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association as the Successor Property Manager or Successor Special Servicer, the satisfaction of the Rating Condition and (ii) the written agreement of the Successor Property Manager or Successor Special Servicer to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, together with an Opinion of Counsel regarding the enforceability of such agreement. Subject to the foregoing, any person, including any holder of Notes or Issuer Interests or any Affiliate thereof, may be appointed as the Successor Property Manager or Successor Special Servicer.

 

(d)                                  In the event that a Successor Property Manager or Successor Special Servicer has failed to assume the responsibilities of the Property Manager or Special Servicer as provided in this Agreement within 30 days of written notice of termination, the Back-Up Manager will be both the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, under this Agreement; provided, however, that each Issuer will have the right to replace the Back-Up Manager acting as Property Manager or Special Servicer without cause upon 30 days’ written notice. If Midland is terminated as the Property Manager or Special Servicer under this Agreement, such termination shall be deemed to automatically terminate Midland as the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager, as applicable. In addition, if the Back-Up Manager, as Property Manager, or Special Servicer makes any Advances or incurs any other expenses in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, any Successor Property Manager will be required to reimburse the Back-Up Manager, as predecessor Property Manager or predecessor Special Servicer, for such Advances and other expenses incurred in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement as a condition to its appointment as successor Property Manager.

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer agrees that, if it is terminated pursuant to this Section 6.02, it shall promptly (and in any event not later than ten (10) days subsequent to its receipt of the notice of termination) provide the Indenture Trustee and Back-Up Manager with all documents and records in its possession requested thereby to enable the Back-Up Manager (or such other applicable successor) to assume the Property Manager or Special Servicer’s, as the case may be, functions hereunder, and shall cooperate with the Back-Up Manager (or such other applicable successor) in effecting the termination of the Property Manager or Special Servicer’s, as the case may be, responsibilities and rights hereunder, including the transfer within two (2) Business Days to the Back-Up Manager (or such other applicable successor) for administration by it of all cash amounts that shall at the time be or should have been credited by the Property Manager or the Special Servicer to the Collection Account or thereafter be received by or on behalf of it with respect to any Mortgage Loan, Lease or Property ( provided , however , that the Property Manager and the Special Servicer each shall, if terminated pursuant to this Section 6.02, continue to be obligated for or entitled to pay or receive all costs in connection with such transfer and all amounts accrued or owing by or to it under this Agreement on or prior to the date of such termination, whether in respect of Advances or otherwise, and it and its directors, officers, employees and agents shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.03 notwithstanding any such termination). In the event any Advances

 

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made by the Property Manager or the Indenture Trustee shall at any time be outstanding, or any amounts of interest thereon shall be accrued and unpaid, all amounts available to repay Advances and interest hereunder shall be applied first entirely to Advances made by the Indenture Trustee (and the accrued and unpaid interest thereon) until such Advances made by the Indenture Trustee (and the accrued and unpaid interest thereon) shall have been repaid in full and then to Advances made by the Property Manager (and the accrued and unpaid interest thereon). Any costs or expenses in connection with any actions to be taken by the Property Manager or Special Servicer pursuant to this paragraph shall be borne by the Property Manager or Special Servicer, as the case may be, and to the extent not paid by such defaulting party, such expense shall be borne by the applicable Issuer and paid from amounts distributed pursuant to Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture. In the event that the Back-Up Manager cannot serve, the Indenture Trustee may designate a Person to serve as Back-Up Manager hereunder to replace any Property Manager and/or Special Servicer that has resigned or otherwise ceased to serve as Property Manager and/or Special Servicer. The Indenture Trustee shall so designate a Person to so serve by the delivery to the Issuers, the Property Manager and the existing Special Servicer of a written notice stating such designation.

 

Section 6.03                       Back-Up Manager .

 

(a)                                  The Back-Up Manager shall maintain current servicing records and systems concerning the Properties, the Leases and the Mortgage Loans in order to enable it to timely and efficiently assume the responsibilities of the Property Manager and/or Special Servicer in accordance with the Servicing Standard and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Subject to Section 6.02, following a Servicer Replacement Event, the Property Manager shall arrange for the delivery to the Back-Up Manager of all of the Servicing Files, which Servicing Files shall contain sufficient data to permit the Back-Up Manager to assume the duties of the Property Manager or Special Servicer hereunder without delay. Subject to Section 6.02, following the Servicer Replacement Event with respect to the Special Servicer, the Special Servicer shall arrange for the delivery to the Back-Up Manager of each of the Servicing Files for any Specially Managed Unit, which Servicing Files shall contain sufficient data to permit the Back-Up Manager to assume the duties of the Special Servicer hereunder without delay. If Midland is the Back-Up Manager, (i) any appointment of Back-Up Manager as Property Manager or Special Servicer shall be deemed to be an appointment of Back-Up Manager as both Property Manager and Special Servicer and (ii) in the event Midland is terminated as Property Manager or Special Servicer, Midland shall automatically be terminated both as Property Manager and Special Servicer. In the event Midland is terminated as Sub-Manager under the Sub-Management Agreement, it shall automatically be terminated as Property Manager, Special Servicer and Back-Up Manager, as applicable.

 

(c)                                   Subject to Section 6.02, following a Servicer Replacement Event, the Back-Up Manager shall use reasonable efforts to diligently complete the physical transfer of servicing from the terminated Property Manager or Special Servicer with the cooperation of such Defaulting Party. From and after the date physical transfer of servicing is completed (the “ Back-

 

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Up Servicing Transfer Date ”), the Back-Up Manager shall service and/or specially service the Properties, Leases and the Mortgage Loans in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement with all the rights and obligations of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer and shall have no liability or responsibility with respect to any obligations of each Defaulting Party, arising or accruing prior to the Back-Up Servicing Transfer Date. Each Issuer, if it determines in its reasonable discretion that enforcement rights and/or remedies are available to the Noteholders against the terminated Property Manager or Special Servicer and it is prudent under the circumstances to enforce such rights, agree to enforce their rights under this Agreement against the terminated Property Manager or Special Servicer, including any rights they have to enforce each Defaulting Party’s obligation to fully cooperate in the orderly transfer and transition of servicing and otherwise comply with the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the Back-Up Manager discovers or becomes aware of any errors in any records or data of each Defaulting Party which impairs its ability to perform its duties hereunder, the Back-Up Manager shall notify each Issuer and the Indenture Trustee in writing of such errors and shall, at each Defaulting Party’s expense (or, if not paid by such party, as a Property Protection Advance) and upon the Issuers’ direction, undertake to correct or reconstruct such records or data.

 

(d)                                  From and after the date of this Agreement until the Back-Up Servicing Transfer Date, the Property Manager shall provide or cause to be provided to the Back-Up Manager on or before the 20 th  day of each month, in electronic form, a complete data tape of the Mortgage Loan Schedule, the Owned Property Schedule and such other information as any Issuer may reasonably deem necessary, including all information necessary to determine the Release Price and original purchase price paid by the applicable Issuer, and shall make available to the Back-Up Manager a copy of each Determination Date Report and any Special Servicer Report. In addition, the Property Manager shall provide all other documents and materials as are reasonably requested by the Back-Up Manager. The Back-Up Manager will perform an initial comprehensive data integrity review and a monthly review of this information to determine whether it provides adequate information to enable the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations hereunder as the Back-Up Manager. To the extent that the Back-Up Manager determines within ten (10) calendar days of its receipt of such information that such information is inadequate for the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations as the Back-Up Manager, the Back-Up Manager will provide prompt written notice to each Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Property Manager identifying any deficiencies in such information that do not enable the Back-Up Manager to perform its obligations as the Back-Up Manager. The Property Manager shall use its best efforts to provide any such deficient information to the Back-Up Manager within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of such notice from the Back-Up Manager.

 

(e)                                   Within ten (10) Business Days of the date of receipt from the Property Manager, the Back-Up Manager shall, in order to understand the purpose of each data field (and the interrelationships among such data fields), review the form of Determination Date Report and the Special Servicer Report, each in the form agreed to by the Property Manager, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager. Provided the data in the Determination Date Report and the Special Servicer Report are in a format readable by the Back-Up Manager, the Back-Up Manager shall create a set of conversion routines and database mapping programs, as necessary,

 

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that will enable the Back-Up Manager to (i) receive such data from the Property Manager on a monthly basis and to ensure that the data is readable, and (ii) independently generate such Determination Date Reports and Special Servicer Reports, as applicable, following the Back-Up Servicing Transfer Date.

 

(f)                                    On a monthly basis, the Back-Up Manager shall (x) verify receipt of the Determination Date Report and the Special Servicer Report required to be delivered by the Property Manager, and (y) verify that such records and data are in a readable format.

 

(g)                                   The Back-Up Manager may resign from its obligations under this Agreement (i) pursuant to the terms and provisions of Section 5.04, and (ii) other than in connection with a resignation under the last paragraph of Section 5.04, if the Back-Up Manager identifies a successor back-up manager who agrees to undertake the obligations of the Back-Up Manager under this Agreement and provides the Indenture Trustee with written confirmation of satisfaction of the Rating Condition.

 

Section 6.04                       Additional Remedies of Issuers and the Indenture Trustee upon a Servicer Replacement Event .

 

During the continuance of any Servicer Replacement Event, so long as such Servicer Replacement Event shall not have been remedied, in addition to the rights specified in Section 6.01, each Issuer shall have the right, and the Indenture Trustee shall have the right, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, to take all actions now or hereafter existing at law, in equity or by statute to enforce its rights and remedies and to protect the interests, and enforce the rights and remedies of the holders of the Issuer Interests and the Notes (including the institution and prosecution of all judicial, administrative and other proceedings and the filings of proofs of claim and debt in connection therewith). Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no remedy provided for by this Agreement shall be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy, and no delay or omission to exercise any right or remedy shall impair any such right or remedy or shall be deemed to be a waiver of any Servicer Replacement Event.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES OF PROPERTIES AND MORTGAGE LOANS BY

ISSUERS; RELEASE OF PROPERTIES AND MORTGAGE LOANS BY ISSUERS

 

Section 7.01                       Exchange of Mortgage Loans and Properties .

 

(a)                                  Each Issuer may remove an Exchanged Property, an Exchanged Hybrid Lease or an Exchanged Loan from the Collateral Pool in exchange for the addition of one or more Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Qualified Substitute Loans, as applicable to the Collateral Pool provided that after giving effect to a substitution or exchange pursuant to this Section 7.01, (i) the sum of the Collateral Value of all Released Assets and Exchanged Assets released or exchanged since the Initial Closing Date shall not exceed 35%

 

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of the Aggregate Collateral Value; and (ii) the sum of the Collateral Value of all Released Assets released since the Initial Closing Date by paying the Release Price shall not exceed 25% of the Aggregate Collateral Value. No Property will constitute a Qualified Substitute Property or Qualified Underlying Property, no Mortgage Loan will constitute a Qualified Substitute Loan and no Hybrid Lease will constitute a Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease, unless, after giving effect to the transfer of such Property, Mortgage Loan or Hybrid Lease to the related Issuer, either (i) a Maximum Property Concentration is not exceeded, or (ii) if, prior to such substitution, an existing Maximum Property Concentration is already exceeded, the addition of such Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Underlying Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan will reduce the Maximum Property Concentration or such Maximum Property Concentration will remain unchanged after giving effect to such substitution. In addition, no exchange of a Property, Lease or Mortgage Loan to a third party or to a STORE SPE may occur if an Early Amortization Period would occur as a result of such exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a sale, substitution or exchange pursuant to any of Sections 2.03, 3.15, 7.02, 7.03, 7.05 or 7.06 shall not be taken into consideration for purposes of the first sentence of this Section 7.01(a).

 

(b)                                  In the event that any Issuer elects to substitute one or more Qualified Substitute Properties, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Qualified Substitute Loans pursuant to this Section 7.01, the Property Manager shall require such Issuer to deliver to the Custodian all documents as specified in the definition of “Lease File” or “Loan File,” as applicable, in Section 1.01 with respect to each Qualified Substitute Property. Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan in accordance with this Agreement. Monthly Lease Payments due with respect to Qualified Substitute Properties and Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases and Monthly Loan Payments due with respect to Qualified Substitute Loans in the month of substitution shall not be part of the Collateral and will be retained by the Property Manager and remitted by the Property Manager to such Issuer on the next succeeding Payment Date. For the month of substitution, the Available Amount shall include the Monthly Lease Payment due on the Lease for the Removed Property and Monthly Loan Payment due on the Mortgage Loan for the Removed Loan for such month and, thereafter, the applicable Issuer designee shall be entitled to retain all amounts received in respect of such Lease or Mortgage Loan. On or prior to the effective date of any such substitution, the Property Manager shall deliver to the Custodian and each Issuer an amended Owned Property Schedule and an amended Mortgage Loan Schedule reflecting the addition to the Collateral of each new Qualified Substitute Property and related Lease, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease and Qualified Substitute Loan and the removal from the Collateral of each Removed Property and related Lease and Removed Loan. Upon such substitution, each Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease and Qualified Substitute Loan shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement in all respects, and the applicable Issuer shall be deemed to have made the representations and warranties contained in Section 2.20 of the Indenture with respect to each Qualified Substitute Property, Section 2.21 of the Indenture with respect to each Qualified Substitute Loan and Section 2.20, Section 2.21 and Section 2.22 with respect to each Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease, as applicable, and the applicable Issuer shall deliver to the Custodian a certificate in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto certifying to the Custodian that such exceptions as have been proposed by the Property Manager or the Issuers

 

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are materially consistent with the underwriting criteria for existing Properties and Mortgage Loans.

 

(c)                                   Each Issuer shall effect such substitution by having each Qualified Substitute Property and Owned Property relating to each Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease deeded (or, with respect to Qualified Substitute Properties, having the ground leasehold interest therein assigned) or Qualified Substitute Loan and loan component of each Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease assigned to such Issuer and distributing or otherwise transferring the Removed Property or Removed Loan to its members and delivering to and depositing with the Custodian (i) the deed (or assignment of Ground Lease), if applicable, and any other transfer documents transferring such Qualified Substitute Property (or ground leasehold interest), Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan to such Issuer, (ii) the deed (or assignment of Ground Lease), if applicable, and any other transfer documents transferring such Removed Property (or ground leasehold interest) or Removed Loan to such Issuer’s members, or the entity purchasing the Removed Property or Removed Loan, (iii) the Lease Files for such Qualified Substitute Properties or Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Loan Files for such Qualified Substitute Loan, in each case, together with Opinions of Counsel, all of which shall meet the Lease File or Loan File requirements for such Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan, and (iv) an Officer’s Certificate certifying that all of the taxes (including transfer taxes with respect to Qualified Substitute Property or Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease) in connection with the acquisition of the Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan and the transfer of the Removed Property or Removed Loan have been paid.

 

(d)                                  Upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate from the Property Manager or the applicable Issuer to the effect that all requirements with respect to any substitution pursuant to the foregoing terms of this Section 7.01 have been satisfied, which Officer’s Certificate shall be furnished by the Property Manager upon becoming appropriate, and upon which the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to fully rely and shall have no liability for so relying without any obligation to confirm or verify, (i) the Indenture Trustee shall release or cause to be released to such Issuer’s designee the related Lease File for the Removed Property or Loan File for the Removed Loan and (ii) each of the Indenture Trustee, the Collateral Agent and such Issuer shall execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be provided to it and are reasonably necessary to vest in such Issuer’s designee the ownership of the Removed Property and the related Lease or the Removed Loan and to release any Mortgage or other lien or security interest in such Removed Property or the related Lease or the Removed Loan. In connection with any such release or transfer, the Special Servicer shall deliver the related Servicing File to such Issuer’s designee. Simultaneously with any substitution made pursuant to this Section 7.01, such Issuer shall distribute the Removed Property and Lease or the Removed Loan to its members or transfer the Removed Property and Lease or the Removed Loan to a third party purchaser.

 

(e)                                   Any Release Price received by the applicable Issuer in connection with the release of a Released Property or Released Loan pursuant to this Section 7.01 or the other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall first be deposited into the Release Account and, after

 

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payment of any unreimbursed Extraordinary Expenses, Advances (plus Advance Interest thereon) and Emergency Protection Expenses related to such Released Property or Released Loan and the expenses related to such release, shall either (i) be applied by such Issuer to acquire a Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan, as applicable, within twelve months following the related release or (ii) be deposited as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account to be paid as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the related Payment Date. Any amounts remaining in the Release Account, related to such a Release and following such twelve month period will be transferred as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account and applied as Unscheduled Principal Payments on the following Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the continuance of an Early Amortization Period, all amounts on deposit in the Release Account will be transferred as Unscheduled Proceeds into the Collection Account and applied as Unscheduled Principal Payments, after payment of Collateral Pool Expenses in accordance with Section 2.11(b) of the Indenture, on the Payment Date following the occurrence of such Early Amortization Period.

 

Section 7.02                       Sale Pursuant to Third Party Purchase Option .

 

(a)                                  If any Person shall exercise its Third Party Purchase Option prior to the Rated Final Payment Date, the applicable Issuer shall, simultaneously with the transfer of the applicable Property pursuant to the Third Party Purchase Option, deposit the Third Party Option Price into the Release Account, and upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate from the Property Manager or the Issuers to the effect that such deposit has been made (which the Property Manager shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee and the Issuers promptly upon such deposit being made and upon which Officer’s Certificate the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to fully rely and shall have no liability for so relying without any obligation to confirm or verify), the Indenture Trustee shall release to such Issuer or its designee the related Lease File and execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, that shall be provided by such Issuer or the Property Manager and reasonably necessary to release the subject Mortgage and the other liens and security interests in such Property and the related Lease.

 

(b)                                  After such release, the released Property shall not be deemed to be a Property (except for the purposes of obligations under the Transaction Documents that are expressly provided to survive repayment in full of the Notes and satisfaction of the Mortgage).

 

Section 7.03                       Transfer of Lease to New Property .

 

In the event a Tenant under a Lease requests that such Lease be modified to apply to a different Property (the “ Lease Transfer Property ”) owned by such Tenant or substituted for a Lease on a different Property owned by such Tenant, the related Issuer may, with the approval of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as applicable, to the extent permitted under the subject Lease or imposed by the Property Manager, approve such transfer. Each of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the applicable Issuer has covenanted that it will not give its consent to a transfer unless: (i) the substituted property is a Qualified Substitute Property; (ii) all Advances, Extraordinary Expenses and Emergency Property Expenses related to

 

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the Property being transferred are reimbursed; and (iii) such Lease will not be treated as a new Lease but instead will be treated as a modification of the original Lease. Such Qualified Substitute Property will be included in the Collateral Pool and pledged to the Indenture Trustee to secure the Notes. Upon the Indenture Trustee’s receipt of an Officer’s Certificate from the Property Manager or the Special Servicer to the effect that such modification or substitution has been completed in accordance with the terms hereof (which shall include a certification that such Issuer has executed and delivered a Mortgage with respect thereto to the Indenture Trustee) and that the Required Conditions have been satisfied (upon which Officer’s Certificate the Indenture Trustee shall be permitted to fully rely and shall have no liability for so relying without any obligation to confirm or verify) the Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be provided to it by such Issuer and are reasonably necessary to release any lien or security interest in the original Property and related Lease, whereupon such original Property shall be free and clear of the lien of the Indenture and any Mortgage and the other Transaction Documents. Any proceeds of such sale, transfer or other disposition shall not constitute part of the Collateral and shall not be deposited in the Collection Account or the Release Account.

 

Section 7.04                       Release of Property by an Issuer .

 

(a)                                  The applicable Issuer shall have the right to have released from the lien of the related Mortgage and the Indenture any Property and related Leases (including Hybrid Leases) or Mortgage Loan (following such release, a “ Released Loan ” or “ Released Property ”, as applicable) by depositing in the Release Account an amount equal to the Release Price in immediately available funds for the Released Property or Released Loan and satisfying the Required Conditions. Upon the Indenture Trustee’s receipt of an Officer’s Certificate by the applicable Issuer or Property Manager certifying that all Required Conditions have been satisfied, the Indenture Trustee shall release to such Issuer or its designee the related Lease File or Loan File and execute and deliver such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, that shall be provided to it by such Issuer and are reasonably necessary to release any Mortgage or other lien or security interest in such Property and the related Lease or Mortgage Loan.

 

(b)                                  After giving effect to a release pursuant to this Section 7.04, (i) the sum of the Collateral Value of all Released Assets and Exchanged Assets released or exchanged since the Initial Closing Date shall not exceed 35% of the Aggregate Collateral Value; and (ii) the sum of the Collateral Value of all Released Assets released since the Initial Closing Date by paying the Release Price shall not exceed 25% of the Aggregate Collateral Value Notwithstanding the foregoing, a sale, substitution or exchange pursuant to any of Sections 2.03, 3.15, 7.02, 7.03, 7.05 or 7.06 shall not be taken into consideration for purposes of this Section 7.04(b).

 

(c)                                   No sale of a Property or Mortgage Loan to a third party or to a STORE SPE may occur if an Early Amortization Period would occur as a result of such purchase.

 

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Section 7.05                       Terminated Lease Property and REO Property.

 

An Issuer may remove a Terminated Lease Property or REO Property from the Collateral Pool in exchange for the addition of one or more Qualified Substitute Properties to the Collateral Pool pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.01.

 

Section 7.06                       Risk-Based or Credit Risk Substitution.

 

Each applicable Issuer may (A) with respect to a Lease other than a Hybrid Lease, remove a Property from the Collateral Pool in exchange for the addition of one or more Qualified Substitute Properties to the Collateral Pool, (B) remove a Hybrid Lease in exchange for one or more Qualified Substitute Hybrid Leases or Qualified Substitute Properties, and (C) solely with respect to (iv) below, remove a Mortgage Loan from the Collateral Pool in exchange for the addition of one or more Qualified Substitute Loans or Qualified Substitute Properties to the Collateral Pool; pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.01 provided that either: (i) the remaining term to maturity of the related Lease is less than three (3) years from the date of the proposed substitution and the Property Manager, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, determines that there is a reasonable risk of non-renewal of such Lease (“ Non-Renewal Risk ”); (ii) based on written communications from the Tenant under such Lease, the Property Manager, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, determines that there is a Non-Renewal Risk; (iii) such Issuer has received from the Tenant under the Lease for such Property written notice of the non-renewal of such Lease; or (iv) the Property Manager, in accordance with the Servicing Standard, determines that there is a reasonable risk of monetary default by the Tenant under such Lease or the Borrower under such Mortgage Loan (“ Credit Risk ” and any substitution related to clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively, a “ Risk-Based Substitution ”). In addition, the Property Manager or the applicable Issuer shall provide to the Indenture Trustee an explanation of the Non-Renewal Risk or Credit Risk, including, if applicable, a copy of any written communication from the Tenant or Borrower related to such Non-Renewal Risk or Credit Risk, as well as a summary description of the anticipated Qualified Substitute Property, Qualified Substitute Hybrid Lease or Qualified Substitute Loan, as applicable.

 

Section 7.07                       Disposition Period.

 

During the Disposition Period, the Property Manager will be required to utilize efforts consistent with the Servicing Standard to cause all of the Leases, Properties and Mortgage Loans to be released from the Collateral Pool prior the Rated Final Payment Date by receiving payment of the Release Price for such Properties through the sale of such Properties to a third party or to a STORE SPE.

 

98



 

ARTICLE VIII

 

TERMINATION

 

Section 8.01                       Termination .

 

The respective obligations and responsibilities under this Agreement of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and each Issuer shall terminate upon the satisfaction of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, whereupon the Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver to the Issuers such instruments of release, transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be provided to it by the Issuers and reasonably necessary to release any lien or security interest in the subject Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 9.01                       Amendment .

 

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture governing amendments, supplements and other modifications to this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto from time to time but only by the mutual written agreement signed by the parties hereto. The Property Manager shall furnish to each party hereto and to each Issuer a fully executed counterpart of each amendment to this Agreement.

 

The parties hereto agree that no modifications or amendments will be made to the Indenture, any Series Supplement or other Transaction Documents without the consent of the Property Manager, the Special Servicer or the Back-Up Manager, as applicable, if such person would be materially adversely affected by such modification or amendment, regardless of whether such person is a party to such agreement.

 

Section 9.02                       Counterparts .

 

This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original whether delivered in physical or electronic form, and all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

Section 9.03                       Governing Law .

 

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE (WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES), AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 

99



 

Section 9.04                       Notices .

 

All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by courier or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if transmitted by facsimile and confirmed in a writing delivered or mailed as aforesaid, to:

 

(a)                                  in the case of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, 8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, facsimile number: 480-256-1101;

 

(b)                                  in the case of any Issuer, 8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255, facsimile number: 480-256-1101, or such address as provided in any Joinder Agreement;

 

(c)                                   in the case of the Indenture Trustee, 388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Global Transaction Services-STORE Master Funding; facsimile number: 212-816-5527;

 

(d)                                  in the case of the applicable Rating Agency, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 55 Water Street, 41st floor, New York, New York 10041-0003, Attention: ABS Surveillance Group - Structured Credit; and

 

(e)                                   in the case of the Back-Up Manager, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association 10851 Mastin Street, Building 82, Suite 300, Overland Park, Kansas 66210, Attention: President;

 

or, as to each such Person, to such other address and facsimile number as shall be designated by such Person in a written notice to parties hereto. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered to a holder of Issuer Interests or Notes shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, at the address of such holder as shown in the register maintained for such purposes under the applicable Limited Liability Company Agreement and the Indenture, respectively. Any notice so mailed within the time prescribed in this Agreement shall conclusively be presumed to have been duly given, whether or not such holder receives such notice.

 

Section 9.05                       Severability of Provisions .

 

If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement.

 

100



 

Section 9.06                       Effect of Headings and Table of Contents .

 

The article and section headings and the table of contents herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the construction hereof.

 

Section 9.07                       Notices to the Rating Agencies and Others .

 

(a)                                  The Indenture Trustee shall promptly provide notice to the applicable Rating Agency with respect to each of the following of which the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge:

 

(i)                                      any material change or amendment to this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   the occurrence of any Servicer Replacement Event that has not been cured; and

 

(iii)                                the resignation or termination of the Property Manager or the Special Servicer and the appointment of a successor.

 

(b)                                  The Property Manager shall promptly provide notice to the applicable Rating Agency with respect to each of the following of which it has actual knowledge:

 

(i)                                      the resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor;

 

(ii)                                   any change in the location of the Collection Account;

 

(iii)                                any change in the identity of a Tenant or Borrower; and

 

(iv)                               any addition or removal of a Mortgage Loan or Property from the Collateral.

 

(c)                                   Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall furnish the applicable Rating Agency such information with respect to the Mortgage Loans, Leases and Properties as such Rating Agency shall reasonably request and that the Property Manager or the Special Servicer, as the case may be, can reasonably provide.

 

(d)                                  Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer, as the case may be, shall promptly furnish the applicable Rating Agency and the Issuers with copies of the following items:

 

(i)                                      each of its quarterly statements as to compliance described in Section 3.11; and

 

(ii)                                   each report prepared by it pursuant to Section 4.01.

 

101



 

(e)                                   Any Officer’s Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, report, notice, request or other material communication prepared by the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, each Issuer, the Issuer Members on behalf of the Issuers, or the Indenture Trustee, or caused to be so prepared, for dissemination to any of the parties to this Agreement or any holder of Notes or Issuer Interests shall also be concurrently forwarded by such Person to STORE Capital, the Issuers and the Initial Purchasers to the extent not otherwise required to be so forwarded. Any Officer’s Certificate delivered under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall be deemed to have been delivered by the Person which is a party to this Agreement with respect to which the same was delivered, and under no circumstances shall the officer or other person executing the same have any personal liability under or in connection with any Officer’s Certificate executed by it.

 

Section 9.08                       Successors and Assigns: Beneficiaries .

 

The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto, and all such provisions shall inure to the benefit of each Issuer and the Noteholders. No other person, including any Tenant or Borrower, shall be entitled to any benefit or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement.

 

Section 9.09                       Complete Agreement .

 

This Agreement embodies the complete agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and may not be varied or terminated except by a written agreement conforming to the provisions of Section 9.01. All prior negotiations or representations of the parties are merged into this Agreement and shall have no force or effect unless expressly stated herein.

 

Section 9.10                       Consent to Jurisdiction .

 

Any action or proceeding against any of the parties hereto relating in any way to this Agreement may be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the borough of Manhattan or of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of each such court in respect of any such action or proceeding. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to remove any such action or proceeding by reason of improper venue or inconvenient forum.

 

Section 9.11                       No Proceedings .

 

Each of the Property Manager and the Special Servicer hereby agrees that it shall not institute against, or join any other person or entity in instituting against, any Issuer any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding, or other proceedings under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law (including the U.S. Bankruptcy

 

102



 

Code), for two years and 31 days after the last Note issued by any Issuer is paid in full. The agreements in this paragraph shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 9.12                       Cooperation .

 

Each party hereto and each Noteholder (by its acceptance of a Note) hereby agrees to act diligently in responding to a request made by any other party to this Agreement and agrees to reasonably cooperate with the requesting party in connection with the subject matter.

 

Section 9.13                       Acknowledgment of Receipts by Indenture Trustee .

 

Upon request, within ten (10) Business Days after its receipt of any notice, document or other delivery pursuant to any Transaction Document, the Indenture Trustee shall acknowledge its receipt of the same in writing delivered to the party that delivered the same to the Indenture Trustee.

 

103


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers, the Property Manager and Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers or representatives all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

 

a Maryland corporation, as

 

Property Manager and Special Servicer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company, as Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Hannon

 

Name:

John Hannon

 

 

Vice President

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

 

MIDLAND LOAN SERVICES, A DIVISION OF PNC

 

BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Back-Up Manager

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Lawrence D. Ashley

 

Name:

Lawrence D. Ashley

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 


 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE MASTER FUNDING I, LLC, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE MASTER FUNDING II, LLC, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE MASTER FUNDING III, LLC, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE MASTER FUNDING IV, LLC, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE MASTER FUNDING V, LLC, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF NEW YORK

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF NEW YORK

)

 

 

On the 1 st  day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared John Hannon, known to me to be the Vice President of CITIBANK, N.A., and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Noreen Santos

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF ARIZONA

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF MARICOPA

)

 

 

On the 1 day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Michael T. Bennett, known to me to be the EVP of STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Lesa Ferris

 

Notary Public

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 



 

STATE OF KANSAS

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF JOHNSON

)

 

 

On the 6th day of May, 2014, before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared Lawrence D. Ashley, known to me to be a Senior Vice President of MIDLAND LOAN SERVICES, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

/s/ Brent Kinder

 

Notary Public

 

 

 

BRENT KINDER

 

NOTARY PUBLIC - State of Kansas

 

 

 

My Appt. Exp. January 30, 2018

 

Third Amended and Restated Property Management Agreement - STORE 2014-1

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

[RESERVED]

 

EXHIBIT A-1



 

EXHIBIT B-1

 

FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE — PROPERTY MANAGER

 

[Date]

 

Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity

but solely as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust-STORE Master Funding

 

Attention:              STORE Master Funding Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

[ADDITIONAL ISSUERS]

[                          ]

[                          ]

 

Re:          STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

In connection with the administration of the Lease Files and Loan Files held by or on behalf of you as trustee under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Property Management Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer, the undersigned, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”), Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”), and Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), the undersigned as Property Manager hereby requests a release of the [Lease Files] [and] [Loan Files] (or the portion thereof specified below) held by the Custodian on behalf of the Indenture Trustee with respect to the following described [Lease] [and] [Mortgage Loan] for the reason indicated below.

 

[Tenant’s Name:

Address:

Lease No.:]

 

EXHIBIT B-1-1



 

[Borrower’s Name:

Address:

Mortgage Loan No.:]

 

If only particular documents in the [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] are requested, please specify which:

 

Reason for requesting [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] (or portion thereof):

 

1.

[Lease] [Mortgage Loan] paid in full and terminated.

 

 

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that all amounts received in connection with the [Lease] [Mortgage Loan] that are required to be deposited in the Collection Account pursuant to the Property Management Agreement, have been or will be so deposited.

 

 

2.

Other. (Describe)

 

The undersigned acknowledges that the above [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] (or requested portion thereof) will be held by the undersigned in accordance with the provisions of the Property Management Agreement and will be returned to you or your designee within ten (10) days of our receipt thereof, [unless the Lease has become a Liquidated Lease, in which case the Lease File (or such portion thereof) will be retained by us permanently].

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Property Management Agreement.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

 

a Maryland Corporation,

 

as Property Manager and Special Servicer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

EXHIBIT B-1-2



 

EXHIBIT B-2

 

FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE — SPECIAL SERVICER

 

[Date]

 

Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity

but solely as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust-STORE Master Funding

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

 

Attention: Secretary

 

[ADDITIONAL ISSUERS]

[                   ]

[                   ]

 

EXHIBIT B-2-1



 

Re:          STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

In connection with the administration of the Lease Files and Loan Files held by or on behalf of you as trustee under a certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Property Management Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer, the undersigned, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”), Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as indenture trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), and Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”), the undersigned as Property Manager hereby requests a release of the [Lease Files] [and] [Loan Files] (or the portion thereof specified below) held by the Custodian on behalf of the Indenture Trustee with respect to the following described [Lease] [and] [Mortgage Loan] for the reason indicated below.

 

[Tenant’s Name:

Address:

Loan No.:]

 

[Borrower’s Name:

Address:

Mortgage Loan No.:]

 

If only particular documents in the [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] are requested, please specify which:

 

Reason for requesting [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] (or portion thereof):

 

1.                                                               The [Tenant] [Borrower] is being evicted.

 

2.                                                               Other. (Describe)

 

EXHIBIT B-2-2



 

The undersigned acknowledges that the above [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] (or requested portion thereof) will be held by the undersigned in accordance with the provisions of the Property Management Agreement and will be returned to you or your designee within ten (10) days of our receipt thereof, unless (i) the [Tenant] [Borrower] is being evicted, in which case the [Lease File] [and] [Loan File] (or such portion thereof) will be returned when no longer required by us for such purpose, or (ii) we deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Lease has become a Liquidated Lease and all amounts received or to be received in connection with such liquidation that are required to be deposited into the Collection Account pursuant to Section 3.02(a) have been or will be so deposited.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Property Management Agreement.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

 

a Maryland corporation,

 

as Property Manager and Special Servicer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

EXHIBIT B-2-3



 

EXHIBIT C-1

 

FORM OF NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF

DESIGNATION OF REPLACEMENT SPECIAL SERVICER

 

[Date]

 

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Re:          STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This notice is being delivered pursuant to Section 5.06 of a certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Capital Corporation, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”), Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as indenture trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), and Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have respective meanings assigned to them in the Agreement.

 

Notice is hereby given that the [                 ] has designated                                     to serve as the Special Servicer under the Agreement.

 

The designation of                                       as Special Servicer will become final if certain conditions are met and the applicable Rating Agency delivers to the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee written confirmation that if the person designated to become the Special Servicer were to serve as such, such event would not result in the downgrade, qualification or withdrawal of the higher of (i) such Rating Agency’s then current ratings of the Notes and (ii) the rating of the Notes a the time of the original issuance thereof. Accordingly, such confirmation is hereby requested as soon as possible.

 

EXHIBIT C-1-1



 

Please acknowledge receipt of this notice by signing the enclosed copies of this notice where indicated below and returning them to each of the Issuers and the Indenture Trustee, in the enclosed stamped self-addressed envelope.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

,

 

as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Receipt acknowledged:

 

 

STANDARD & POOR’S RATING SERVICES

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C-1-2



 

EXHIBIT C-2

 

FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY

PROPOSED SPECIAL SERVICER ACCEPTING APPOINTMENT

 

[Date]

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

 

[ADDITIONAL ISSUERS]

[                                 ]

[                               ]

 

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

Attention: Secretary

 

Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity

but solely as Indenture Trustee

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

New York, New York 10013

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust-STORE Master Funding

 

Re:        STORE Master Funding, Net-Lease Mortgage Notes

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to Section 5.06 of the Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Capital Corporation, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”), Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as indenture trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), and Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”), the undersigned hereby agrees with all the other parties to the Agreement that the undersigned shall serve as Special Servicer under, and as defined in, the Agreement. The undersigned hereby acknowledges that, as of the date hereof, it is and shall be a party to the Agreement and bound thereby to the full extent indicated therein in the capacity of Special Servicer. The undersigned hereby makes, as of the date hereof, the representations and

 

EXHIBIT C-2-1



 

warranties set forth in Section 2.01 of the Agreement, with the following corrections with respect to type of entity and jurisdiction of organization:                                    .

 

 

 

[NAME OF ENTITY]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

EXHIBIT C-2-2


 

EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF LIMITED POWERS OF ATTORNEY

FROM ISSUER OR INDENTURE TRUSTEE

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to a certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 ( the “ Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an Issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an Issuer,, STORE Capital Corporation, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”), Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”), and Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as indenture trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), the [Property Manager] [Special Servicer] (hereafter, the “ Servicer ”) administers and services certain “Mortgage Loans,” “Properties” and “Leases” as such terms are defined in the Agreement, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and such Leases and Mortgage Loans; and,

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Servicer is granted certain powers, responsibilities and authority in connection with its servicing and administration subject to the terms of the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the [RELEVANT ISSUER] [Indenture Trustee] (hereafter, the “ Grantor ”) has been requested by the Servicer pursuant to the Agreement to grant this Limited Power of Attorney to the Servicer to enable it to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Grantor, certain documents and instruments related to the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases, thereby empowering the Servicer to take such actions as it deems necessary to comply with its servicing, administrative and management duties under and in accordance with the Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

 

The Grantor does make, constitute and appoint STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact with respect to the Mortgage Loans, Properties and Leases held by the Grantor, in its name, place and stead, to (A) prepare, execute and deliver: (i) any and all UCC Financing Statements, continuation statements and other documents or instruments necessary to maintain the validity, enforceability, perfection and priority of the Grantor’s interest in any real property (collectively, the “ Property ”) and any Lease or Mortgage Loan with respect to any Property; (ii) subject to the provisions of the Agreement, any and all modifications, waivers, consents, assumptions, amendments or subordinations with respect to a Lease or Mortgage Loan or documents relating thereto; and (iii) any and all instruments necessary or appropriate for the eviction of any Tenant under a Lease or foreclosure with respect to and Mortgage Loan serviced by the Servicer and consistent with the authority granted by the Agreement; and (B) to take any and all actions on behalf of the Grantor in connection with maintaining and defending the enforceability of any such Lease

 

EXHIBIT D-1



 

obligation or Mortgage Loan, including but not limited to the execution of any and all instruments necessary or appropriate in defense of and for the collection and enforcement of said Lease obligation or Mortgage Loan in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

 

ARTICLE I

 

The enumeration of particular powers hereinabove is not intended in any way to limit the grant to the Property Manager as the Grantor’s attorney in fact of full power and authority with respect to the Mortgage Loans, Leases and Properties to execute and deliver any such documents, instrument or other writing as fully, in all intents and purposes, as Grantor might or could do if personally present. The Grantor hereby ratifies and confirms whatsoever such attorney in fact shall and may do by virtue hereof, and the Grantor agrees and represents to those dealing with such attorney in fact that they may rely upon this power of attorney until termination of the power of attorney under the provisions of Article III below. The Servicer may not exercise any right, authority or power granted by this instrument in a manner that would violate the terms of the Agreement or the Servicing Standard imposed on the Servicer by the Agreement, but any and all third parties dealing with Servicer as the Grantor’s attorney in fact may rely completely, unconditionally and conclusively on the Servicer’s authority and need not make inquiry about whether the Servicer is acting pursuant to the Agreement or such standard. Any trustee, title company or other third party may rely upon a written statement by the Servicer that any particular lease or property in question is subject to and included under this power of attorney and the Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

 

An act or thing lawfully done hereunder by the Servicer shall be binding on the Grantor and the Grantor’s successor and assigns.

 

ARTICLE III

 

This power of attorney shall continue in full force and effect from the date hereof until the earliest occurrence of any of the following events, unless sooner revoked in writing by the Grantor:

 

(i)            the suspension or termination of this limited power of attorney by the Grantor;

 

(ii)           the transfer of the Servicer’s servicing rights and obligations as the [Property Manager] [Special Servicer] under the Agreement from the Servicer to another servicer;

 

(iii)          the appointment of a receiver or conservator with respect to the business of the Servicer;

 

(iv)          the filing of a voluntary or involuntary petition in bankruptcy by or against the Servicer; or

 

EXHIBIT D-2



 

(v)           the occurrence of a Servicer Replacement Event.

 

Nothing herein shall be deemed to amend or modify the Agreement or the respective rights, duties or obligations of the Grantor or the Servicer thereunder, and nothing herein shall constitute a waiver of any rights or remedies thereunder.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor has caused this instrument to be executed and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto by its officer duly authorized as of the            day of                              ,              .

 

 

[STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as Issuer under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

By:

[ISSUER MEMBER], its [                           ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

[                                      ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

 

 

 

 

[STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as Issuer under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

By:

[ISSUER MEMBER], its [                           ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

[                                      ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

 

 

 

 

[STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as Issuer under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

EXHIBIT D-3



 

 

By:

[ISSUER MEMBER], its [                           ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

[                                      ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

 

 

 

 

[STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as Issuer under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

By:

[ISSUER MEMBER], its [                           ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

[                                      ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

 

 

 

 

[STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as Issuer under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

By:

[ISSUER MEMBER], its [                           ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

[                                      ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

EXHIBIT D-4



 

 

[CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

]

 

EXHIBIT D-5



 

STATE OF

)

 

 

)

ss.:

COUNTY OF

)

 

 

On the                 day of                                       ,                   , before me, a notary public in and for said State, personally appeared                                    , known to me to be a                               of [[ISSUER MEMBER] [                                ], one of the entities that executed the within instrument as sole member of STORE Master Funding [I][II][III][IV][V], LLC], and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.

 

 

 

 

Notary Public

 

 

[Notarial Seal]

 

EXHIBIT D-6


 

EXHIBIT E

 

FORM OF ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE, SUBORDINATION,

NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

 

EXHIBIT E-1



 

SUBORDINATION, NON-DISTURBANCE

AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of                                , 2014, among CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, as hereinafter defined (“Trustee”),                                , a                          , (“Tenant”), and [ISSUER NAME], a Delaware limited liability company, its successors and assigns (“Landlord”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant are parties to a certain Lease, dated December 30, 1998, which lease and all amendments, modifications, assignments, subleases and other agreements related thereto are attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference (collectively, the “Lease”), which Lease relates to the premises described therein (the “Premises”), and

 

WHEREAS, Trustee is the Indenture Trustee under an Indenture dated as of even date herewith among Trustee and Landlord (the “Indenture”) pursuant to which Landlord shall issue notes or bonds in the principal amount of approximately $[             ] (the “Loan”), the Loan being secured, in part, by a mortgage, deed of trust or security deed (collectively, the “Mortgage”) and an assignment(s) of leases and rents from the Landlord to Trustee, both dated as of even date herewith and recorded concurrently herewith covering the Premises; and

 

WHEREAS, Tenant has agreed that the Lease shall be subject and subordinate to the Mortgage held by Trustee, provided Tenant is assured of continued occupancy of the Premises under the terms of the Lease;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and notwithstanding anything in the Lease to the contrary, it is hereby agreed as follows:

 

1.              Subordination of Lease . Trustee, Tenant and Landlord do hereby covenant and agree that the Lease with all rights, options, liens and charges created thereby, is and shall continue to be subject and subordinate in all respects to the Mortgage and to any renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof and to all advancements made thereunder.

 

2.              Non-disturbance of Tenant . Trustee does hereby agree with Tenant that, in the event Trustee becomes the owner of the Premises by foreclosure, conveyance in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise, so long as there exists no event of default under the Lease (a) Trustee will take no action which will interfere with or disturb Tenant’s possession or use of the Premises or other rights under the Lease, and (b) the Premises shall be subject to the Lease and Trustee shall recognize Tenant as the tenant of the Premises for the remainder of the terms of the Lease in accordance with the provisions thereof including, but not limited to the negotiation

 

EXHIBIT E-2



 

rights provided to Tenant under Article [         ] of the Lease, provided , however , that Trustee shall not be subject to any offsets or defenses which Tenant might have against any prior landlord except those which arose under the provisions of the Lease out of such landlord’s default and accrued after Tenant had notified Trustee and given Trustee the opportunity to cure same as hereinbelow provided, nor shall Trustee be liable for any act or omission of any prior landlord, nor shall Trustee be bound by any rent or additional rent which Tenant might have paid for more than the current month to any prior landlord nor shall it be bound by any amendment or modification of the Lease made without its consent.

 

3.              Attornment by Tenant . Tenant does hereby agree with Trustee that, in the event Trustee becomes the owner of the Premises by foreclosure, conveyance in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise, then Tenant shall attorn to and recognize Trustee as the landlord under the Lease for the remainder of the term thereof, and Tenant shall perform and observe its obligations thereunder, subject only to the terms and conditions of the Lease. In such event, Trustee shall not be liable for any act or omission of any prior landlord, liable for return of the security deposit unless same was actually delivered to Trustee, bound by any amendment or modification to or consent or waiver under or assignment of the Lease made without its consent except to the extent permitted without Trustee’s consent pursuant to the Indenture, bound by any rent paid more than thirty (30) days in advance, or be subject to any set-off or defense Tenant might have had against any prior landlord except as set forth in paragraph 2 above. Tenant further covenants and agrees to execute and deliver upon request of Trustee or its assigns, an appropriate Agreement of Attornment to Trustee and any subsequent titleholder of the Premises reflecting the maters contained in this paragraph 3.

 

4.              Curative Rights, Modification of Lease, and Advance Payment of Rent . So long as the Mortgage remains outstanding and unsatisfied:

 

(a)            Tenant will mail or deliver to Trustee, at the address and in the manner hereinbelow provided, a copy of all notices permitted or required to be given to the Landlord by Tenant under and pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Lease. At any time before the rights of the Landlord shall have been forfeited or adversely affected because of any default of the Landlord, or within the time permitted the Landlord for curing any default under the Lease as therein provided, Trustee may, but shall have no obligation to, pay any taxes and assessments, make any repairs and Improvements, make any deposits or do any other act or thing required of the Landlord by the terms of the Lease; and all payments so made and all things so done and performed by Trustee shall be as effective to prevent the rights of the Landlord from being forfeited or adversely affected because of any default under the Lease as the same would have been if done and performed by the Landlord.

 

5.              Limitation of Liability . Trustee shall have no liability whatsoever hereunder prior to becoming the owner of the Premises; and Tenant agrees that if Trustee becomes the owner of the Premises, Tenant shall look solely to the estate or interest of Trustee in the Premises for satisfaction of any obligation which may be or become owing by Trustee to Tenant hereunder or under the Lease.

 

EXHIBIT E-3



 

6.              Landlord and Tenant Certifications . Landlord and Tenant hereby certify to Trustee that the Lease has been duly executed by Landlord and Tenant and is in full force and effect, that the Lease and any modifications and amendments specified herein are a complete statement of the agreement between Landlord and Tenant with respect to the leasing of the Premises, and the Lease has not been modified or amended except as specified herein; that to the knowledge of Landlord and Tenant, no party to the Lease is in default thereunder; that no rent under the Lease has been paid more than thirty (30) days in advance of its due date; and that Tenant, as of this date, has no charge, lien or claim of offset under the Lease, or otherwise, against the rents or other charges due or to become due thereunder or if any such matter exists, then it is as follows:

 

NONE

 

7.              Tenant Estoppel Certifications . With the knowledge that Trustee, as beneficiary of the mortgage encumbering the premises, will place substantial reliance thereon in connection with the closing and funding of the Loan, Tenant hereby makes the following certifications:

 

(a)            The term of the Lease commenced on                               , and will terminate on                                , unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of the Lease.

 

(b)            The Lease, as described above, has not been modified, amended, assigned or subleased except as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, and is in good standing and in full force and effect.

 

(c)            The Lease provides for rental payments over the term of the Lease, all as specifically provided in the Lease. For the first year of the lease term, monthly payments of rent in the amount of $                                are due on the first (1st) day of each month. Tenant has made all payments of rent due.

 

(d)            Tenant has paid a security deposit of $                                under the Lease in the form of a letter of credit.

 

(e)            To Tenant’s knowledge there are no defaults by Landlord under the Lease and there are no existing circumstances which, with the passage of time, or notice, or both, would give rise to a default under the Lease except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(f)             Tenant has accepted and is occupying the Premises, and Landlord has no unperformed obligation under the Lease to construct any Improvements for the Tenant related to the Premises.

 

EXHIBIT E-4



 

(g)            Tenant has no charge, lien, claim of set-off or defense against rents or other charges due or to become due under the Lease or otherwise under any of the terms, conditions, or covenants contained therein except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(h)            Tenant has received no notice from any insurance company of any defects or inadequacies in the Premises or in any part thereof which would adversely affect the insurability of the Premises except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(i)             Except as provided in the Lease, Tenant does not have any right or option to purchase the Premises.

 

(j)             Except as provided in the Lease, Tenant does not have any rights or options to renew the Lease or to lease additional space in any building owned by the Landlord.

 

(k)            Tenant’s enjoyment of the Premises has been peaceful and undisturbed and Tenant knows of no facts by reason of which possession of the Premises might be disputed or questioned, or by reason of which any claim to the Premises or any portion thereof might be asserted adversely to such possession except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(l)             There are no tenancies, leases, occupancies or parties in possession of the Premises other than under the Lease except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(m)           Tenant has not received any notice of any supplemental taxes and/or assessments affecting the Premises except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(n)            There are no unpaid charges for taxes, water and/or sewer services, or other utility charges, or unpaid special assessments for items such as Improvements for sidewalks, curbs, gutters, sewers, storm water assessments, etc., not shown as existing liens in the public records except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(o)            There are no unpaid bills or claim for labor or services performed or materials furnished or delivered during the last twelve (12) months for alterations, repair, work, or new construction on the Premises except as follows:

 

NONE

 

EXHIBIT E-5



 

(p)            The building or buildings located on the Premises are complete and have been paid for in full except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(q)            Since the date of the Survey of the Premises by                                , of                                (the “Survey”), there have been no additions, modifications or alterations to the Improvements on the Premises which have resulted in any changes to the distances between the walls of the Improvements and the lot lines shown thereon; and there have been no changes to the lot lines, nor any fences erected or free standing Improvements placed along said lot line except as follows:

 

NONE

 

(r)             Each franchise agreement if any, with applicable Tenant and located on the Premises is valid and in full force and effect. Tenant has not received any notice of termination of such franchise agreement(s) from said franchisor(s) except as follows:

 

NONE

 

8.              Notices . Any notice to parties required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received when delivered in person (with receipt therefor), on the next business day after deposit with a recognized overnight delivery service, or on the second day after being sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the following addresses:

 

If given to Trustee, as follows, subject to change as provided hereinabove:

 

 

Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity

 

but solely as Indenture Trustee

 

388 Greenwich Street, 14 th  Floor

 

New York, New York 10013

 

Attention: Citibank Agency & Trust-STORE

 

Master Funding

 

 

 

with a copy to:

 

 

EXHIBIT E-6



 

and, if given to Tenant, as follows, subject to change as provided hereinabove:

 

 

 

with a copy to:

 

 

 

and, if given to Landlord, as follows, subject to change as provided hereinabove:

 

 

[ISSUER NAME]

 

8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190

 

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255

 

Attention: Secretary

 

 

 

 

with a copy to:

Kutak Rock LLP

 

1801 California Street, Suite 3000

 

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

Attention: Paul E. Belitz, Esq.

 

9.              Miscellaneous . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, successors-in-title and assigns. When used herein, the term “Landlord” or “landlord” refers to Landlord and to any successor to the interest of Landlord under the Lease. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts.

 

10.           Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provisions of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

 

11.           Paragraph Headings: Construction . The headings of the paragraphs in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation. All references to “paragraph” or “paragraphs” refer to the corresponding paragraph or paragraphs of this Agreement. All words used in this Agreement will be construed

 

EXHIBIT E-7



 

to be of such gender or number as the circumstances require. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the word “including” does not limit the preceding words or term.

 

12.           Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Premises is located without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws, and any action brought under or arising out of this Agreement or the matters relating hereto shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for such jurisdiction. Each party acknowledges and agrees to such jurisdiction.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

[SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

 

EXHIBIT E-8


 

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

 

 

TRUSTEE:

 

 

Signed and delivered in the presence of:

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual

 

capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Witness

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

STATE OF

)

 

)       ss.:

COUNTY OF

)

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me this        day of                          , 2014 by                                     ,                        of Citibank, N.A., a national association, as Indenture Trustee, on behalf of such                           .

 

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

 

 

 

[SEAL]

 

Notary Public

 

 

 

 

My commission expires:

 

 

[SUBORDINATION, NON-DISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT]

 

[SIGNATURES CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE]

 

EXHIBIT E-9



 

 

TENANT:

 

 

Signed and delivered in the presence of:

 

,

 

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

Witness

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

STATE OF

)

 

)       ss.:

COUNTY OF

)

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me this          day of                      , 2014, by                               ,                               of                                  , on behalf of such corporation.

 

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

 

 

 

[SEAL]

 

Notary Public

 

 

 

 

My commission expires:

 

 

[SUBORDINATION, NON-DISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT]

 

[SIGNATURES CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE]

 

EXHIBIT E-10



 

LANDLORD:

 

Signed and delivered in the presence of:

 

 

[ISSUER NAME]

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

Witness

By:     [                 ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

STATE OF

)

 

)       ss.:

COUNTY OF

)

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me this             day of                         , 2014, by                     , known to me to be the                         of [ISSUER NAME], and also known to me to be the person who executed it on behalf of such entity, and acknowledged to me that such entity executed the within instrument.

 

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

 

 

 

 

[SEAL]

 

Notary Public

 

 

 

 

My commission expires:

 

 

EXHIBIT E-11



 

EXHIBIT F

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [         ], 201[   ], is entered into by and among                   (the “New Issuer”), STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, in its capacity as Property Manager and Special Servicer, as applicable, Midland Loan Services, a division of PNC Bank, National Association, in its capacity as Back-Up Manager and CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), under that certain Second Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2013, among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, all Joining Parties, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Back-Up Manager and the Indenture Trustee (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Property Management Agreement”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Property Management Agreement.

 

The New Issuer is a [ENTITY] established under the laws of the State of [        ] on [        ], 201[   ], operates under an [Amended and Restated] [ENTITY AGREEMENT], dated as of [        ], 201[   ] (the “New Issuer Agreement”).

 

The New Issuer, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Back-Up Manager hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             The New Issuer hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, effective as of the date hereof, the New Issuer shall become a party to the Property Management Agreement, shall be deemed to be a signatory to the Property Management Agreement and shall have all of the rights and obligations of an Issuer as specified in the Property Management Agreement. The New Issuer hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the applicable terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Property Management Agreement.

 

2.             The address of the New Issuer for purposes of Section 9.04(c) of the Property Management Agreement shall be as follows:

 

 

[ADDRESS]

 

 

 

 

 

Attention:

 

 

 

 

 

Facsimile No.

 

 

 

With a copy to

 

 

 

 

[ADDRESS]

 

 

EXHIBIT F-1



 

 

Attention:

 

 

 

 

 

Facsimile No.

 

 

3.             This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

4.             THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Issuer, the Property Manager, the Special Servicer and the Back-Up Manager have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers or representatives all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

[NEW ISSUER]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland

 

corporation, as Property Manager

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

MIDLAND LOAN SERVICES, A DIVISION OF

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as

 

Back-Up Manager

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

EXHIBIT F-2



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee under that certain Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

EXHIBIT F-3



 

EXHIBIT G

 

 

 

Re:

[INSERT DESCRIPTION OF QUALIFIED SUBSTITUTE

 

[PROPERTY][HYBRID LEASE][LOAN] (the “ Qualified Substitute

 

[Property][Hybrid Lease][Loan]”)

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to Section 7.01(b) of the Third Amended and Restated Property Management and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2014 (the “ Agreement ”), among STORE Master Funding I, LLC, as an issuer, STORE Master Funding II, LLC, as an issuer, STORE Master Funding III, LLC, as an issuer, STORE Master Funding IV, LLC, as an issuer, STORE Master Funding V, LLC, as an issuer, STORE Capital Corporation, as property manager (the “ Property Manager ”) and as special servicer (the “ Special Servicer ”) ,                                           , as indenture trustee (the “ Indenture Trustee ”), and                                                   , as back-up manager (the “ Back-Up Manager ”), the undersigned hereby certifies that the exceptions set forth on Exhibit “A” attached hereto are materially consistent with the underwriting criteria for the existing Properties (as defined in the Agreement).

 

 

 

STORE Capital Corporation,

 

a Maryland corporation,

 

as Property Manager

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

EXHIBIT G-1



 

EXHIBIT H

 

FORM OF DETERMINATION DATE REPORT

 

EXHIBIT H-1



 

EXHIBIT I

 

CALCULATION OF FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIOS

 

1.                                       Adjusted EBITDAR : An amount equal to the sum of (i) pre-tax income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) all non-cash amounts in respect of depreciation and amortization, (iv) all non-recurring expenses, (v) specifically documented discretionary management fees and (vi) all operating lease and rent expense less (vii) all non-recurring income and standardized corporate overhead expense based on estimated industry standards for the related fiscal period;

 

2.                                       Fixed Charges : An amount equal to the sum of (i) total operating lease or rent expenses, (ii) interest expense, and (iii) scheduled principal payments on indebtedness payable in respect of the related unit, in each case for the period of time as to which such figure is presented; and

 

3.                                       FCCR : Adjusted EBITDAR/Fixed Charges.

 

EXHIBIT I-1




Exhibit 10.2

 

FORM OF STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

BY AND AMONG

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

AND

 

THE STOCKHOLDERS PARTY HERETO

 

DATED AS OF [ · ], 2014

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

 

Section 1.1

Definitions

1

Section 1.2

Other Interpretive Provisions

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

 

 

Section 2.1

Existence; Authority; Enforceability

4

Section 2.2

Absence of Conflicts

4

Section 2.3

Consents

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

GOVERNANCE

 

 

 

Section 3.1

The Board

5

Section 3.2

Voting Agreement

7

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

 

 

Section 4.1

Company Charter and Company Bylaws

7

Section 4.2

Freedom to Pursue Opportunities

7

Section 4.3

Assignment; Benefit

8

Section 4.4

Termination

8

Section 4.5

Severability

8

Section 4.6

Entire Agreement; Amendment

8

Section 4.7

Counterparts

9

Section 4.8

Notices

9

Section 4.9

Governing Law

10

Section 4.10

Jurisdiction

10

Section 4.11

Waiver of Jury Trial

11

Section 4.12

Specific Performance

11

Section 4.13

Subsequent Acquisition of Shares

11

 



 

This STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014, is made by and among:

 

i.                                           STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”);

 

ii.                                        STORE Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ STORE Holding ”); and

 

iii.                                     such other Persons who from time to time become party hereto by executing a counterpart signature page hereof and are designated by the Board (as defined below) as “Other Stockholders” (the “ Other Stockholders ” and, together with STORE Holding, the “ Stockholders ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on or about the date hereof, the Company has priced an initial public offering (the “ IPO ”) of shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“ Common Stock ”), pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to provide for certain governance rights and other matters, and to set forth the respective rights and obligations of the Stockholders following the IPO.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises, covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1                                     Definitions .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, ( a ) any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person or ( b ) in the event that the specified Person is a natural Person, a Member of the Immediate Family of such Person; provided that the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of STORE Holding or the Investor.  As used in this definition, the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 



 

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in the City of New York or Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Chief Executive Officer ” means the chief executive officer of the Company then in office.

 

Closing ” means the closing of the IPO.

 

Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Company Bylaws ” means the bylaws of the Company in effect on the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Company Charter ” means the charter of the Company in effect on the date hereof, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Company Shares ” means ( a ) all shares of Common Stock that are not then subject to vesting (including shares that were at one time subject to vesting to the extent they have vested), ( b ) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any option, warrant or convertible security that are not then subject to vesting (including shares that were at one time subject to vesting to the extent they have vested) and ( c ) all shares of Common Stock directly or indirectly issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above by way of any unit or stock dividend or unit or stock split, or in connection with a combination of units or shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

 

Fund Indemnitors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(h).

 

Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(h).

 

Investor ” means OCM STR Holdings, L.P., OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., and OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership.

 

Investor Designee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

 

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

2



 

Majority in Interest ” means, with respect to the Stockholders or any subset thereof, Stockholders who beneficially own a majority of Company Shares held by the Stockholders or such subset of Stockholders, as applicable.

 

Member of the Immediate Family ” means, with respect to an individual, ( a ) each parent, spouse (but not including a former spouse or a spouse from whom such individual is legally separated) or child (including those adopted) of such individual and ( b ) each trustee, solely in his or her capacity as trustee and so long as such trustee is reasonably satisfactory to the Company, for a trust naming only one or more of the Persons listed in sub-clause (a) as beneficiaries.

 

Necessary Action ” means, with respect to a specified result, all actions necessary to cause such result, including ( a ) voting or providing a written or electronic consent or proxy with respect to the shares of Common Stock, ( b ) causing the adoption of stockholders’ resolutions and amendments to the organizational documents of the Company, ( c ) executing agreements and instruments, and ( d ) making, or causing to be made, with governmental, administrative or regulatory authorities, all filings, registrations or similar actions that are required to achieve such result.

 

Other Stockholders ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Person ” means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, association, estate, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Principal Sponsor Designee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

 

Principal Sponsor Minimum ” means, with respect to STORE Holding, a number of shares of Common Stock owned by STORE Holding equal to at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by STORE Holding as of the closing of all of the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, as adjusted appropriately for stock splits, combinations and dividends and similar transactions.

 

Representatives ” means, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, consultants or financial advisors or other Person associated with, or acting on behalf of, such Person.

 

Requisite Investor Approval ” means, for so long as STORE Holding holds at least the Principal Sponsor Minimum, the approval of a majority of the Board, including in each case at least one director designated by STORE Holding.  At such time as STORE Holding does not hold at least the Principal Sponsor Minimum, any action requiring “Requisite Investor Approval” shall be determined by the Company or the Board in accordance with applicable law, the Company Bylaws and the Company Charter.

 

Stockholders ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

STORE Holding ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

3



 

Underwriting Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Section 1.2                                     Other Interpretive Provisions .

 

(a)                                  The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

(b)                                  The words “ hereof ,” “ herein ,” “ hereunder ” and similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; and any subsection and section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

(c)                                   The term “ including ” is not limiting and means “ including without limitation .”

 

(d)                                  The captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

 

ARTICLE II

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby represents and warrants to each other party to this Agreement that as of the date such party executes this Agreement:

 

Section 2.1                                     Existence; Authority; Enforceability .  Such party has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder.  Such party is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and the execution of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, have been authorized by all necessary action on the part of its board of directors (or equivalent) and stockholders (or other holders of equity interests), if required, and no other act or proceeding on its part is necessary to authorize the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly executed by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 2.2                                     Absence of Conflicts .  The execution and delivery by such party of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder does not and will not ( a ) conflict with, or result in the breach of any provision of the organizational documents of such party, ( b ) result in any violation, breach, conflict, default or an event of default (or an event which with notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default or an event of default), or give rise to any right of acceleration or termination or any additional payment obligation, under the terms of any contract, agreement or permit to which such party is a party or by which such party’s assets or operations are bound or affected, or ( c ) violate any law applicable to such party.

 

Section 2.3                                     Consents .  Other than as expressly required herein or any consents which have already been obtained, no consent, waiver, approval, authorization, exemption, registration,

 

4



 

license or declaration is required to be made or obtained by such party in connection with ( a ) the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or ( b ) the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein.

 

ARTICLE III

 

GOVERNANCE

 

Section 3.1                                     The Board .

 

(a)                                  Composition of Initial Board .  Prior to Closing, the Company and the Stockholders shall take all Necessary Action to cause the Board to be comprised of nine (9) directors, ( i ) five (5) of whom shall be designated by STORE Holding, ( ii ) one (1) of whom shall be the Chief Executive Officer and ( iii ) three (3) of whom shall be directors who meet the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.  The directors shall serve until the Company’s 2015 annual meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.  For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 3.1(a) is applicable solely to the initial composition of the Board following the IPO.

 

(b)                                  STORE Holding Representation .  For so long as STORE Holding holds a number of shares of Common Stock representing at least the percentage of combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock shown below under the heading “Voting Percentage”, there shall be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board for election as directors by the stockholders of the Company at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected that number of individuals designated by STORE Holding (each, a “Principal Sponsor Designee”) such that, if elected, will result in Principal Sponsor Designees representing the lowest whole number of directors serving on the Board that is greater than the corresponding percentage under the heading “Percentage of Directors”.

 

Voting Percentage

 

Percentage of Directors

 

50% or greater

 

50

%

Less than 50% but greater than or equal to 40%

 

40

%

Less than 40% but greater than or equal to 30%

 

30

%

Less than 30% but greater than or equal to 20%

 

20

%

Less than 20% but greater than or equal to 10%

 

10

%

 

Upon any decrease in the number of directors that STORE Holding is entitled to designate for election to the Board pursuant to this Section 3.1(b), STORE Holding shall take all Necessary Action to cause the appropriate number of Principal Sponsor Designees to offer to tender his or her resignation.  If such resignation is then accepted by the Board, the Company, the Board and the Stockholders, as applicable, shall cause the authorized size of the Board to be reduced accordingly unless the Board with Requisite Investor Approval determines not to reduce the authorized size of the Board.

 

(c)                                   CEO Representation .  Subject to the last sentence of Section 3.1(d), if the term of the Chief Executive Officer as a director on the Board is to expire in conjunction with any annual

 

5



 

or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Chief Executive Officer shall be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board for election.

 

(d)                                  Vacancies .  Except as provided in Sections 3.1(b), ( i ) STORE Holding shall have the exclusive right to remove its designees from the Board, and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause the removal of any such designee at the request of STORE Holding and ( ii ) STORE Holding shall have the exclusive right to designate for election to the Board directors to fill vacancies created by reason of the death, removal or resignation of its designees to the Board, and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause any such vacancies to be filled by replacement directors designated by STORE Holding as promptly as reasonably practicable; provided , that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, STORE Holding shall not have the right to designate a replacement director, and the Company shall not be required to take any action to cause any vacancy to be filled by any such designee, to the extent that election or appointment of such designee to the Board would result in a number of directors designated by STORE Holding in excess of the number of directors that STORE Holding is then entitled to designate for membership on the Board pursuant to Section 3.1(b).  If the Chief Executive Officer resigns or is terminated for any reason, the Company, the Chief Executive Officer and STORE Holding shall take all Necessary Action to remove the Chief Executive Officer from the Board and fill such vacancy with the next chief executive officer in office.

 

(e)                                   Additional Unaffiliated Directors .  For so long as STORE Holding has the right to designate at least one (1) director for nomination under this Agreement, the Company shall take all Necessary Action to ensure that the number of directors serving on the Board shall not exceed nine (9); provided , that the number of directors may be increased if necessary to satisfy the requirements of applicable laws and stock exchange regulations.

 

(f)                                    Committees .  Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations, STORE Holding shall have the right to have a representative appointed to serve on each committee of the Board (other than any committee formed for the purpose of evaluating or negotiating any transaction with STORE Holding) for so long as it has the right to designate at least one (1) director for election to the Board.  Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations, STORE Holding shall have the right to have a representative appointed as an observer to any committee of the Board (other than any committee formed for the purpose of evaluating or negotiating any transaction with STORE Holding) to which it ( i ) does not elect to have a representative appointed or ( ii ) is prohibited by applicable laws or stock exchange regulations from having a representative appointed, in each case for so long as STORE Holding has the right to designate at least one (1) director for nomination under this Agreement.

 

(g)                                   Reimbursement of Expenses .  The Company shall reimburse each Principal Sponsor Designee for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such director’s or designee’s participation in the meetings of the Board or any committee of the Board, including reasonable travel, lodging and meal expenses.

 

(h)                                  D&O Insurance; Indemnification Priority .  The Company shall obtain customary director and officer indemnity insurance on commercially reasonable terms.  The Company hereby acknowledges that any director, officer or other indemnified person covered by any such

 

6



 

indemnity insurance policy (any such Person, an “ Indemnitee ”) may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Investor, STORE Holding or one of their respective Affiliates (collectively, the “ Fund Indemnitors ”).  The Company hereby ( i ) agrees that the Company and any Company subsidiary that provides indemnity shall be the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its or their obligations to an Indemnitee shall be primary and any obligation of any Fund Indemnitor to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee shall be secondary), and ( ii ) irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof.  The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of an Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which such Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company, as the case may be, shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of such Indemnitee against the Company.

 

Section 3.2                                     Voting Agreement .  STORE Holding agrees to cast all votes to which it is entitled in respect of its Company Shares, whether at any annual or special meeting, by written consent or otherwise, so as to cause to be elected to the Board those individuals designated in accordance with Section 3.1(a)-(c) and to otherwise effect the intent of this Article III.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.1                                     Company Charter and Company Bylaws .

 

(a)                                  The provisions of this Agreement shall be controlling if any such provisions or the operation thereof conflict with the provisions of the Company Charter or the Company Bylaws.  The Company and STORE Holding agree to take all Necessary Action to amend the Company Charter and Company Bylaws so as to avoid any conflict with the provisions hereof.

 

(b)                                  Any amendment to the Company Bylaws shall only be effective if approved by Requisite Investor Approval or, after Requisite Investor Approval is no longer required, such approval as is set forth in the Company Bylaws.

 

Section 4.2                                     Freedom to Pursue Opportunities .  To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, the parties expressly acknowledge and agree that: ( i ) the Investor, STORE Holding, each Representative of STORE Holding and of the Investor and each director or officer of the Company, that is an Affiliate or designee of STORE Holding or the Investor (each, an “ Investor Designee ”) has the right to, and has no duty (contractual or otherwise) not to, ( x ) directly or indirectly engage in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Company, including those deemed to be competing with the Company, or ( y ) directly or indirectly do business with any client, customer or supplier of the Company; and ( ii ) in the event that the Investor, STORE Holding, any Representative of STORE Holding or the Investor or any Investor Designee acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for the Company, STORE Holding, such Investor, such Representative or

 

7



 

such Investor Designee shall have no duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate or present such corporate opportunity to the Company or any of its Affiliates, and, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shall not be liable to the Company or any of its Affiliates, subsidiaries, stockholders or other equity holders for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise) by reason of the fact that STORE Holding, such Investor, such Representative or such Investor Designee, directly or indirectly, pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another Person, or does not present such opportunity to the Company or any of its Affiliates.  For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 4.2 shall have independent effect with respect to, and shall not be construed as being in lieu of or otherwise limiting, any separate obligations of any Person under any agreement between the Company and/or STORE Holding or an Affiliate thereof, including any agreement related to noncompetition, nonsolicitation, confidentiality or other restrictions on the activities or operations of such Person.

 

Section 4.3                                     Assignment; Benefit .

 

(a)                                  The rights and obligations hereunder shall not be assignable without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.  Any attempted assignment of rights or obligations in violation of this Section 4.3 shall be null and void.

 

(b)                                  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and there shall be no third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement other than the Indemnitees and the Fund Indemnitors under Section 3.1(h), and STORE Holding, the Investor, their respective Representatives and Affiiliates and the Investor Designees under Section 4.2.

 

Section 4.4                                     Termination .  If not otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and such Stockholder, this Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any party hereto) as to each Stockholder as of the later of ( i ) when such Stockholder no longer owns any shares of Common Stock, or ( ii ) when such Stockholder no longer has the right to nominate any directors to the Board pursuant to Article III hereof.

 

Section 4.5                                     Severability .  In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable such provision shall be construed by limiting it so as to be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent provided by law and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 4.6                                     Entire Agreement; Amendment .

 

(a)                                  This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein and supersedes and replaces any prior understanding, agreement or statement of intent, in each case written or oral, of any kind and every nature with respect hereto.  This Agreement or any provision hereof may only be amended, modified or waived, in whole or in part, at any time by an instrument in writing signed by STORE Holding; provided that the prior written consent of the holders of the Majority in Interest of the Company Shares then held by the Other Stockholders shall be required for any amendment, modification or waiver that would have a disproportionate and adverse effect in any

 

8


 

material respect on the rights of Other Stockholders under this Agreement relative to STORE Holding.

 

(b)                                  No waiver of any breach of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be effective unless such waiver is expressly made in writing and executed and delivered by the party against whom such waiver is claimed.  The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a further or continuing waiver of such breach or as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no failure on the part of any party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder, or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity, shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right, power or remedy by such party preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.

 

Section 4.7                                     Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in any number of separate counterparts each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile or electronic delivery ( i.e ., by email of a PDF signature page) and each such counterpart signature page will constitute an original for all purposes.

 

Section 4.8                                     Notices .  Unless otherwise specified herein, all notices, consents, approvals, reports, designations, requests, waivers, elections and other communications authorized or required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given, made or delivered by personal hand-delivery, by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail, by mailing the same in a sealed envelope, registered first-class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (and such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given, made or delivered ( a ) on the date received, if delivered by personal hand delivery, ( b ) on the date received, if delivered by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail or by registered first-class mail prior to 5:00 p.m. prevailing local time on a Business Day, or if delivered after 5:00 p.m. prevailing local time on a Business Day or on other than a Business Day, on the first Business Day thereafter and ( c ) two (2) Business Days after being sent by air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery), at the following addresses (or at such other address as shall be specified by like notice):

 

if to the Company to:

 

STORE Capital Corporation
8501 E. Princess Drive
Suite 190
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Attention:
                             Michael T. Bennett, Secretary
Facsimile:  (480) 256-1101
E-mail:
                                            mbennett@storecapital.com

 

9



 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                             Paul E. Belitz
Facsimile:
                             (303) 292-7799
E-mail:
                                            paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

if to STORE Holding:

 

STORE Holding Company, LLC
8501 E. Princess Drive
Suite 190
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Attention:
                             Michael T. Bennett, Secretary
Facsimile:  (480) 256-1101
E-mail:
                                            mbennett@storecapital.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
333 South Grand Ave., 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attention:
                             Kenneth Liang
Facsimile:
                             (213) 830-6293
E-mail:
                                            kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                             Jasmine Ball
Facsimile:
                             (212) 909-6836
E-mail:
                                            jball@debevoise.com

 

Section 4.9                                     Governing Law .  THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DISPUTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

 

Section 4.10                              Jurisdiction .  ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND OR (TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFORE) THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE DIVISION, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF

 

10



 

BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING.  ANY ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT ISSUED BY ONE OF THE FOREGOING COURTS MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY JURISDICTION.

 

Section 4.11                              Waiver of Jury Trial .  TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH PARTY HERETO WAIVES, AND COVENANTS THAT SUCH PARTY WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE), ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE, CLAIM OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE DEALINGS OF ANY STOCKHOLDER OR THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE.  EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO THAT THIS SECTION 4.11 CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT UPON WHICH IT IS RELYING AND WILL RELY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 4.11 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

Section 4.12                              Specific Performance .  It is hereby agreed and acknowledged that it will be impossible to measure in money the damages that would be suffered if the parties fail to comply with any of the obligations herein imposed on them by this Agreement and that, in the event of any such failure, an aggrieved party will be irreparably damaged and will not have an adequate remedy at law.  Any such party shall therefore be entitled (in addition to any other remedy to which such party may be entitled at law or in equity) to injunctive relief, including specific performance, to enforce such obligations, without the posting of any bond, and if any action should be brought in equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the parties hereto shall raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law.

 

Section 4.13                              Subsequent Acquisition of Shares .  Any equity securities of the Company acquired subsequent to the date hereof by a Stockholder shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

11



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

 



 

 

STORE HOLDING COMPANY, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

 



 

ACKNOWLEDGED & AGREED WITH
RESPECT TO SECTION 3.1(c) AND THE
LAST SENTENCE OF SECTION 3.1(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Christopher Volk

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

 




Exhibit 10.3

 

FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

BY AND AMONG

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

AND

 

 

 

 

 

CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

DATED AS OF [ ], 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I

 

EFFECTIVENESS

 

 

Section 1.1.

Effectiveness

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

Section 2.1.

Definitions

2

Section 2.2.

Other Interpretive Provisions

6

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

 

Section 3.1.

Demand Registration

7

Section 3.2.

Shelf Registration

10

Section 3.3.

Piggyback Registration

13

Section 3.4.

Lock-Up Agreements

15

Section 3.5.

Registration Procedures

15

Section 3.6.

Underwritten Offerings

23

Section 3.7.

No Inconsistent Agreements; Additional Rights

25

Section 3.8.

Registration Expenses

25

Section 3.9.

Indemnification

26

Section 3.10.

Rules 144 and 144A and Regulation S

29

Section 3.11.

Existing Registration Statements

30

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

Section 4.1.

Authority: Effect

30

Section 4.2.

Notices

31

Section 4.3.

Termination and Effect of Termination

32

Section 4.4.

Permitted Transferees; Additional Management Holders

32

Section 4.5.

Remedies

33

Section 4.6.

Amendments

33

 



 

Section 4.7.

Governing Law

34

Section 4.8.

Consent to Jurisdiction

34

Section 4.9.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

34

Section 4.10.

Merger; Binding Effect, Etc.

35

Section 4.11.

Counterparts

35

Section 4.12.

Severability

35

Section 4.13.

No Recourse

35

 

ii



 

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [         ], 2014, is made by and among:

 

i.                                           STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”);

 

ii.                                        STORE Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its Permitted Transferees that become party hereto, the “ Principal Investor ” or “ Principal Investors ”);

 

iii.                                     those employees, advisors or directors of the Company or its subsidiaries named on the signature pages hereto or who may become a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 4.4.2 (collectively, the “ Management Holders ”); and

 

iv.                                    such other Persons, if any, that from time to time become party hereto as holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 4.4.1 in their capacity as Permitted Transferees (collectively, the “ Other Holders ” and, together with the Principal Investors and the Management Holders, the “ Holders ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Company has priced an initial public offering of shares of its common stock (the “ Common Stock ” and such initial public offering, the “ IPO ”) pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement dated [     ], 2014 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, the parties believe that it is in the best interests of the Company and the other parties hereto to set forth their agreements regarding registration rights and certain other matters following the IPO.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises, covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

EFFECTIVENESS

 

Section 1.1.                                  Effectiveness .  This Agreement shall become effective upon the closing of the IPO (the “ Closing ”).

 



 

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 2.1.                                  Definitions .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Adverse Disclosure ” means public disclosure of material non-public information that, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Company, after consultation with outside counsel to the Company: ( i ) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement filed with the SEC by the Company so that such Registration Statement, from and after its effective date, does 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 not misleading; ( ii ) would not be required to be made at such time but for the filing, effectiveness or continued use of such Registration Statement; and ( iii ) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for not disclosing publicly.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, ( i ) any Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person or ( ii ) in the event that the specified Person is a natural Person, a Member of the Immediate Family of such Person; provided that the Company and each of its subsidiaries shall be deemed not to be Affiliates of the Principal Investor or Oaktree.  As used in this definition, the term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in the City of New York.

 

Closing ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

 

Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Demand Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.

 

Demand Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1(a).

 

Demand Registration Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1(a).

 

2



 

Demand Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1(c).

 

Demand Suspension ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.6.

 

Demanding Holder ” means the Principal Investor once the Principal Investor exercises a right to request a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 3.1.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

 

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

Holders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

IPO ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus ” means an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, relating to an offer of the Registrable Securities.

 

Issuer Shares ” means the shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company, and any securities into which such shares of Common Stock or other equity securities shall have been changed or any securities resulting from any reclassification or recapitalization of such shares of Common Stock or other equity securities.

 

Loss ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.9.1.

 

Management Holders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Member of the Immediate Family ” means, with respect to any Person who is an individual, ( i ) each parent, spouse (but not including a former spouse or a spouse from whom such Person is legally separated) or child (including those adopted) of such individual and ( ii ) each trustee, solely in his or her capacity as trustee, for a trust naming only one or more of the Persons listed in sub-clause (i) as beneficiaries.

 

Oaktree ” means OCM STR Holdings, L.P., OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., and OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. and their respective Affiliates.

 

Other Holders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Participation Conditions ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.5(b).

 

3



 

Permitted Transferee ” means ( i ) with respect to the Principal Investor, any Affiliate of such Principal Investor, and ( ii ) such other Persons as the Principal Investor approves in writing.

 

Person ” means any individual, partnership, corporation, company, association, trust, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, entity or division, or any government, governmental department or agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Piggyback Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.1.

 

Piggyback Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.1.

 

Potential Takedown Participant ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.5(b).

 

Principal Investor Minimum ” means, with respect to the Principal Investor, at least 50% of the shares of Common Stock held by such Principal Investor as of the Closing (as adjusted for any stock dividend or distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, reclassification, reorganization, stock exchange, subdivision, combination thereof or similar transaction).

 

Principal Investor ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Pro Rata Portion ” means, with respect to each Holder requesting that its shares be registered pursuant to a Demand Registration or sold in a Public Offering, a number of such shares equal to the aggregate number of Registrable Securities to be registered in such Demand Registration or sold in such Public Offering (excluding any shares to be registered or sold for the account of the Company) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder, and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of Registrable Securities held by all Holders requesting that their Registrable Securities be registered in such Demand Registration or sold in such Public Offering.

 

Prospectus ” means ( i ) the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, all amendments and supplements to such prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all other material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, and ( ii ) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus.

 

Public Offering ” means the offer and sale of Registrable Securities for cash pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act (other than a Registration Statement on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor form).

 

4



 

Registrable Securities ” means ( i ) all shares of Common Stock that are not then subject to vesting (but including shares that were at one time subject to vesting to the extent they have vested), ( ii ) all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any option, warrant or convertible security (including shares of Common Stock issuable upon exchange) and ( iii ) all shares of Common Stock directly or indirectly issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above by way of unit or stock dividend or unit or stock split, or in connection with a combination of units or shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.  As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when ( w ) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with such Registration Statement, ( x ) such securities shall have been Transferred to the public pursuant to Rule 144, ( y ) the aggregate number of such securities held by the applicable Holder and its Affiliates is less than the number that would subject the distribution thereof to, or such Registrable Securities are otherwise not subject to, any volume limitation or other restrictions on transfer under Rule 144 and such Holder is able to immediately distribute such securities publicly without any restrictions on transfer (including without application of paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (f) and (h) of Rule 144), or ( z ) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding.

 

Registration ” means registration under the Securities Act of the offer and sale to the public of any Issuer Shares under a Registration Statement.  The terms “r egister ”, “r egistered ” and “r egistering ” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Registration Expenses ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.

 

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the Securities Act, including the related Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement other than a registration statement (and related Prospectus) filed on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor form thereto.

 

Representatives ” means, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, consultants, equity financing partners or financial advisors or other Person associated with, or acting on behalf of, such Person.

 

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor Rule).

 

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency having jurisdiction under the Securities Act.

 

5



 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

 

Shelf Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.3.

 

Shelf Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.1(a).

 

Shelf Registration Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.2.

 

Shelf Registration Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.1(a).

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.1(a).

 

Shelf Suspension ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.4.

 

Shelf Takedown Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.5(b).

 

Shelf Takedown Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.5(a).

 

Transfer ” means, with respect to any Registrable Security, any interest therein, or any other securities or equity interests, a direct or indirect transfer, sale, exchange, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance or other disposition thereof, including the grant of an option or other right, whether directly or indirectly, whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law, pursuant to judicial process or otherwise. “ Transferred ” shall have a correlative meaning.

 

underwritten Public Offering ” means an underwritten Public Offering, including any bought deal or block sale to a financial institution conducted as an underwritten Public Offering.

 

Underwritten Shelf Takedown ” means an underwritten Public Offering pursuant to an effective Shelf Registration Statement.

 

Underwriting Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

WKSI ” means any Securities Act registrant that is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act at the most recent eligibility determination date specified in paragraph (2) of that definition.

 

Section 2.2.                                  Other Interpretive Provisions .  (a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

6



 

(b)                                  The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder” and similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; and any subsection and section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

(c)                                   The term “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.”

 

(d)                                  The captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

The Company will perform and comply, and cause each of its subsidiaries to perform and comply, with such of the following provisions as are applicable to it.  Each Holder will perform and comply with such of the following provisions as are applicable to such Holder.

 

Section 3.1.                                  Demand Registration .

 

Section 3.1.1.                        Request for Demand Registration .

 

(a)                                  Following the Closing, the Principal Investor shall have the right to make a written request from time to time (a “ Demand Registration Request ”) to the Company for Registration of all or part of the Registrable Securities held by such Principal Investor. Any such Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration Request shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Demand Registration .”

 

(b)                                  Each Demand Registration Request shall specify ( i ) the kind and aggregate amount of Registrable Securities to be registered, and ( ii ) the intended method or methods of disposition thereof.

 

(c)                                   Upon receipt of the Demand Registration Request, the Company shall as promptly as practicable file a Registration Statement (a “ Demand Registration Statement ”), as specified in the Demand Registration Request for such Demand Registration, relating to such Demand Registration, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Demand Registration Statement to promptly become effective under the Securities Act.

 

7


 

Section 3.1.2.                        Limitation on Demand Registrations .  The Company shall not be obligated to take any action to effect any Demand Registration if a Demand Registration was declared effective or an Underwritten Shelf Takedown was consummated within the preceding ninety (90) days (unless otherwise consented to by the Company’s board of directors).

 

Section 3.1.3.                        Demand Notice .  Promptly upon receipt of a Demand Registration Request pursuant to Section 3.1.1 (but in no event more than three (3) Business Days thereafter), the Company shall deliver a written notice (a “ Demand Notice ”) of any such Demand Registration Request to all other Holders and the Demand Notice shall offer each such Holder the opportunity to include in the Demand Registration that number of Registrable Securities as each such Holder may request in writing.  The Company shall include in the Demand Registration all such Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within two (2) Business Days after the date that the Demand Notice was delivered.

 

Section 3.1.4.                        Demand Withdrawal .  A Demanding Holder and any other Holder that has requested its Registrable Securities be included in a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 3.1.3 may withdraw all or any portion of its Registrable Securities included in a Demand Registration from such Demand Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Demand Registration Statement.  Upon receipt of a notice to such effect from a Demanding Holder (or if there is more than one Demanding Holder, from all such Demanding Holders) with respect to all of the Registrable Securities included by such Demanding Holder(s) in such Demand Registration, the Company shall cease all efforts to secure effectiveness of the applicable Demand Registration Statement.

 

Section 3.1.5.                        Effective Registration .  The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Demand Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days (or such shorter period as will terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by such Demand Registration Statement have been sold or withdrawn or are no longer Registrable Securities), or, if such Demand Registration Statement relates to an underwritten Public Offering, such longer period as in the opinion of counsel for the underwriter or underwriters a Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales of Registrable Securities by an underwriter or dealer.

 

Section 3.1.6.                        Delay in Filing; Suspension of Registration .  If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Demand Registration Statement at any time would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, the Demand Registration Statement (a “ Demand Suspension ”); provided , however , that the Company shall

 

8



 

not be permitted to exercise a Demand Suspension ( i ) more than once during any twelve (12)-month period or ( ii ) for a period exceeding thirty (30) days on any one occasion.  In the case of a Demand Suspension, the Holders agree to suspend use of the applicable Prospectus in connection with any sale or purchase of, or offer to sell or purchase, Registrable Securities, upon receipt of the notice referred to above.  The Company shall immediately notify the Holders in writing upon the termination of any Demand Suspension, amend or supplement the Prospectus, if necessary, so it does not contain any untrue statement or omission and furnish to the Holders such numbers of copies of the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented as the Holders may reasonably request.  The Company shall, if necessary, supplement or make amendments to the Demand Registration Statement, if required by the registration form used by the Company for the Demand Registration or by the instructions applicable to such registration form or by the Securities Act or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder or as may reasonably be requested by the Holders of a majority of Registrable Securities that are included in such Demand Registration Statement.

 

Section 3.1.7.                        Priority of Securities Registered Pursuant to Demand Registrations .  If the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten Public Offering of the Registrable Securities included in a Demand Registration advise the Company in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in such Demand Registration exceeds the number that can be sold in such offering without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, then the securities to be included in such Registration shall be in the case of any Demand Registration ( i ) first, allocated to each Holder that has requested to participate in such Demand Registration in an amount equal to the lesser of ( y ) the number of such Registrable Securities requested to be registered or sold by such Holder and ( z ) a number of such shares equal to such Holder’s Pro Rata Portion, and ( ii ) second, and only if all the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included, the number of other securities that, in the opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without having such adverse effect.

 

Section 3.1.8.                        Resale Rights .  In the event that the Principal Investor requests to participate in a Registration pursuant to this Section 3.1 in connection with a distribution of Registrable Securities to its partners or members, the Registration shall provide for resale by such partners or members, if requested by such Principal Investor.

 

9



 

Section 3.2.                                  Shelf Registration .

 

Section 3.2.1.                        Request for Shelf Registration .

 

(a)                                  Upon the written request of the Principal Investor from time to time following the Closing (a “ Shelf Registration Request ”), the Company shall promptly file with the SEC a shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (“ Shelf Registration Statement ”) relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities by any Holders thereof from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution elected by such Holders and set forth in the Shelf Registration Statement and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to promptly become effective under the Securities Act.  Any such Registration pursuant to a Shelf Registration Request shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Shelf Registration .”

 

(b)                                  If on the date of the Shelf Registration Request: ( i ) the Company is a WKSI, then the Shelf Registration Request may request Registration of an unspecified amount of Registrable Securities; and ( ii ) the Company is not a WKSI, then the Shelf Registration Request shall specify the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities to be registered. The Company shall provide to the Principal Investor the information necessary to determine the Company’s status as a WKSI upon request.

 

Section 3.2.2.                        Shelf Registration Notice .  Promptly upon receipt of a Shelf Registration Request (but in no event more than three (3) Business Days thereafter), the Company shall deliver a written notice (a “ Shelf Registration Notice ”) of any such request to all other Holders, which notice shall specify, if applicable, the amount of Registrable Securities to be registered, and the Shelf Registration Notice shall offer each such Holder the opportunity to include in the Shelf Registration that number of Registrable Securities as each such Holder may request in writing.  The Company shall include in such Shelf Registration all such Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within two (2) Business Days after the date that the Shelf Registration Notice has been delivered.

 

Section 3.2.3.                        Continued Effectiveness .  The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act in order to permit the Prospectus forming part of the Shelf Registration Statement to be usable by Holders until the earlier of: ( i ) the date as of which all Registrable Securities are no longer Registrable

 

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Securities or have been sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement or another Registration Statement filed under the Securities Act (but in no event prior to the applicable period, if any, referred to in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder); and ( ii ) the date as of which no Holder holds Registrable Securities (such period of effectiveness, the “ Shelf Period ”).  Subject to Section 3.2.4, the Company shall be deemed not to have used its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the Shelf Period if the Company voluntarily takes any action or omits to take any action that would result in Holders of the Registrable Securities covered thereby not being able to offer and sell any Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement during the Shelf Period, unless such action or omission is required by applicable law.

 

Section 3.2.4.                        Suspension of Registration .  If the continued use of such Shelf Registration Statement at any time would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, suspend use of the Shelf Registration Statement (a “ Shelf Suspension ”); provided , however , that the Company shall not be permitted to exercise a Shelf Suspension ( i ) more than one time during any twelve (12)-month period, or ( ii ) for a period exceeding thirty (30) days on any one occasion.  In the case of a Shelf Suspension, the Holders agree to suspend use of the applicable Prospectus and in connection with any sale or purchase of, or offer to sell or purchase, Registrable Securities, upon receipt of the notice referred to above.  The Company shall immediately notify the Holders in writing upon the termination of any Shelf Suspension, amend or supplement the Prospectus, if necessary, so it does not contain any untrue statement or omission and furnish to the Holders such numbers of copies of the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented as the Holders may reasonably request.  The Company shall, if necessary, supplement or make amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by the registration form used by the Company for the Shelf Registration Statement or by the instructions applicable to such registration form or by the Securities Act or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder or as may reasonably be requested by the Principal Investor.

 

Section 3.2.5.                        Shelf Takedown .

 

(a)                                  At any time during which the Company has an effective Shelf Registration Statement with respect to the Principal Investor’s Registrable Securities, by notice to the Company specifying the intended method or methods of disposition thereof, such Principal Investor may make a written request (a “ Shelf Takedown Request ”) to the Company to effect a Public Offering, including an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, of all or a portion of such Holder’s

 

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Registrable Securities that are covered by such Shelf Registration Statement, and as soon as practicable the Company shall amend or supplement the Shelf Registration Statement for such purpose.

 

(b)                                  Promptly upon receipt of a Shelf Takedown Request (but in no event more than three (3) Business Days thereafter) for any Underwritten Shelf Takedown, the Company shall deliver a notice (a “ Shelf Takedown Notice ”) to each other Holder with Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement, or to all other Holders if such Registration Statement is undesignated (each a “ Potential Takedown Participant ”).  The Shelf Takedown Notice shall offer each such Potential Takedown Participant the opportunity to include in any Underwritten Shelf Takedown that number of Registrable Securities as each such Potential Takedown Participant may request in writing.  The Company shall include in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown all such Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within two (2) Business Days after the date that the Shelf Takedown Notice has been delivered.  Any Potential Takedown Participant’s request to participate in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall be binding on the Potential Takedown Participant; provided that each such Potential Takedown Participant that elects to participate may condition its participation on the Underwritten Shelf Takedown being completed within ten (10) Business Days of its acceptance at a price per share (after giving effect to any underwriters’ discounts or commissions) to such Potential Takedown Participant of not less than ninety-two percent (92%) of the closing price for the shares on their principal trading market on the Business Day immediately prior to such Potential Takedown Participant’s election to participate (the “ Participation Conditions ”).  Notwithstanding the delivery of any Shelf Takedown Notice, but subject to the Participation Conditions (to the extent applicable), all determinations as to whether to complete any Underwritten Shelf Takedown and as to the timing, manner, price and other terms of any Underwritten Shelf Takedown contemplated by this Section 3.2.5 shall be determined by the Principal Investor;  provided that if such Underwritten Shelf Takedown is to be completed and subject to the Participation Conditions (to the extent applicable), each Potential Takedown Participant’s Pro Rata Portion shall be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such Potential Takedown Participant has complied with the requirements set forth in this Section 3.2.5.

 

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(c)                                   The Company shall not be obligated to take any action to effect any Underwritten Shelf Takedown if a Demand Registration or an Underwritten Shelf Takedown was consummated within the preceding ninety (90) days (unless otherwise consented to by the Company’s board of directors).

 

Section 3.2.6.                        Priority of Securities Sold Pursuant to Shelf Takedowns .  If the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 3.2.5 advise the Company in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities requested to be included in the proposed Underwritten Shelf Takedown exceeds the number that can be sold in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such offering shall be ( i ) first, allocated to each Holder that has requested to participate in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown in an amount equal to the lesser of ( y ) the number of such Registrable Securities requested to be registered or sold by such Holder, and ( z ) a number of such shares equal to such Holder’s Pro Rata Portion, and ( ii ) second, and only if all the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included, the number of other securities that, in the opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters can be sold without having such adverse effect.

 

Section 3.2.7.                        Resale Rights .  In the event that a Principal Investor elects to request a Registration pursuant to this Section 3.2 in connection with a distribution of Registrable Securities to its partners or members, the Registration shall provide for resale by such partners or members, if requested by such Principal Investor.

 

Section 3.3.                                  Piggyback Registration .

 

Section 3.3.1.                        Participation .  If the Company at any time proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act or to conduct a Public Offering with respect to any offering of its equity securities for its own account or for the account of any other Persons (other than ( i ) a Registration under Sections 3.1 or 3.2, ( ii ) a Registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor form to such Forms or ( iii ) a Registration of securities solely relating to an offering and sale to employees or directors of the Company or its subsidiaries pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit plan arrangement), then, as soon as practicable (but in no event less than ten (10) Business Days prior to the proposed date of filing of such Registration Statement or, in the case of any such Public Offering, the anticipated pricing or trade date), the Company shall give written notice (a “ Piggyback Notice ”) of such proposed filing or Public Offering to all Holders, and such Piggyback Notice shall offer the Holders the opportunity

 

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to register under such Registration Statement, or to sell in such Public Offering, such number of Registrable Securities as each such Holder may request in writing (a “ Piggyback Registration ”).  Subject to Section 3.3.2, the Company shall include in such Registration Statement or in such Public Offering as applicable, all such Registrable Securities that are requested to be included therein within two (2) Business Days after the receipt by such Holder of any such notice; provided , however , that if at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register or sell any securities and prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement filed in connection with such Registration, or the pricing or trade date of such Public Offering, the Company shall determine for any reason not to register or sell or to delay Registration or the sale of such securities, the Company shall give written notice of such determination to each Holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, ( i ) in the case of a determination not to register or sell, shall be relieved of its obligation to register or sell any Registrable Securities in connection with such Registration or Public Offering (but not from its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses in connection therewith), without prejudice, however, to the rights of any Holders entitled to request that such Registration or sale be effected as a Demand Registration under Section 3.1 or an Underwritten Shelf Takedown under Section 3.2, as the case may be, and ( ii ) in the case of a determination to delay Registration or sale, in the absence of a request for a Demand Registration or an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, as the case may be, shall be permitted to delay registering or selling any Registrable Securities, for the same period as the delay in registering or selling such other securities.  If the offering pursuant to such Registration Statement or Public Offering is to be underwritten, then each Holder making a request for a Piggyback Registration pursuant to this Section 3.3.1 shall, and the Company shall make such arrangements with the managing underwriter or underwriters so that each such Holder may, participate in such underwritten offering.  If the offering pursuant to such Registration Statement or Public Offering is to be on any other basis, then each Holder making a request for a Piggyback Registration pursuant to this Section 3.3.1 shall, and the Company shall make such arrangements so that each such Holder may, participate in such offering on such basis.  Any Holder shall have the right to withdraw all or part of its request for inclusion of its Registrable Securities in a Piggyback Registration by giving written notice to the Company of its request to withdraw; provided that such request must be made in writing prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or, in the case of a Public Offering, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the earlier of the anticipated filing of the “red herring” Prospectus, if applicable, and the anticipated pricing or trade date.

 

Section 3.3.2.                        Priority of Piggyback Registration .  If the managing underwriter or underwriters of any proposed offering of Registrable Securities included in a Piggyback Registration informs the Company and the participating

 

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Holders in writing that, in its or their opinion, the number of securities that such Holders and any other Persons intend to include in such offering exceeds the number that can be sold in such offering without being likely to have a significant adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the securities offered or the market for the securities offered, then the securities to be included in such Registration shall be ( i ) first, one hundred percent (100%) of the securities that the Company or (subject to Section 3.7) any Person (other than a Holder of Registrable Securities) exercising a contractual right to demand Registration, as the case may be, proposes to sell, and ( ii ) second, and only if all the securities referred to in clause (i) have been included, the number of Registrable Securities that, in the opinion of such managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without having such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated among the Holders that have requested to participate in such Registration based on an amount equal to the lesser of ( x ) the number of such Registrable Securities requested to be sold by such Holder, and ( y ) a number of such shares equal to such Holder’s Pro Rata Portion and ( iii ) third, and only if all of the Registrable Securities referred to in clause (ii) have been included in such Registration, any other securities eligible for inclusion in such Registration.

 

Section 3.3.3.                        No Effect on Other Registrations .  No Registration of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to a request under this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to have been effected pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 or shall relieve the Company of its obligations under Sections 3.1 and 3.2.

 

Section 3.4.                                  Lock-Up Agreements .  In connection with each Registration or sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 conducted as an underwritten Public Offering, each Holder agrees, if requested, to become bound by and to execute and deliver such lock-up agreement with the underwriter(s) of such Public Offering restricting such Holder’s right to ( i ) Transfer, directly or indirectly, any Registrable Securities or ( ii ) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another any of the economic consequences of ownership of Registrable Securities, as is entered into by the Principal Investor with the underwriter(s) of such Public Offering; provided , however , that no Holder shall be required to enter into a lock-up agreement covering a period of greater than 90 days after the date of the final Prospectus relating to such offering or such longer period as is agreed to by the Principal Investor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, such lock-up agreement shall not apply to ( i ) distributions-in-kind to the Principal Investor’s partners or members; ( ii ) Transfers to Affiliates, but only if such Affiliates agree to be bound by the restrictions herein; or ( iii ) Transfers to Permitted Transferees of such Holder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.5.                                  Registration Procedures .

 

Section 3.5.1.                        Requirements .  In connection with the Company’s obligations under Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, the Company shall use its reasonable

 

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best efforts to effect such Registration and to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, and in connection therewith the Company shall:

 

(a)                                  prepare the required Registration Statement, including all exhibits and financial statements required under the Securities Act to be filed therewith, and, before filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, ( x ) furnish to the underwriters, if any, and to the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, copies of all documents prepared to be filed, which documents shall be subject to the review of such underwriters and such Holders and their respective counsel, ( y ) make such changes in such documents concerning the Holders prior to the filing thereof as such Holders, or their counsel, may reasonably request and ( z ) except in the case of a Registration under Section 3.3, not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto to which the Principal Investor, or the underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object;

 

(b)                                  prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and supplements to the Prospectus as may be ( x ) reasonably requested by the Principal Investor with Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, ( y ) reasonably requested by any participating Holder (to the extent such request relates to information relating to such Holder), or ( z ) necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the period of time required by this Agreement, and comply with provisions of the applicable securities laws with respect to the sale or other disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

 

(c)                                   notify the participating Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and (if requested) confirm such notice in writing and provide copies of the relevant documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after notice thereof is received by the Company ( v ) when the applicable Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed or becomes effective, and when the applicable Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto has been filed, ( w ) of any written comments by the SEC, or any

 

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request by the SEC or other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or such Prospectus, or for additional information (whether before or after the effective date of the Registration Statement) or any other correspondence with the SEC relating to, or which may affect, the Registration, ( x ) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any order by the SEC or any other regulatory authority preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purposes, ( y ) if, at any time, the representations and warranties of the Company in any applicable underwriting agreement cease to be true and correct in all material respects and ( z ) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;

 

(d)                                  promptly notify each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, when the Company becomes aware of the happening of any event as a result of which the applicable Registration Statement or the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (as then in effect) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of such Prospectus or any preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, when any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus includes information that may conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such time period to amend or supplement such Registration Statement or Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act and, as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC, and furnish without charge to the selling Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, an amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, which shall correct such misstatement or omission or effect such compliance;

 

(e)                                   to the extent the Company is eligible under the relevant provisions of Rule 430B under the Securities Act, if the Company files any Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall include in such Shelf Registration Statement such disclosures as may be required

 

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by Rule 430B under the Securities Act (referring to the unnamed selling security holders in a generic manner by identifying the initial offering of the securities to the Holders) in order to ensure that the Holders may be added to such Shelf Registration Statement at a later time through the filing of a Prospectus supplement rather than a post-effective amendment;

 

(f)                                    use its reasonable best efforts to prevent, or obtain the withdrawal of, any stop order or other order or notice preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus;

 

(g)                                   promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriter or underwriters and the Holders of a majority of Registrable Securities being sold agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment;

 

(h)                                  furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and each underwriter, if any, without charge, as many conformed copies as such Holder or underwriter may reasonably request of the applicable Registration Statement and any amendment or post-effective amendment or supplement thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits (including those incorporated by reference);

 

(i)                                      deliver to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and each underwriter, if any, without charge, as many copies of the applicable Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto and such other documents as such Holder or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities by such Holder or underwriter (it being understood that the Company shall consent to the use of such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and the underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto);

 

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(j)                                     on or prior to the date on which the applicable Registration Statement becomes effective, use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, and cooperate with the selling Holders, the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel, in connection with the Registration or qualification of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of each state and other jurisdiction as any such selling Holder or managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or their respective counsel reasonably request in writing and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such Registration or qualification in effect for such period as required by Section 3.1 or Section 3.2, as applicable, provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to taxation or general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

 

(k)                                  cooperate with the selling Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters may request at least two (2) Business Days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities to the underwriters;

 

(l)                                      use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter or underwriters, if any, to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

 

(m)                              not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities and provide the applicable transfer agent with printed certificates for the Registrable Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company (in the case of a Registration Statement);

 

(n)                                  make such representations and warranties to the Holders being registered, and the underwriters or agents, if any, in form,

 

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substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers in public offerings similar to the offering then being undertaken;

 

(o)                                  enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting and indemnification agreements) and take all such other actions as the participating Principal Investor or the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the Registration and disposition of such Registrable Securities;

 

(p)                                  obtain for delivery to the Holders being registered and to the underwriter or underwriters, if any, an opinion or opinions from counsel for the Company dated the most recent effective date of the Registration Statement or, in the event of an underwritten Public Offering, the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, in customary form, scope and substance, which opinions shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Holders or underwriters, as the case may be, and their respective counsel;

 

(q)                                  in the case of an underwritten Public Offering, obtain for delivery to the Company and the managing underwriter or underwriters, with copies to the Holders included in such Registration or sale, a comfort letter from the Company’s independent certified public accountants or independent auditors (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public accountants or independent auditors of any subsidiary of the Company or any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required to be, included in the Registration Statement) in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by comfort letters as the managing underwriter or underwriters reasonably request, dated the date of execution of the underwriting agreement and brought down to the closing under the underwriting agreement;

 

(r)                                     cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities and each underwriter, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA;

 

(s)                                    use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable securities laws and, if a Registration Statement was filed, make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of

 

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the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

(t)                                     provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

(u)                                  use its best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which any of the Company’s equity securities are then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of the Company’s equity securities are then quoted;

 

(v)                                  make available upon reasonable notice at reasonable times and for reasonable periods for inspection by a representative appointed by the majority of the Holders covered by the applicable Registration Statement, by any underwriter participating in any disposition to be effected pursuant to such Registration Statement and by any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such Holders or any such underwriter, all pertinent financial and other records and pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, and cause all of the Company’s officers, directors and employees and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial statements to make themselves available to discuss the business of the Company and to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Person in connection with such Registration Statement; provided , however , that any such Person gaining access to information regarding the Company pursuant to this Section 3.5.1(v) shall agree to hold in strict confidence and shall not make any disclosure or use any information regarding the Company that the Company determines in good faith to be confidential, and of which determination such Person is notified, unless ( i ) the release of such information is requested or required (by deposition, interrogatory, requests for information or documents by a governmental entity, subpoena or similar process), ( ii ) disclosure of such information, in the opinion of counsel to such Person, is otherwise required by law, ( iii ) such information is or becomes publicly known other than through a breach of this or any other agreement of which such Person has knowledge, ( iv ) such information is or becomes available to such Person on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company or ( v ) such information is independently developed by such Person;

 

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(w)                                in the case of a marketed Public Offering, cause the senior executive officers of the Company to participate in the customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters in any such offering and otherwise to facilitate, cooperate with, and participate in each proposed offering contemplated herein and customary selling efforts related thereto;

 

(x)                                  take no direct or indirect action prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act;

 

(y)                                  take all reasonable action to ensure that any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus utilized in connection with any Registration complies in all material respects with the Securities Act, is filed in accordance with the Securities Act to the extent required thereby, is retained in accordance with the Securities Act to the extent required thereby and, when taken together with the related Prospectus, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

 

(z)                                   take all such other commercially reasonable actions as are necessary or advisable in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.5.2.                        Company Information Requests .  The Company may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to which any Registration or sale is being effected to furnish to the Company such information regarding the distribution of such securities and such other information relating to such Holder and its ownership of Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing and the Company may exclude from such Registration or sale the Registrable Securities of any such Holder who unreasonably fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request.  Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees to furnish such information to the Company and to cooperate with the Company as reasonably necessary to enable the Company to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.5.3.                        Discontinuing Registration .  Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3.5.1(d), such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to such

 

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Registration Statement such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 3.5.1(d), or until such Holder is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, and if so directed by the Company, such Holder shall deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.  In the event the Company shall give any such notice, the period during which the applicable Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement either receives the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 3.5.1(d) or is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

 

Section 3.6.                                  Underwritten Offerings .

 

Section 3.6.1.                        Shelf and Demand Registrations .  If requested by the underwriters for any underwritten Public Offering, pursuant to a Registration or sale under Sections 3.1 or 3.2, the Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with such underwriters, such agreement to be reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to each of the Company, the Principal Investor seeking to participate in such offering and the underwriters, and to contain such representations and warranties by the Company and such other terms as are generally prevailing in agreements of that type, including indemnities no less favorable to the recipient thereof than those provided in Section 3.9.  The Holders of the Registrable Securities proposed to be distributed by such underwriters shall cooperate with the Company in the negotiation of the underwriting agreement and shall give consideration to the reasonable suggestions of the Company regarding the form thereof.  Such Holders to be distributed by such underwriters shall be parties to such underwriting agreement, which underwriting agreement shall: ( i ) contain such representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such Holders as are customarily made by issuers to selling stockholders in public offerings similar to the applicable offering; and ( ii ) provide that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement also shall be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Holders.  Any such Holder shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Holder, such Holder’s title to the Registrable

 

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Securities, such Holder’s intended method of distribution and any other representations required to be made by the Holder under applicable law, and the aggregate amount of the liability of such Holder shall not exceed such Holder’s net proceeds from such offering.

 

Section 3.6.2.                        Piggyback Registrations .  If the Company proposes to register or sell any of its securities under the Securities Act as contemplated by Section 3.3 and such securities are to be distributed through one or more underwriters, the Company shall, if requested by any Holder of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3.3 and, subject to the provisions of Section 3.3.2, use its reasonable best efforts to arrange for such underwriters to include on the same terms and conditions that apply to the other sellers in such Registration or sale all the Registrable Securities to be offered and sold by such Holder among the securities of the Company to be distributed by such underwriters in such Registration or sale.  The Holders of Registrable Securities to be distributed by such underwriters shall be parties to the underwriting agreement between the Company and such underwriters, which underwriting agreement shall ( i ) contain such representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such Holders as are customarily made by issuers to selling stockholders in secondary public offerings and ( ii ) provide that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such underwriting agreement also shall be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Holders.  Any such Holder shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Holder, such Holder’s title to the Registrable Securities and such Holder’s intended method of distribution or any other representations required to be made by the Holder under applicable law, and the aggregate amount of the liability of such Holder shall not exceed such Holder’s net proceeds from such offering.

 

Section 3.6.3.                        Participation in Underwritten Registrations .  Subject to the provisions of Section 3.6.1 and Section 3.6.2 above, no Person may participate in any underwritten Public Offering hereunder unless such Person ( i ) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to approve such arrangements and ( ii ) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

 

Section 3.6.4.                        Selection of Underwriters .  In the case of an underwritten Public Offering under Sections 3.1 or 3.2, the managing underwriter or underwriters to administer the offering shall be determined by the Principal

 

24



 

Investor; provided that such underwriter or underwriters shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.

 

Section 3.7.                                  No Inconsistent Agreements; Additional Rights .  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall hereafter enter into, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is currently a party to, any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders by this Agreement.  Without approval of the Company’s board of directors, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall enter into any agreement granting registration or similar rights to any Person, and the Company hereby represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, no registration or similar rights have been granted to any other Person other than pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 3.8.                                  Registration Expenses .  All expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement shall be paid by the Company, including ( i ) all registration and filing fees, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the SEC or FINRA, ( ii ) all fees and expenses in connection with compliance with any securities or “Blue Sky” laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registrable Securities), ( iii ) all printing, duplicating, word processing, messenger, telephone, facsimile and delivery expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing Prospectuses), ( iv ) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of all independent certified public accountants or independent auditors of the Company and any subsidiaries of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), ( v ) Securities Act liability insurance or similar insurance if the Company so desires or the underwriters so require in accordance with then-customary underwriting practice, ( vi ) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange or quotation of the Registrable Securities on any inter-dealer quotation system, ( vii ) all applicable rating agency fees with respect to the Registrable Securities, ( viii ) all reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel for the Principal Investor, ( ix ) all fees and expenses of accountants selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered, ( x ) any reasonable fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or sellers of securities, ( xi ) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the distribution or Transfer of Registrable Securities to or by a Holder or its Permitted Transferees in connection with a Public Offering, ( xii ) all fees and expenses of any special experts or other Persons retained by the Company in connection with any Registration or sale, ( xiii ) all of the Company’s internal expenses (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and ( xiv ) all expenses related to the “road-show” for any underwritten Public Offering (including the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Principal Investor), including all travel, meals and lodging.

 

25



 

All such expenses are referred to herein as “ Registration Expenses ”.  The Company shall not be required to pay any fees and disbursements to underwriters not customarily paid by the issuers of securities in an offering similar to the applicable offering, including underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities.

 

Section 3.9.                                  Indemnification .

 

Section 3.9.1.                        Indemnification by the Company .  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, each shareholder, member, limited or general partner thereof, each shareholder, member, limited or general partner of each such shareholder, member, limited or general partner, each of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, advisors, and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) such Persons and each of their respective Representatives from and against any and all losses, penalties, judgments, suits, costs, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, joint or several (including reasonable costs of investigation and legal expenses) (each, a “ Loss ” and collectively “ Losses ”) arising out of or based upon ( i ) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement under which such Registrable Securities are registered or sold under the Securities Act (including any final, preliminary or summary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein) or any other disclosure document produced by or on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries including any report and other document filed under the Exchange Act, ( ii ) 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 a Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or ( iii ) any violation or alleged violation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any federal, state, foreign or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries and relating to action or inaction in connection with any such registration, disclosure document or other document or report; provided , that no selling Holder shall be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.9.1 in respect of any untrue statement or omission contained in any information furnished in writing by such selling Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in a Registration Statement (or such prospectus, amendment or supplement referred to above) that has not been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to or concurrently with the sale of the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting the claim.  This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have.  Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such

 

26



 

Holder or any indemnified party and shall survive the Transfer of such securities by such Holder.  The Company shall also indemnify underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the indemnified parties.

 

Section 3.9.2.                        Indemnification by the Selling Holder of Registrable Securities .  Each selling Holder of Registrable Securities agrees (severally and not jointly) to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors and officers and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) from and against any Losses resulting from ( i ) any untrue statement of a material fact in any Registration Statement under which such Registrable Securities were registered or sold under the Securities Act (including any final, preliminary or summary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein) or ( ii ) any omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information furnished in writing by such selling Holder to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement (or such prospectus, amendment or supplement referred to above) and has not been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to or concurrently with the sale of the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting the claim.  In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder of Registrable Securities hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder under the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation less any amounts paid by such Holder pursuant to Section 3.9.4 and any amounts paid by such Holder as a result of liabilities incurred under the underwriting agreement, if any, related to such sale.  The Company shall be entitled to receive indemnities from underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, to the same extent as provided above (with appropriate modification) with respect to information furnished in writing by such Persons specifically for inclusion in any Prospectus or Registration Statement.

 

Section 3.9.3.                        Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings .  Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall ( i ) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification ( provided that any delay or failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall

 

27


 

relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder only to the extent, if at all, that it is actually and materially prejudiced by reason of such delay or failure) and ( ii ) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided , however , that any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to select and employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Person unless ( w ) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees or expenses, ( x ) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable time after receipt of notice of such claim from the Person entitled to indemnification hereunder and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Person, ( y ) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based upon advice of its counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, or ( z ) in the reasonable judgment of any such Person (based upon advice of its counsel) a conflict of interest may exist between such Person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the Person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Person).  If the indemnifying party assumes the defense, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to settle such action without the consent of the indemnified party.  No indemnifying party shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of an unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation without the prior written consent of such indemnified party. If such defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its prior written consent, but such consent may not be unreasonably withheld.  It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, except as specifically set forth in this Section 3.9.3, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements or other charges of more than one separate firm admitted to practice in such jurisdiction at any one time unless ( A ) the employment of more than one counsel has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party or parties, ( B ) an indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the other indemnified parties or ( C ) a conflict or potential conflict exists or may exist (based upon advice of counsel to an indemnified party) between such indemnified party and the other indemnified parties, in each of which cases the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels.

 

28



 

Section 3.9.4.                        Contribution .  If for any reason the indemnification provided for in Section 3.9.1 and Section 3.9.2 is unavailable to an indemnified party (other than as a result of exceptions contained in Section 3.9.1 and Section 3.9.2) or insufficient in respect of any Losses referred to therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party or parties on the other hand in connection with the acts, statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  In connection with any Registration Statement filed with the SEC by the Company, the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any 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 indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.  The parties hereto agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 3.9.4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 3.9.4.  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.  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the Losses referred to in Sections 3.9.1 and 3.9.2 shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3.9.4, in connection with any Registration Statement filed by the Company, a selling Holder of Registrable Securities shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such holder under the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation less any amounts paid by such Holder pursuant to Section 3.9.2 and any amounts paid by such Holder as a result of liabilities incurred under the underwriting agreement, if any, related to such sale.  If indemnification is available under this Section 3.9, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections 3.9.1 and 3.9.2 hereof without regard to the provisions of this Section 3.9.4.  The remedies provided for in this Section 3.9 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

 

Section 3.10.                           Rules 144 and 144A and Regulation S .  The Company shall file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the

 

29



 

rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if the Company is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder of Registrable Securities, make publicly available such necessary information for so long as necessary to permit sales that would otherwise be permitted by this Agreement pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC), and it will take such further action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities without Registration under the Securities Act in transactions that would otherwise be permitted by this Agreement and within the limitation of the exemptions provided by ( i ) Rules 144, 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as such rules may be amended from time to time, or ( ii ) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the request of any Holder of Registrable Securities, the Company will deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements and, if not, the specifics thereof.

 

Section 3.11.                           Existing Registration Statements .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and subject to applicable law and regulation, the Company may satisfy any obligation hereunder to file a Registration Statement or to have a Registration Statement become effective by a specified date by designating, by notice to the Holders, a Registration Statement that previously has been filed with the SEC or become effective, as the case may be, as the relevant Registration Statement for purposes of satisfying such obligation, and all references to any such obligation shall be construed accordingly; provided that such previously filed Registration Statement may be amended or, subject to applicable securities laws, supplemented to add the number of Registrable Securities, and, to the extent necessary, to identify as selling stockholders those Holders demanding the filing of a Registration Statement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.  To the extent this Agreement refers to the filing or effectiveness of other Registration Statements, by or at a specified time and the Company has, in lieu of then filing such Registration Statements or having such Registration Statements become effective, designated a previously filed or effective Registration Statement as the relevant Registration Statement for such purposes, in accordance with the preceding sentence, such references shall be construed to refer to such designated Registration Statement, as amended.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 4.1.                                  Authority;  Effect .  Each party hereto represents and warrants to and agrees with each other party that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized on behalf of such party and do not violate any agreement or other instrument applicable to

 

30



 

such party or by which its assets are bound.  This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, give rise to the creation of a partnership among any of the parties hereto, or to constitute any of such parties members of a joint venture or other association.  The Company and its subsidiaries shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of each such party pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 4.2.                                  Notices .  Any notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted in this Agreement shall be effective if in writing and ( i ) delivered personally, ( ii ) sent by facsimile or e-mail, or ( iii ) sent by overnight courier, in each case, addressed as follows:

 

If to the Company to:

 

STORE Capital Corporation
8501 E. Princess Drive
Suite 190
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Attention:
                             Michael T. Bennett, Secretary
Facsimile:  (480) 256-1101
E-mail:
                                            mbennett@storecapital.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                             Paul E. Belitz
Facsimile:
                             (303) 292-7799
E-mail:
                                            paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

If to the Principal Investor:

 

STORE Holding Company, LLC
8501 E. Princess Drive
Suite 190
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Attention:
                             Michael T. Bennett, Secretary
Facsimile:  (480) 256-1101
E-mail:
                                            mbennett@storecapital.com

 

and

 

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Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
333 South Grand Ave., 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attention:
                             Kenneth Liang
Facsimile:
                             (213) 830-6293
E-mail:
                                            kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                             Jasmine Ball
Facsimile:
                             (212) 909-6836
E-mail:
                                            jball@debevoise.com

 

Notice to the holder of record of any Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be notice to the Holder of such securities for all purposes hereof.

 

Unless otherwise specified herein, such notices or other communications shall be deemed effective ( i ) on the date received, if personally delivered, ( ii ) on the date received, if delivered by facsimile or e-mail on a Business Day, or if not delivered on a Business Day, on the first Business Day thereafter and ( iii ) two (2) Business Days after being sent by overnight courier.  Each of the parties hereto shall be entitled to specify a different address by giving notice as aforesaid to each of the other parties hereto.

 

Section 4.3.                                  Termination and Effect of Termination .  This Agreement shall terminate upon the date on which no Holder holds any Registrable Securities, except for the provisions of Sections 3.9 and 3.10, which shall survive any such termination.  No termination under this Agreement shall relieve any Person of liability for breach prior to termination.  In the event this Agreement is terminated, each Person entitled to indemnification rights pursuant to Section 3.9 hereof shall retain such indemnification rights with respect to any matter that ( i ) may be an indemnified liability thereunder and ( ii ) occurred prior to such termination.

 

Section 4.4.                                  Permitted Transferees; Additional Management Holders .

 

Section 4.4.1.                        The rights of a Holder hereunder may be assigned (but only with all related obligations as set forth below) in connection with a Transfer of shares of Common Stock or Registrable Securities effected in accordance with the terms of that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [    ], 2014, by and among the Company, the Principal Investor and the other Persons party thereto, the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company and this Agreement to a Permitted Transferee of

 

32



 

that Holder.  Without prejudice to any other or similar conditions imposed hereunder with respect to any such Transfer, no assignment permitted under the terms of this Section 4.4.1 will be effective unless the Permitted Transferee to which the assignment is being made, if not a Holder, has delivered to the Company a written acknowledgment and agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company that the Permitted Transferee will be bound by, and will be a party to, this Agreement.  A Permitted Transferee to whom rights are transferred pursuant to this Section 4.4.1 may not again transfer those rights to any other Permitted Transferee, other than as provided in this Section 4.4.1.

 

Section 4.4.2.                        The Company may admit to this Agreement any additional Management Holder who becomes a holder of Common Stock that are Registrable Securities.  Without prejudice to any other or similar conditions imposed hereunder with respect to any such admission, no admission permitted under the terms of this Section 4.4.2 will be effective unless the Management Holder has delivered to the Company a written acknowledgement and agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company that the Management Holder will be bound by, and will be a party to, this Agreement and will execute and deliver such other agreements or documents as may reasonably be requested by the Company.

 

Section 4.5.                                  Remedies .  The parties to this Agreement shall have all remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise in the event of any breach or violation of this Agreement or any default hereunder.  The parties acknowledge and agree that in the event of any breach of this Agreement, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, each of the parties hereto shall be entitled to specific performance of the obligations of the other parties hereto and, in addition, to such other equitable remedies (including preliminary or temporary relief) as may be appropriate in the circumstances.  No delay of or omission in the exercise of any right, power or remedy accruing to any party as a result of any breach or default by any other party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed as a waiver of or acquiescence in any such breach or default, or of any similar breach or default occurring later; nor shall any such delay, omission nor waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default occurring before or after that waiver.

 

Section 4.6.                                  Amendments .  This Agreement may not be orally amended, modified, extended or terminated, nor shall any oral waiver of any of its terms be effective.  This Agreement may be amended, modified, extended or terminated, and the provisions hereof may be waived, only by an agreement in writing signed by the Company and the Principal Investor.  Each such amendment, modification, extension or termination shall be binding upon each party hereto and each Other Holder.  In addition,

 

33



 

each party hereto may waive any right hereunder by an instrument in writing signed by such party.

 

Section 4.7.                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and all claims arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of laws provision or rule that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

Section 4.8.                                  Consent to Jurisdiction .  Each party to this Agreement, by its execution hereof, ( i ) hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of New York for the purpose of any action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof, ( ii ) hereby waives to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, and agrees not to assert, and agrees not to allow any of its subsidiaries to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that any such proceeding brought in one of the above-named courts is improper, or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof or thereof may not be enforced in or by such court and ( iii ) hereby agrees not to commence or maintain any action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof or thereof other than before one of the above-named courts nor to make any motion or take any other action seeking or intending to cause the transfer or removal of any such action, claim, cause of action or suit (in contract, tort or otherwise), inquiry, proceeding or investigation to any court other than one of the above-named courts whether on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any party hereto is or becomes a party in any litigation in connection with which it may assert indemnification rights set forth in this Agreement, the court in which such litigation is being heard shall be deemed to be included in clause (i) above.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party to this Agreement may commence and maintain an action to enforce a judgment of any of the above-named courts in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Each party hereto hereby consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any manner permitted by New York law, and agrees that service of process by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof is reasonably calculated to give actual notice.

 

Section 4.9.                                  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW WHICH CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE OR

 

34



 

ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY, PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING.  EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO THAT THIS SECTION 4.9 CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT UPON WHICH THEY ARE RELYING AND WILL RELY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 4.9 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

Section 4.10.                           Merger; Binding Effect, Etc.   This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements or discussions with respect to such subject matter, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and thereto and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and permitted assigns.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Holder or other party hereto may assign any of its respective rights or delegate any of its respective obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment or delegation in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void.

 

Section 4.11.                           Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.

 

Section 4.12.                           Severability .  In the event that any provision hereof would, under applicable law, be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be construed by modifying or limiting it so as to be valid and enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with, and possible under, applicable law.  The provisions hereof are severable, and in the event any provision hereof should be held invalid or unenforceable in any respect, it shall not invalidate, render unenforceable or otherwise affect any other provision hereof.

 

Section 4.13.                           No Recourse .  Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement, the Company and each Holder covenant, agree and acknowledge that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement shall be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner or member of any Holder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, as such, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability

 

35



 

whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of any Holder or any current or future member of any Holder or any current or future director, officer, employee, partner or member of any Holder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, as such, for any obligation of any Holder under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.

 

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

36



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the undersigned has duly executed this Agreement (or caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its officer or representative thereunto duly authorized) as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 


 

 

STORE HOLDING COMPANY, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

[OTHER SIGNATORIES]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 



 

 

[OTHER SIGNATORIES]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[ Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement ]

 




Exhibit 10.4

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of the        day of                     , 2014, by and between STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), and                                                  (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

WHEREAS, at the request of the Company, Indemnitee currently serves as [a director] [and] [an officer] of the Company and may, therefore, be subjected to claims, suits or proceedings arising as a result of such service;

 

WHEREAS, as an inducement to Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve in such capacity, the Company has agreed to indemnify Indemnitee and to advance expenses and costs incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any such claims, suits or proceedings, to the maximum extent permitted by law; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties by this Agreement desire to set forth their agreement regarding indemnification and advance of expenses.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

Section 1.                                            Definitions .  For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  Change in Control ” means a change in control of the Company occurring after the Effective Date of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided , however , that , without limitation, such a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 3(a)(9), 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than a Permitted Holder, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 15% or more of the combined voting power of all of the Company’s then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors without the prior approval of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors in office immediately prior to such person’s attaining such percentage interest; (ii) the Company is a party to a merger, conversion, consolidation, sale of assets, plan of liquidation or other reorganization not approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors then in office, as a consequence of which members of the Board of Directors in office immediately prior to such transaction or event constitute less than a majority of the Board of Directors thereafter; or (iii) at any time, a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are not individuals (A) who were directors as of the Effective Date or (B) whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in office who were directors as of the Effective Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved.

 



 

(b)                                  Corporate Status ” means the status of a person as a present or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in each case where such person is or was serving in such capacity at the request of the Company.  As a clarification and without limiting the circumstances in which Indemnitee may be serving at the request of the Company, service by Indemnitee shall be deemed to be at the request of the Company: (i) if Indemnitee serves or served as a director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (1) of which a majority of the voting power or equity interest is or was owned directly or indirectly by the Company or (2) the management of which is controlled directly or indirectly by the Company; (ii) if, as a result of Indemnitee’s service to the Company or any of its affiliated entities, Indemnitee is subject to duties by, or required to perform services for, an employee benefit plan or its participants or beneficiaries, including as a deemed fiduciary thereof; or (iii) if such service is at the express written request of the Company.

 

(c)                                   Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification and/or advance of Expenses is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(d)                                  Effective Date ” means the date set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Expenses ” means any and all reasonable and out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and any other disbursements or expenses incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in or otherwise participating in a Proceeding.  Expenses shall also include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including, without limitation, the premium, security for and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or its equivalent.

 

(f)                                    Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent:  (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to or participant or witness in the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification or advance of Expenses hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

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(g)                                   Permitted Holder ” means any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 3(a)(9), 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 15% or more of the combined voting power of all of the Company’s then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors until such time as such person no longer owns 15% or more of the combined voting power of all of the Company’s then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

 

(h)                                  Proceeding ” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, except one pending or completed on or before the Effective Date, unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing by the Company and Indemnitee.  If Indemnitee reasonably believes that a given situation may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding, such situation shall also be considered a Proceeding.

 

Section 2.                                            Services by Indemnitee .  Indemnitee [will serve][serves] in the capacity or capacities set forth in the first WHEREAS clause above.  However, this Agreement shall not impose any independent obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company.  This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any other entity) and Indemnitee.

 

Section 3.                                            General .  The Company shall indemnify, and advance Expenses to, Indemnitee (a) as provided in this Agreement and (b) otherwise to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect on the Effective Date and as amended from time to time; provided , however , that no change in Maryland law shall have the effect of reducing the benefits available to Indemnitee hereunder based on Maryland law as in effect on the Effective Date.  The rights of Indemnitee provided in this Section 3 shall include, without limitation, the rights set forth in the other sections of this Agreement, including any additional indemnification permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “ MGCL ”), including, without limitation, Section 2-418 of the MGCL.

 

Section 4.                                            Standard for Indemnification .  If, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to any Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with any such Proceeding unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of Indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the Proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) Indemnitee actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal Proceeding, Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Section 5.                                            Certain Limits on Indemnification .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than Section 6), Indemnitee shall not be entitled to:

 

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(a)                                  indemnification hereunder if the Proceeding was one by or in the right of the Company and Indemnitee is adjudged, in a final adjudication of the Proceeding not subject to further appeal, to be liable to the Company;

 

(b)                                  indemnification hereunder if Indemnitee is adjudged, in a final adjudication of the Proceeding not subject to further appeal, to be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received in any Proceeding charging improper personal benefit to Indemnitee, whether or not involving action in the Indemnitee’s Corporate Status; or

 

(c)                                   indemnification or advance of Expenses hereunder if the Proceeding was brought by Indemnitee, unless: (i) the Proceeding was brought to enforce indemnification under this Agreement, and then only to the extent in accordance with and as authorized by Section 12 of this Agreement, or (ii) the Company’s charter or Bylaws, a resolution of the stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or of the Board of Directors or an agreement approved by the Board of Directors to which the Company is a party expressly provide otherwise.

 

Section 6.                                            Court-Ordered Indemnification .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, a court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon application of Indemnitee and such notice as the court shall require, may order indemnification of Indemnitee by the Company in the following circumstances:

 

(a)                                  if such court determines that Indemnitee is entitled to reimbursement under Section 2-418(d)(1) of the MGCL, the court shall order indemnification, in which case Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover the Expenses of securing such reimbursement; or

 

(b)                                  if such court determines that Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not Indemnitee (i) has met the standards of conduct set forth in Section 2-418(b) of the MGCL or (ii) has been adjudged liable for receipt of an improper personal benefit under Section 2-418(c) of the MGCL, the court may order such indemnification as the court shall deem proper without regard to any limitation on such court-ordered indemnification contemplated by Section 2-418(d)(2)(ii) of the MGCL.

 

Section 7.                                            Indemnification for Expenses of an Indemnitee Who is Wholly or Partially Successful .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and without limiting any such provision, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, made a party to (or otherwise becomes a participant in) any Proceeding and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee for all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.  If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee under this Section 7 for all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with each such claim, issue or matter, allocated on a reasonable and proportionate basis.  For purposes of this Section 7 and, without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

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Section 8.                                            Advance of Expenses for Indemnitee .  If, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to any Proceeding, the Company shall, without requiring a preliminary determination of Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification hereunder, advance all Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such Proceeding.  The Company shall make such advance within ten days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advance from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding and may be in the form of, in the reasonable discretion of Indemnitee (but without duplication), (a) payment of such Expenses directly to third parties on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance of funds to Indemnitee in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses or (c) reimbursement to Indemnitee for Indemnitee’s payment of such Expenses.  Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall include or be preceded or accompanied by a written affirmation by Indemnitee and a written undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or in such form as may be required under applicable law as in effect at the time of the execution thereof.  To the extent that Expenses advanced to Indemnitee do not relate to a specific claim, issue or matter in the Proceeding, such Expenses shall be allocated on a reasonable and proportionate basis.  The undertaking required by this Section 8 shall be an unlimited general obligation by or on behalf of Indemnitee and shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee’s financial ability to repay such advanced Expenses and without any requirement to post security therefor.

 

Section 9.                                            Indemnification and Advance of Expenses as a Witness or Other Participant .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is or may be, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, made a witness or otherwise asked to participate in any Proceeding, whether instituted by the Company or any other person, and to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be advanced and indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith within ten days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting any such advance or indemnification from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of such Proceeding.  Such statement or statements shall reasonably evidence the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee.  In connection with any such advance of Expenses, the Company may require Indemnitee to provide an undertaking and affirmation substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

Section 10.                                     Procedure for Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification .

 

(a)                                  To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification.  Indemnitee may submit one or more such requests from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in Indemnitee’s sole discretion.  The officer of the Company receiving any such request from Indemnitee shall, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification, advise the Board of Directors in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification.

 

(b)                                  Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a) above, a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement

 

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thereto shall promptly be made in the specific case: (i) if a Change in Control has occurred, by Independent Counsel, in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, which Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Indemnitee and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 2-418(e)(2)(ii) of the MGCL, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld; or (ii) if a Change in Control has not occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors or, if the Disinterested Directors constitute less than a quorum, by a majority vote of a committee of one or more Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors (which may include Disinterested Directors and directors who are parties to the Proceeding) to make the determination, (B) if Independent Counsel has been selected by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 2-418(e)(2)(ii) of the MGCL and approved by the Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, by Independent Counsel, in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (C) if so directed by the Board of Directors, by the stockholders of the Company.  If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall make payment to Indemnitee within ten days after such determination.  Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary or appropriate to such determination in the discretion of the Board of Directors or Independent Counsel if retained pursuant to clause (ii)(B) of this Section 10(b).  Any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company shall indemnify and hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

(c)                                   The Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel, if one is appointed.

 

Section 11.                                     Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings .

 

(a)                                  In making any determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 10(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of overcoming that presumption in connection with the making of any determination contrary to that presumption.

 

(b)                                  The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, or entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, does not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet the requisite standard of conduct described herein for indemnification.

 

(c)                                   The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any other director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other

 

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enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining any other right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

Section 12.                                     Remedies of Indemnitee .

 

(a)                                  If (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advance of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Sections 8 or 9 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement within 60 days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Sections 7 or 9 of this Agreement within ten days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to any other section of this Agreement or the charter or Bylaws of the Company is not made within ten days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication in an appropriate court located in the State of Maryland, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, or in an arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification or advance of Expenses.  Indemnitee shall commence a proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply to a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under Section 7 of this Agreement.  Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Maryland law (without regard to its conflicts of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration.  The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

(b)                                  In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification or advance of Expenses, as the case may be, under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advance of Expenses, as the case may be.  If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 12, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).  The Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, absent a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification that was not disclosed in connection with the determination.

 

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(d)                                  In the event that Indemnitee is successful in seeking, pursuant to this Section 12, a judicial adjudication of or an award in arbitration to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Company, and shall be indemnified by the Company for, any and all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in such judicial adjudication or arbitration.  If it shall be determined in such judicial adjudication or arbitration that Indemnitee is entitled to receive part but not all of the indemnification or advance of Expenses sought, the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication or arbitration shall be appropriately prorated.

 

(e)                                   Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the maximum rate allowed to be charged for judgments under the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland for amounts which the Company pays or is obligated to pay for the period (i) commencing with either the tenth day after the date on which the Company was requested to advance Expenses in accordance with Sections 8 or 9 of this Agreement or the 60 th  day after the date on which the Company was requested to make the determination of entitlement to indemnification under Section 10(b) of this Agreement, as applicable, and (ii) ending on the date such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

Section 13.                                     Defense of the Underlying Proceeding .

 

(a)                                  Indemnitee shall notify the Company promptly in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, request or other document relating to any Proceeding which may result in the right to indemnification or the advance of Expenses hereunder and shall include with such notice a description of the nature of the Proceeding and a summary of the facts underlying the Proceeding.  The failure to give any such notice shall not disqualify Indemnitee from the right, or otherwise affect in any manner any right of Indemnitee, to indemnification or the advance of Expenses under this Agreement unless the Company’s ability to defend in such Proceeding or to obtain proceeds under any insurance policy is materially and adversely prejudiced thereby, and then only to the extent the Company is thereby actually so prejudiced.

 

(b)                                  Subject to the provisions of the last sentence of this Section 13(b) and of Section 13(c) below, the Company shall have the right to defend Indemnitee in any Proceeding which may give rise to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the Company shall notify Indemnitee of any such decision to defend within 15 calendar days following receipt of notice of any such Proceeding under Section 13(a) above.  The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, consent to the entry of any judgment against Indemnitee or enter into any settlement or compromise which (i) includes an admission of fault of Indemnitee, (ii) does not include, as an unconditional term thereof, the full release of Indemnitee from all liability in respect of such Proceeding, which release shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee or (iii) would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee.  This Section 13(b) shall not apply to a Proceeding brought by Indemnitee under Section 12 of this Agreement.

 

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(c)                                   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13(b) above, if in a Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, (i) Indemnitee reasonably concludes, based upon an opinion of counsel approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, that Indemnitee may have separate defenses or counterclaims to assert with respect to any issue which may not be consistent with other defendants in such Proceeding, (ii) Indemnitee reasonably concludes, based upon an opinion of counsel approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, that an actual or apparent conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest exists between Indemnitee and the Company, or (iii) if the Company fails to assume the defense of such Proceeding in a timely manner, Indemnitee shall be entitled to be represented by separate legal counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, subject to the prior approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, at the expense of the Company.  In addition, if the Company fails to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or in the event that the Company or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any Proceeding to deny or to recover from Indemnitee the benefits intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall have the right to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, subject to the prior approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, at the expense of the Company (subject to Section 12(d) of this Agreement), to represent Indemnitee in connection with any such matter.

 

Section 14.                                     Non-Exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Subrogation .

 

(a)                                  The rights of indemnification and advance of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the charter or Bylaws of the Company, any agreement or a resolution of the stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or of the Board of Directors, or otherwise.  Unless consented to in writing by Indemnitee, no amendment, alteration or repeal of the charter or Bylaws of the Company, this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal, regardless of whether a claim with respect to such action or inaction is raised prior or subsequent to such amendment, alteration or repeal.  No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right or remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right or remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prohibit the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

(b)                                  The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advance of expenses and/or insurance provided by STORE Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, OCM STR Holdings, L.P., OCM STR Holdings II, L.P., OCM STR Co-Invest 1, L.P. and OCM STR Co-Invest 2, L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and certain of their respective affiliates (collectively, the “ Fund Indemnitors ”).  The Company hereby agrees (i) that, as between the Company and the Fund Indemnitors, the Company is the indemnitor of first resort ( i.e ., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance Expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that the Company shall

 

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be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement, the charter or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and (iii) that the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof.  The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advance or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Fund Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 14.

 

(c)                                   In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

Section 15.                                     Insurance .

 

(a)                                  The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to acquire directors and officers liability insurance, on terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors, with the advice of counsel, covering Indemnitee or any claim made against Indemnitee by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status and covering the Company for any indemnification or advance of Expenses made by the Company to Indemnitee for any claims made against Indemnitee by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status.  In the event of a Change in Control, the Company shall maintain in force any and all directors and officers liability insurance policies that were maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control for a period of six years with the insurance carrier or carriers and through the insurance broker in place at the time of the Change in Control; provided , however , (i) if the carriers will not offer the same policy and an expiring policy needs to be replaced, a policy substantially comparable in scope and amount shall be obtained and (ii) if any replacement insurance carrier is necessary to obtain a policy substantially comparable in scope and amount, such insurance carrier shall have an AM Best rating that is the same or better than the AM Best rating of the existing insurance carrier; provided, further, however, in no event shall the Company be required to expend in the aggregate in excess of 300% of the annual premium or premiums paid by the Company for directors and officers liability insurance in effect on the date of the Change in Control.  In the event that 300% of the annual premium paid by the Company for such existing directors and officers liability insurance is insufficient for such coverage, the Company shall spend up to that amount to purchase such lesser coverage as may be obtained with such amount.

 

(b)                                  Without in any way limiting any other obligation under this Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee for any payment by Indemnitee which would otherwise be indemnifiable hereunder arising out of the amount of any deductible or retention and the amount

 

10



 

of any excess of the aggregate of all judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with a Proceeding over the coverage of any insurance referred to in Section 15(a).  The purchase, establishment and maintenance of any such insurance shall not in any way limit or affect the rights or obligations of the Company or Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights or obligations of the Company under any such insurance policies.  If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies.

 

(c)                                   The Indemnitee shall cooperate with the Company or any insurance carrier of the Company with respect to any Proceeding.

 

Section 16.                                     Coordination of Payments .  The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable or payable or reimbursable as Expenses hereunder if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 17.                                     Contribution .  If the indemnification provided in this Agreement is unavailable in whole or in part and may not be paid to Indemnitee for any reason, other than for failure to satisfy the standard of conduct set forth in Section 4 or due to the provisions of Section 5, then, in respect to any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be joined in such Proceeding), to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying and holding harmless Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and/or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.

 

Section 18.                                     Reports to Stockholders .  To the extent required by the MGCL, the Company shall report in writing to its stockholders the payment of any amounts for indemnification of, or advance of Expenses to, Indemnitee under this Agreement arising out of a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company with the notice of the meeting of stockholders of the Company next following the date of the payment of any such indemnification or advance of Expenses or prior to such meeting.

 

Section 19.                                     Duration of Agreement; Binding Effect .

 

(a)                                  This Agreement shall continue until and terminate on the later of (i) the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other foreign or domestic corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving in such capacity at the request of the Company and (ii) the date that Indemnitee is no longer subject to any actual or possible Proceeding (including any rights of

 

11



 

appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement).

 

(b)                                  The indemnification and advance of Expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise that such person is or was serving in such capacity at the request of the Company, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

 

(c)                                   The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(d)                                  The Company and Indemnitee agree that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult to prove, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which Indemnitee may be entitled.  Indemnitee shall further be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertakings in connection therewith.  The Company acknowledges that, in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by a court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking.

 

Section 20.                                     Severability .  If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, void, illegal or otherwise unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that

 

12



 

is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

Section 21.                                     Identical Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (delivery of which may be by facsimile, or via e-mail as a portable document format (.pdf) or other electronic format), each of which will be deemed to be an original, and it will not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart. One such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought shall be sufficient to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

Section 22.                                     Headings .  The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

Section 23.                                     Modification and Waiver .  No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto.  No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor, unless otherwise expressly stated, shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

Section 24.                                     Notices .  All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, on the day of such delivery, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

 

(a)                                  If to Indemnitee, to the address set forth on the signature page hereto.

 

(b)                                  If to the Company, to:

 

STORE Capital Corporation

8501 East Princess Drive, Suite 190

Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

Attention: General Counsel

 

or to such other address as may have been furnished in writing to Indemnitee by the Company or to the Company by Indemnitee, as the case may be.

 

Section 25.                                     Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

13



 

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

 

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

INDEMNITEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Address:

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

AFFIRMATION AND UNDERTAKING TO REPAY EXPENSES ADVANCED

 

To:  The Board of Directors of STORE Capital Corporation

 

Re:  Affirmation and Undertaking

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This Affirmation and Undertaking is being provided pursuant to that certain Indemnification Agreement dated the            day of                             , 20        , by and between STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned Indemnitee (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”), pursuant to which I am entitled to advance of Expenses in connection with [Description of Proceeding] (the “ Proceeding ”).

 

Terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings specified in the Indemnification Agreement.

 

I am subject to the Proceeding by reason of my Corporate Status or by reason of alleged actions or omissions by me in such capacity.  I hereby affirm my good faith belief that at all times, insofar as I was involved as [a director] [ and ] [an officer] of the Company, in any of the facts or events giving rise to the Proceeding, I (1) did not act with bad faith or active or deliberate dishonesty, (2) did not receive any improper personal benefit in money, property or services and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that any act or omission by me was unlawful.

 

In consideration of the advance by the Company for Expenses incurred by me in connection with the Proceeding (the “ Advanced Expenses ”), I hereby agree that if, in connection with the Proceeding, it is established that (1) an act or omission by me was material to the matter giving rise to the Proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, or (2) I actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, I had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful, then I shall promptly reimburse the portion of the Advanced Expenses relating to the claims, issues or matters in the Proceeding as to which the foregoing findings have been established.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Affirmation and Undertaking on this        day of                                         , 20        .

 

 

 

Name:

 

 




Exhibit 10.5

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

This Director Compensation Program (the “Program”) was adopted by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of STORE Capital Corporation (the “Corporation) on August 27, 2014 in connection with its initial public offering of its common stock.  This Program may be amended by the Board, in whole or in part, at any time and in the Board’s discretion.

 

COMPENSATION AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS FOR DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

 

Title

 

Compensation and Reimbursement of
Expenses

 

Restricted
Stock Awards

 

Vesting Schedule
of Restricted
Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors*

 

$200,000 annual cash retainer and travel expense reimbursement for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors

 

$200,000 annually

 

Vest over 4 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent Director (non-Chairman of the Board of Directors)

 

$50,000 annual cash retainer, travel expense reimbursement for attendance at attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors and $2,000 per meeting for each meeting of the Board of Directors in excess of six (6) meetings per year

 

$80,000 annually

 

Vest annually at end of each year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-independent Director

 

Travel expense reimbursement for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors

 

None

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Committee Chairman

 

$17,500 annual cash retainer, if an Independent Director and not the Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

None

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Committee Member (non-Chairman)

 

None

 

None

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation Committee Chairman

 

$10,000 annual cash retainer, if an Independent Director and not the Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

None

 

N/A

 



 

Title

 

Compensation and Reimbursement of
Expenses

 

Restricted
Stock Awards

 

Vesting Schedule
of Restricted
Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation Committee Member (non-Chairman)

 

None

 

None

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman

 

$10,000 annual cash retainer, if an Independent Director and not the Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

None

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member (non-Chairman)

 

None

 

None

 

N/A

 


* Applies only to Morton H. Fleischer

 

2




Exhibit 10.7

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

2012 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

 

1

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

Section 2.1.

 

Definitions

 

1

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

Section 3.1.

 

General

 

5

Section 3.2.

 

Powers of the Board

 

5

ARTICLE IV

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

Section 4.1.

 

Eligibility

 

6

Section 4.2.

 

Participation

 

6

ARTICLE V

SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

Section 5.1.

 

Available Shares

 

6

Section 5.2.

 

Previously Granted Shares

 

7

Section 5.3.

 

Incentive Stock Option Restriction

 

7

Section 5.4.

 

Adjustments

 

7

ARTICLE VI

GRANTS IN GENERAL

Section 6.1.

 

Agreement

 

8

Section 6.2.

 

Time of Granting of an Award

 

8

Section 6.3.

 

Term and Nontransferability of Grants

 

8

Section 6.4.

 

Termination of Service as Applied to Options and SARs

 

8

Section 6.5.

 

Termination of Service as Applied to Grants Other Than Options and SARs

 

9

Section 6.6.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

9

Section 6.7.

 

Participation

 

10

Section 6.8.

 

Section 83(b) Election

 

10

Section 6.9.

 

Grants to Board Members

 

10

ARTICLE VII

STOCK OPTIONS

Section 7.1.

 

Grants

 

10

Section 7.2.

 

Exercise of Options

 

10

Section 7.3.

 

Term of Options

 

11

Section 7.4.

 

Special Rules For Incentive Stock Options

 

11

 



 

ARTICLE VIII

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

Section 8.1.

 

Grant

 

11

Section 8.2.

 

Required Terms and Conditions

 

12

Section 8.3.

 

Standard Terms and Conditions

 

12

ARTICLE IX

RESTRICTED STOCK

Section 9.1.

 

General

 

12

Section 9.2.

 

Required Terms and Conditions

 

13

Section 9.3.

 

Standard Terms and Conditions

 

13

Section 9.4.

 

Price

 

13

ARTICLE X

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

Section 10.1.

 

General

 

13

Section 10.2.

 

Required Terms and Conditions

 

13

Section 10.3.

 

Standard Terms and Conditions

 

14

ARTICLE XI

OTHER AWARDS AND PERFORMANCE-BASED GRANTS

Section 11.1.

 

Performance Units

 

14

Section 11.2.

 

Performance Shares

 

14

Section 11.3.

 

Other Awards

 

14

Section 11.4.

 

Incentive Awards

 

15

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1.

 

Effect of a Change of Control

 

15

Section 12.2.

 

Rights as a Stockholder

 

15

Section 12.3.

 

Modification, Extension and Renewal of Grants

 

15

Section 12.4.

 

Term of Plan

 

15

Section 12.5.

 

Amendment of the Plan

 

15

Section 12.6.

 

Application of Funds

 

16

Section 12.7.

 

Tax Withholding

 

16

Section 12.8.

 

No Reload Rights and No Repricings

 

16

Section 12.9.

 

Notices

 

16

Section 12.10.

 

Rights to Employment or Other Service

 

16

Section 12.11.

 

Exculpation and Indemnification

 

16

Section 12.12.

 

No Fund Created

 

16

Section 12.13.

 

Additional Arrangements

 

17

Section 12.14.

 

Code Section 409A Savings Clause

 

17

Section 12.15.

 

Captions

 

17

Section 12.16.

 

Governing Law

 

17

Section 12.17.

 

Execution

 

18

 

ii



 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION

 

2012 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

ARTICLE I

 

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

 

STORE Capital Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is hereby established as of the Effective Date.  The Plan is intended to provide incentive to key employees, officers, directors and others expected to provide significant services to the Company and its Affiliates to foster and promote the long term financial success of the Company and its Affiliates and materially increase stockholder value.  The Plan is also intended to encourage proprietary interest in the Company, to encourage key employees to remain in the employ of the Company and its Affiliates, to attract new employees with outstanding qualifications, and to afford additional incentives to others to increase their efforts in providing significant services to the Company and its Affiliates.  In furtherance thereof, the Plan permits awards of equity and cash incentives to key employees, officers and directors of, and certain other providers of services to, the Company and its Affiliates.

 

ARTICLE II

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 2.1.   Definitions .  The following terms shall have the following meanings when used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

 

(a)                                 “Affiliate” means any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Company as those terms are defined in Code Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively.

 

(b)                                 “Agreement” means a written agreement entered into between the Company and the recipient of a Grant which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Grant.

 

(c)                                  “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof authorized by the Board to administer this Plan.

 

(d)                                 “Cause” means, unless otherwise provided in the Participant’s Employment Agreement, (i) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company; (ii) willful misconduct; (iii) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; (iv) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation that

 



 

has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or (vi) material breach of any covenant contained in Participant’s Employment Agreement, if any.

 

(e)                                  “Change of Control” means, unless otherwise provided in the Participant’s Employment Agreement:

 

(i)                                     The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, Store Capital Advisors, LLC (“STORE Capital”) or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“STORE Holdco”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented, from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”);

 

(ii)                                  The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, STORE Capital or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, STORE Capital or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company; or

 

(iii)                               The complete liquidation of the Company, STORE Capital or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, STORE Capital’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, STORE Capital or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer; or the parent of the acquirer.

 

(f)                                   “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any related rules, regulations, interpretations and successor provisions thereto.

 

(g)                                  “Common Stock” means the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.01, either currently existing or authorized hereafter and any other stock or security resulting from adjustment thereof as described herein, or the Common Stock of any successor to the Company which is designated for the purpose of the Plan.

 

(h)                                 “Company” means STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, and any successor or assignee corporation(s) into which the Company may be merged, changed or consolidated; any corporation for whose securities the securities of the Company shall be exchanged; and any assignee of or successor to substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 

(i)                                     “Disability” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Participant’s ability to perform his or her duties and that results in the Participant’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s or its

 

2


 

Affiliate’s long-term disability plan, except as required in Section 7.4(d) or as required to be in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(j)                                     “Effective Date” means the date this Plan is approved by the Company’s stockholders.

 

(k)                                  “Eligible Persons” means officers, directors and Employees of the Company and its Affiliates and other persons expected to provide significant services (of a type expressly approved by the Board as covered services for these purposes) to the Company or its Affiliates.  The Board will determine the eligibility of Employees, officers, directors and others expected to provide significant services to the Company and its Affiliates based on, among other factors, the position and responsibilities of such individuals and the nature and value to the Company or its Affiliates of such individual’s accomplishments and potential contribution to the success of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

(l)                                      “Employee” means an individual, including an officer or director of the Company or an Affiliate, who is employed as a common-law employee of the Company or an Affiliate.  An “Employee” shall not include any person classified by the Company as an independent contractor even if the individual is subsequently reclassified as a common-law employee by a court, administrative agency or other adjudicatory body.  The payment of director’s fees by the Company is not sufficient to constitute “employment” of the director by the Company.

 

(m)                              “Employment Agreement” means an employment agreement entered into between the Company or Affiliate and a Participant.

 

(n)                                  “Exercise Price” means the price per share of Common Stock, determined by the Board or the Board, at which an Option or SAR may be exercised.

 

(o)                                  “Fair Market Value” means the value of one share of Common Stock, determined as follows:

 

(i)                                      If the Common Stock is listed on a national stock exchange, the average of the highest and lowest selling prices on the exchange for the three (3) trading days preceding the date of determination, but if no sales were reported for such period, the average of the highest and lowest selling prices on the exchange for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of Common Stock on such exchange, as determined by the Board, or such other reasonable basis determined by the Board using actual transactions in the Common Stock as reported by such market and consistently applied by the Board.

 

(ii)                                   If the Common Stock is not then listed on a national stock exchange but is traded on an over the counter market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock in such over the counter market for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of Common Stock in such market, as determined by the Board.

 

3



 

(iii)                                If neither (i) nor (ii) applies, such value as the Board in its reasonable discretion may in good faith determine which shall include consideration of the most recent equity transaction of the Company or STORE Holdco.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, where the Common Stock is listed or traded, the Board may make discretionary determinations in good faith where the Common Stock has not been traded for 10 trading days.

 

(p)                                  “Grant” means an award of an Incentive Stock Option, Non-qualified Stock Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit, Performance Share, Incentive Award, Other Award or any combination thereof to an Eligible Person.

 

(q)                                  “Incentive Award” means a right granted a Participant under Section 11.4.

 

(r)                                     “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option of the type described in Section 422(b) of the Code awarded to an Employee.

 

(s)                                    “Non-qualified Stock Option” means an Option not described in Section 422(b) of the Code awarded to an Eligible Person, the taxation of which is pursuant to Section 83 of the Code.

 

(t)                                     “Option” means any option, whether an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option, to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price and for the term fixed by the Board in accordance with Article VII of the Plan and subject to such other limitations and restrictions in the Plan and the applicable Agreement.

 

(u)                                  “Other Award” means a right granted a Participant under Section 11.3.

 

(v)                                  “Participant” means any Eligible Person to whom a Grant is made, or the Successors of the Participant, as the context so requires.

 

(w)                                “Performance Period” means the period established by the Board during which any performance goals specified by the Board with respect to a Grant are to be measured.

 

(x)                                  “Performance Share” means a right granted a Participant under Section 11.2.

 

(y)                                  “Performance Unit” means a right granted a Participant under Section 11.1.

 

(z)                                   “Plan” means the Company’s 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as set forth herein, and as the same may from time to time be amended.

 

(aa)                           “Purchase Price” means the Exercise Price times the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which an Option or SAR is exercised.

 

4



 

(bb)                           “Restricted Stock” means Common Stock granted to a Participant subject to the terms and conditions established by the Board pursuant to Article IX.

 

(cc)                             “Restricted Stock Unit” means a right granted to a Participant under Article X.

 

(dd)                           “Restriction Period” means the period of time during which restrictions established by the Board shall apply to a Grant.

 

(ee)                             “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right granted to a Participant under Article VIII.

 

(ff)                               “Successor of the Participant” means the legal representative of the estate of a deceased Participant or the person or persons who acquire the right to exercise an Option or SAR by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the Participant.

 

(gg)                             “Termination of Service” means the time when the employee-employer relationship or directorship or other service relationship (sufficient to constitute service as an Eligible Person) between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate is terminated for any reason, with or without Cause, including, but not limited to, any termination by resignation, discharge, Disability or death; provided, however, Termination of Service shall not include: (i) a termination where there is a simultaneous reemployment of the Participant by the Company or an Affiliate or other continuation of service (sufficient to constitute service as an Eligible Person) for the Company or an Affiliate or (ii) an employee who is on military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (to be determined in the discretion of the Board).  The Board, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effects of all matters and questions relating to Termination of Service, including but not limited to the question of whether any Termination of Service was for Cause and all questions of whether particular leaves of absence constitute Terminations of Employment.

 

ARTICLE III

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

Section 3.1.   General .  The Plan shall be administered by the Board.

 

Section 3.2.   Powers of the Board .   Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and consistent with the Company’s intention for the Board to exercise the greatest permissible flexibility, the Board shall have the power:

 

(a)                                  to determine from time to time the Eligible Persons who are to be awarded Grants and the nature and amount of Grants, and to generally determine the terms, provisions and conditions (which need not be identical) of Grants awarded under the Plan, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan;

 

(b)                                  to construe and interpret the Plan and Grants thereunder and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for administration of the Plan.  In this

 

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connection, the Board may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in any Agreement or in any related agreements in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective;

 

(c)                                   to amend any outstanding Grant, subject to Sections 8.2(f), 12.3, 12.5 and 12.9, and to accelerate or extend the vesting or exercisability of any Grant, subject to Section 12.3, and to waive conditions or restrictions on any Grants, subject to Section 8.2(f), all to the extent it shall deem appropriate;

 

(d)                                  to cancel, with the consent of a Participant or as otherwise permitted by the Plan or an Agreement, outstanding Grants;

 

(e)                                   to determine whether, and to what extent and under what circumstances, Grants may be settled in cash, Common Stock, other property or a combination of the foregoing, subject to Section 8.2(f);

 

(f)                                    to appoint agents as the Board deems necessary or desirable to administer the Plan;

 

(g)                                   to provide for the forms of Agreements to be utilized in connection with the Plan, which need not be identical for each Participant;

 

(h)                                  generally to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as are deemed necessary or expedient to carry out the terms of the Plan and to promote the best interests of the Company and its Affiliates with respect to the Plan.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

 

Section 4.1.   Eligibility .  Any Eligible Person may receive Grants under the Plan.

 

Section 4.2.   Participation .  Whether an Eligible Person receives a Grant under the Plan will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, as provided in Section 3.2.  Except for Incentive Awards, to receive a Grant an Eligible Person must enter into an Agreement evidencing the Grant.

 

ARTICLE V

 

SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

Section 5.1.   Available Shares .  Shares hereunder may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares, including shares purchased by the Company on the open market for purposes of the Plan or previously forfeited under the Plan.  The certificates or book entries for Common Stock issued hereunder may include any legend which the Board deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer hereunder or under the Agreement or as the Board may otherwise deem appropriate.

 

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(a)                                  Grants .  Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.4 and except as provided in subsection (b), the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan as a result of any Grants is 620,000 shares.  Any shares surrendered to the Company in exchange for cash, or payment of withholding taxes by the Company, shall reduce shares available for grant hereunder.

 

(b)                                  Cash-Settled SARs Grants of SARs under which the Agreement provides they will be settled only in cash shall be considered in the limit under subsection (a); provided, however, once made, a Grant of a SAR which will be settled in only cash may not later be amended, modified or otherwise changed to be settled in Common Stock or a combination of Common Stock and cash, as provided in Section 8.2(f).

 

Section 5.2.   Previously Granted Shares .  Subject to Sections 5.1 and 5.3, the Board has full authority to determine the number of shares of Common Stock available for Grants.  In its discretion, the Board may include as available for distribution all of the following:

 

(a)                                  Common Stock subject to a Grant that has been forfeited;

 

(b)                                  Common Stock under a Grant that otherwise terminates, fails to vest, expires or lapses without issuance of Common Stock being made to a Participant; and

 

(c)                                   Common Stock subject to any Grant that settles in cash or a form other than Common Stock.

 

Section 5.3.   Incentive Stock Option Restriction .  Solely for purposes of determining whether shares are available for the issuance of Incentive Stock Options, and notwithstanding any provision of this Article V to the contrary, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued through Incentive Stock Options under the Plan is 620,000 shares.  The terms of Section 5.2 apply in determining the number of shares available under this Section for issuance through Incentive Stock Options.

 

Section 5.4.   Adjustments .  In the event that the outstanding shares of Common Stock hereafter are changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company or of another corporation by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination of shares, stock split-up, extraordinary or stock dividend, or in the event that there should be any other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the Effective Date of this Plan:

 

(a)                                  The aggregate number and kind of shares that may be issued under this Plan may be adjusted appropriately; and

 

(b)                                  Rights under outstanding Grants made to Eligible Persons hereunder, both as to the number of subject shares and the Exercise Price, may be adjusted appropriately.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, without affecting the number of shares of Common Stock reserved or available hereunder, the Board may authorize the issuance or assumption of benefits under this Plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition

 

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of property or stock, or reorganization upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate.

 

In the event of any cash settlement, adjustment or change described in this section, the Board, in its sole determination, shall cause an equitable adjustment to prevent diminution or enlargement of rights of each Participant.  Adjustment made by the Board pursuant to this section shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

The foregoing adjustments and the manner of application of the foregoing provisions to Grants shall be determined solely by the Board on a case-by-case basis, applied to similarly situated groups or in any other manner as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion.  Any adjustment hereunder may provide for the elimination of fractional share interests.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

GRANTS IN GENERAL

 

Section 6.1.   Agreement .  Except (i) for Incentive Awards or (ii) as otherwise approved by the Board, each Grant hereunder shall be evidenced by a written Agreement as of the date of the Grant and executed by the Company and the Participant.  Each Agreement shall set forth the terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board consistent with the Plan.  The Agreement shall state the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Grant pertains subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.4.  As applicable, each Agreement must state the Exercise Price or other consideration to be paid for any Grant.

 

Section 6.2.   Time of Granting of an Award .  The award date of a Grant shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Board makes the determination awarding such Grant, or such other date as is determined by the Board.  Notice of the determination of a Grant shall be given to each Eligible Person to whom a Grant is awarded within a reasonable period of time after the award date.

 

Section 6.3.   Term and Nontransferability of Grants .  No Grant is exercisable except by the Participant or a Successor of the Participant permitted by the Plan.  No Grant is assignable or transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution of the state wherein the Participant was domiciled at the time of his or her death; provided, however, that the Board may permit other transfers where the Board concludes that such transferability (i) does not result in accelerated taxation, (ii) does not cause any Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option to fail to be described in Code Section 422(b), (iii) is in no event a transfer for value is otherwise appropriate and desirable.  No transfers may be made except in accordance with all applicable securities laws, rules and regulations.

 

Section 6.4.   Termination of Service as Applied to Options and SARs .  Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Agreement or as otherwise determined by the Board, Options and SARs shall be governed by the following provisions in the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service:

 

(a)                                  Termination of Service, Except by Death or Disability .  Upon any Termination of Service for any reason other than a Participant’s death or Disability, the

 

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Participant has the right, subject to the restrictions of Section 7.4, to exercise his or her Options or SARs at any time within three months after Termination of Service, but only to the extent that, at the date of Termination of Service, the Participant’s right to exercise such Options or SARs had accrued pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, had not been forfeited pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and had not previously been exercised; provided, however, that, unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, if there occurs a Termination of Service for Cause, any Option or SAR not exercised in full prior to such Termination of Service shall be canceled.

 

(b)                                  Death of Participant .   If the Participant dies while an Eligible Person or within three months after any Termination of Service other than for Cause, his or her Options or SARs may be exercised in full, subject to the restrictions of Section 7.4, at any time within 12 months after the Participant’s death, by the Successor of the Participant, but only to the extent that, at the date of death, the Participant’s right to exercise such Options or SARs had accrued, had not been forfeited pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and had not previously been exercised.

 

(c)                                   Disability of Participant .  Upon Termination of Service for reason of Disability, a Participant shall have the right, subject to the restrictions of Section 7.4, to exercise his or her Options or SARs in full at any time within 12 months after Termination of Service, but only to the extent that, at the date of Termination of Service, the Participant’s right to exercise such Options or SARs had accrued pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, had not been forfeited pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and had not previously been exercised.

 

Section 6.5.   Termination of Service as Applied to Grants Other Than Options and SARs .  Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Agreement or as determined by the Board, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Incentive Awards and Other Awards shall be governed by the following provisions:

 

(a)                                  Termination of Service, Except by Death or Disability .  Except as provided in Section 6.10, in the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason other than the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant’s Grants of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares, Incentive Awards and Other Awards shall be forfeited upon the Participant’s Termination of Service.

 

(b)                                  Death or Disability of Participant .  Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards shall fully vest on a Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of the Participant’s death or Disability.  Performance Units, Performance Shares and Incentive Awards or any award tied to performance may be paid out at a target level and paid or distributed at the same time payments are made to other Participants who did not incur such a Termination of Service as determined by the Board.

 

Section 6.6.   Dividends and Distributions .  Participants awarded Grants of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units will be credited with

 

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dividends paid with respect to the underlying shares or dividend equivalents in the same manner as the stockholders of the Company.

 

Section 6.7.   Participation .  There is no guarantee that any Eligible Person will receive a Grant under the Plan or, having received a Grant, that the Participant will receive a future Grant on similar terms or at all.  There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible Persons with respect to who receives a Grant or the terms and conditions of Participants’ Grants.

 

Section 6.8.   Section 83(b) Election .  If the Participant elects to include in such Participant’s gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, and will provide the required withholding pursuant to Section 12.7, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under the authority of Section 83(b) of the Code.

 

Section 6.9.   Grants to Board Members .  Notwithstanding Section 3.3, any Grant awarded under the Plan to an Eligible Person who is a member of the Board shall be made by a majority of the directors of the Company other than the Board member being considered to receive the Grant.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

STOCK OPTIONS

 

Section 7.1.   Grants .  The Board may grant Options in accordance with this Article.  The Exercise Price for any Option shall not be less than Fair Market Value on the date of Grant.  Each Agreement for an Option shall state whether such Option is an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option.  Incentive Stock Options may not be granted to an Eligible Person who is not an Employee of the Company or an Affiliate.  Options may be awarded alone or in addition to other Grants made under the Plan.

 

Section 7.2.   Exercise of Options .

 

(a)                                  Options may be exercised in whole or part at any time within the period permitted for the exercise thereof and shall be exercised by written notice of intent to exercise the Option delivered to the Secretary of the Company at its principal executive offices.  In the event the Participant has more than one Option which could be exercised, such notice of intent to exercise shall designate the particular Option to be exercised.

 

(b)                                  Except as may otherwise be provided below, the Purchase Price for each Option granted to an Eligible Person shall be payable in full in United States dollars upon the exercise of the Option.  In the event the Company determines that it is required to withhold taxes as a result of the exercise of an Option, as a condition to the exercise thereof, an Employee may be required to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy such withholding requirements in accordance with Section 12.7 hereof.  The Board may impose limitations and prohibitions on the exercise of Options as it deems appropriate.  Any fractional shares of Common Stock resulting from a Participant’s exercise will be paid in cash.

 

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Section 7.3.   Term of Options .  The period during which any Option may be exercised shall not exceed ten (10) years from the Grant Date.  No Option shall be exercisable until such time as set forth in the applicable Agreement (but in no event after the expiration of such Option).

 

Section 7.4.   Special Rules For Incentive Stock Options .

 

(a)                                  Aggregate Fair Market Value .  In the case of Incentive Stock Options granted hereunder, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of the Grant thereof) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options become exercisable by any Participant for the first time during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other plans maintained by the Company or its Affiliates) shall not exceed $100,000.

 

(b)                                  Rules Applicable to Certain Owners .  In the case of an individual described in Section 422(b)(6) of the Code (relating to certain 10% owners), the Exercise Price with respect to an Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the day the Option is granted and the term of an Incentive Stock Option shall be no more than five (5) years from the date of grant.

 

(c)                                   Disqualifying Disposition .  If shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option are disposed of in a disqualifying disposition within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code by a Participant prior to the expiration of either two years from the date of grant of such Option or one year from the transfer of such shares to the Participant pursuant to the exercise of such Option, or in any other disqualifying disposition within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, such Participant shall notify the Company in writing as soon as practicable thereafter of the date and terms of such disposition and, if the Company thereupon has a tax withholding obligation, shall pay to the Company an amount equal to any withholding tax the Company is required to pay as a result of the disqualifying disposition.

 

(d)                                  Disability .  Solely for purposes of the provisions of the Plan as applied to Incentive Stock Options or as required by Section 409A of the Code and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, “Disability” means a Participant’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

Section 8.1.   Grant .  The Board has authority to grant Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) under the Plan at any time or from time to time.  A SAR shall entitle the Participant to receive Common Stock or cash upon exercise of such SAR equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock over the Exercise Price per share of Common Stock specified in the related Agreement, multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which

 

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the SAR is exercised, less any amount retained to cover tax withholdings, if necessary.  The aggregate Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock shall be determined as of the date of exercise of such SAR.  Settlement of a SAR shall be subject to the Participant’s satisfaction in full of any conditions, restrictions or limitations imposed in accordance with the Plan or any Agreement.  SARs may be awarded alone or in addition to other Grants made under the Plan.

 

Section 8.2.   Required Terms and Conditions .  SARs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and to such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Board deems desirable.

 

(a)                                  Price .  The grant price of a SAR may not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant, and the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of exercise.

 

(b)                                  Term and Exercisability .  The term and exercisability of a SAR shall be no longer than ten (10) years after the Grant Date.  The Board may provide in a SAR Agreement or thereafter for an accelerated exercise of all or part of a SAR upon such events or standards that it may determine, including one or more performance measures.

 

(c)                                   Method of Exercise .  A Participant shall exercise a SAR by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying in whole shares the portion of the SAR to be exercised and if the Participant has more than one Grant of SARs which could be exercised, designating the particular Grant to be exercised.

 

(d)                                  No Deferral Features .  To the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A, the SAR Agreement shall not include any features allowing the Participant to defer recognition of income past the date of exercise.

 

(f)                                    Modification .  Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Board shall not amend or otherwise modify a Grant of a SAR which explicitly requires settlement only in cash after the date of grant to permit settlement in Common Stock or a combination of Common Stock and cash.

 

Section 8.3.   Standard Terms and Conditions .  The Board shall specify the terms of all SARs granted under the Plan including, but not limited to, terms relating to the term, exercisability and the nontransferability of the SAR.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

RESTRICTED STOCK

 

Section 9.1.   General .  The Board has authority to grant Restricted Stock under the Plan at any time or from time to time.  The Board shall determine the number of shares of Restricted Stock to be awarded to any Eligible Person, the Restriction Period within which such Grants may be subject to forfeiture and any other terms and conditions of the Grants, including without limitation providing for either grant or vesting upon passage of time and/or the achievement of performance goals.

 

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Section 9.2.   Required Terms and Conditions .  Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and to such additional terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Board deems desirable:

 

(a)                                 Restrictions .  The Board may condition the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock on the performance of services for the Company or the attainment of performance goals, or both.

 

(b)                                 Delivery .  The Company shall issue the shares of Restricted Stock to each recipient who is awarded a Grant of Restricted Stock either in certificate form or in book entry form, registered in the name of the recipient, with legends or notations, as applicable, referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any such Grant and record the transfer on the Company’s official stockholder records; provided that the Company may require that any stock certificates evidencing Restricted Stock granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that as a condition of any Grant of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by such Grant.

 

Section 9.3.   Standard Terms and Conditions .  The Board shall specify the terms of any Restricted Stock granted under the Plan including, but not limited to, terms relating to the restriction period, restrictions and rights applicable to the Restricted Stock.

 

Section 9.4.   Price .  The Board will require a Participant to pay a stipulated purchase price for each share of Restricted Stock.

 

ARTICLE X

 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

 

Section 10.1.   General .  The Board has authority to grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan at any time or from time to time.  A Restricted Stock Unit is a bookkeeping entry of a grant of Common Stock that will be settled either by delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash based upon the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock.  The Board shall determine the number of Restricted Stock Units to be awarded to any Participant, the Restriction Period within which such Grants may be subject to forfeiture and any other terms and conditions of the Grants, including, without limitation, providing for either grant or vesting upon the achievement of performance goals.  The Grant of a Restricted Stock Unit shall occur as of the grant date determined by the Board.  Restricted Stock Units may be awarded alone or in addition to other Grants made under the Plan.

 

Section 10.2.   Required Terms and Conditions .  Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and to such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Board deems desirable:

 

(a)                                 Restrictions .  The Board may condition the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock Units on the performance of services for the Company, the attainment of performance goals, or both.

 

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(b)                                 Rights .  The Board shall be entitled to specify in a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement the extent to which and on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to receive payments corresponding to the dividends payable on the Common Stock.

 

Section 10.3.   Standard Terms and Conditions .  The Board shall specify the terms of all the Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan including, but not limited to, terms relating to the restriction period, restrictions and rights applicable to a Restricted Unit.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

OTHER AWARDS AND PERFORMANCE-BASED GRANTS

 

Section 11.1.   Performance Units .  The Board has authority to grant Performance Units under the Plan at any time or from time to time.  A Performance Unit consists of the right to receive cash upon achievement of a performance goal or goals (as the case may be) and satisfaction of such other terms and conditions as the Board determines.  The Board shall have complete discretion to determine the number of Performance Units granted to each Participant and any applicable conditions.  An award of Performance Units shall be earned in accordance with the Agreement over a specified period of performance, as determined by the Board.  Unless expressly waived in the Agreement, an award of Performance Units must vest solely on the attainment of one or more performance goals.  Performance Units may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards made under the Plan.  The Board, in its discretion, may substitute actual shares of Common Stock for the cash payment otherwise required to be made to a Participant pursuant to a Performance Unit.

 

Section 11.2.   Performance Shares .  The Board has authority to grant Performance Shares under the Plan at any time or from time to time.  A Performance Share consists of the right to receive shares of Common Stock upon achievement of a performance goal or goals (as the case may be) and satisfaction of such other terms and conditions as the Board determines.  The Board shall have complete discretion to determine the number of Performance Shares granted to each Participant and any applicable conditions.  An award of Performance Shares shall be earned in accordance with the Agreement over a specified period of performance, as determined by the Board.  Unless expressly waived in the Agreement, an award of Performance Shares must vest solely on the attainment of one or more performance goals.  Performance Shares may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards made under the Plan.  The Board, in its discretion, may make a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock otherwise required to be issued to a Participant pursuant to a Performance Share.

 

Section 11.3.   Other Awards .  The Board has authority to grant Other Awards under the Plan at any time and from time to time.  An Other Award is a Grant not otherwise specifically provided for under the terms of the Plan that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is otherwise based upon or settled in, Common Stock.  The Grant of an Other Award shall be evidenced by an Agreement, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Grant as the Board, in its sole discretion within the terms of the Plan, deems desirable.  Other Awards may be awarded alone or in addition to other Grants made under the Plan.

 

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Section 11.4.   Incentive Awards .  The Board has authority to grant Incentive Awards, which are annual cash payments to select officers and Employees based on the attainment of one or more performance goals as the Board may determine.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 12.1.   Effect of a Change of Control .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, all unvested, unexercisable or restricted Grants shall vest only to the extent provided in the Participant’s Agreement.

 

Section 12.2.   Rights as a Stockholder .  Other than certain voting rights and dividend payment permitted by the Plan or an Agreement, no person shall have any rights of a stockholder as to Common Stock subject to a Grant until, after proper transfer of the Common Stock subject to a Grant or other required action, such shares have been recorded on the Company’s official stockholder records as having been issued and transferred.  No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such shares are recorded as issued and transferred in the Company’s official stockholder records.

 

Section 12.3.   Modification, Extension and Renewal of Grants .  Within the limitations of the Plan, the Board may modify, extend or renew outstanding Grants, accept the cancellation of outstanding Grants (to the extent not previously exercised), to make new Grants in substitution therefor, accelerate vesting and waive any restrictions, forfeiture provisions or other terms and conditions on Grants.  The foregoing notwithstanding, no such action shall apply to a Grant without the consent of the Participant if it would alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Grant previously made.

 

Section 12.4.   Term of Plan .  Grants may be made pursuant to the Plan until the expiration of ten (10) years from the Effective Date of the Plan, unless the Company sooner terminates the Plan under Section 12.5.

 

Section 12.5.   Amendment of the Plan .  The Board may from time to time, with respect to any Common Stock at the time not subject to Grants, suspend or discontinue the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever.  The Board may amend the Plan as it shall deem advisable, except that no amendment may adversely affect a Participant with respect to Grants previously made without the written consent of the Participant holding such Grant and unless such amendments are in connection with compliance with applicable laws (including Code Section 409A), stock exchange rules or accounting rules; provided that the Board may not make any amendment in the Plan, including the repricing, replacement or regranting through cancellation of Options or SARs, that would, if such amendment were not approved by the holders of the Common Stock, cause the Plan to fail to comply with any requirement or applicable law or regulation, unless and until the approval of the holders of such Common Stock is obtained.

 

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Section 12.6.   Application of Funds .  The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be used for general corporate purposes.

 

Section 12.7.   Tax Withholding .  The Participant shall be liable for any and all taxes, including withholding taxes arising from the vesting of Restricted Stock.  Each recipient of a Grant shall, no later than the date as of which the value of any Grant first becomes includable in the gross income of the recipient for federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding payment of any federal, state or local taxes of any kind that are required by law to be withheld with respect to such income.  The Participant may elect to satisfy such withholding tax obligation by having the Company retain stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Company’s minimum withholding obligation.

 

Section 12.8.   No Reload Rights and No Repricings .  Options and SARs shall not contain any provisions entitling a Participant to an automatic grant of additional Options or SARs in connection with any exercise of the original Option or SAR.  In no event will the Board be permitted to reprice any Grant unless approved pursuant to a vote of the stockholders.

 

Section 12.9.   Notices .  All notices under the Plan shall be in writing and if to the Company, shall be delivered personally to the Secretary of the Company or mailed to its principal office, addressed to the attention of the Secretary, and if to a Participant or recipient of a Grant, shall be delivered personally or mailed to the Participant or recipient of a Grant at the address appearing in the records of the Company.  Such addresses may be changed at any time by written notice to the other party given in accordance with this Section.

 

Section 12.10.   Rights to Employment or Other Service .  Nothing in the Plan or in any Grant granted pursuant to the Plan shall confer on any individual any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Company (if applicable) or interfere in any way with the right of the Company and its stockholders to terminate the individual’s employment or other service at any time.

 

Section 12.11.   Exculpation and Indemnification .  To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Board from and against any and all liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by such persons as a result of any act or omission to act in connection with the performance of such person’s duties, responsibilities and obligations under the Plan, other than such liabilities, costs and expenses as may result from the gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or criminal acts of such persons.

 

Section 12.12.   No Fund Created .  Any and all payments hereunder to recipients of Grants hereunder shall be made from the general funds of the Company (or, if applicable, a direct or indirect subsidiary company), and no special or separate fund shall be established or other segregation of assets made to assure such payments; provided that bookkeeping reserves may be established in connection with the satisfaction of payment obligations hereunder.  The obligations of the Company under the Plan are unsecured and constitute a mere promise by the Company to make benefit payments in the future, and to the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments under the Plan from the Company (or, if applicable, a direct or indirect

 

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subsidiary company), such right shall be no greater than the right of a general unsecured creditor of the Company (or, if applicable, a direct or indirect subsidiary company).

 

Section 12.13.   Additional Arrangements .  Nothing contained herein precludes any direct or indirect subsidiary from adopting other or additional compensation or benefit arrangements.

 

Section 12.14.   Code Section 409A Savings Clause .

 

(a)                                 It is the intention of the Company that no Grant shall be “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, unless and to the extent that the Board specifically determines otherwise as provided below, and the Plan and the terms and conditions of all Grants shall be interpreted accordingly.

 

(b)                                 The terms and conditions governing any Grants, including adjustments, modifications, renewals or extensions thereof, that the Board determines will be subject to Section 409A of the Code, including any rules for elective or mandatory deferral of the delivery of cash or Common Stock pursuant thereto and any rules regarding treatment of such Grants in the event of a Change of Control, shall be set forth in the applicable Agreement in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(c)                                  Following a Change of Control, no action shall be taken under the Plan that will cause any Grant that the Board has previously determined is subject to Section 409A of the Code to fail to comply in any respect with Section 409A of the Code without the written consent of the Participant.

 

(d)                                 Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of the Plan or any Agreement, the Board does not hereby assume any liability resulting from a determination by the Internal Revenue Service, applicable court or other authority with regard to the assessment of any taxes, sanctions or fees incurred in connection with Section 409A of the Code.

 

Section 12.15.   Captions .  The use of captions in the Plan is for convenience.  The captions are not intended to provide substantive rights and shall not be used in construing the terms of the Plan.

 

Section 12.16.   Governing Law .  The laws of Maryland shall govern the plan, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

 

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Section 12.17.   Execution .  The Company has caused the Plan to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Company by an officer of the Company thereunto duly authorized as of this 28th day of June, 2012.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.8

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION
2012 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

 

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is effective        , 2014 by and between STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) and                 (the “Participant” or “you”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company sponsors and maintains the STORE Capital Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);

 

WHEREAS, the Participant, as an Eligible Person, has been selected to receive a grant of Restricted Stock under the Plan upon the date (the “Grant Date”) on which an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement occurs (the “IPO”); and

 

WHEREAS, all capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Participant hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  General .  This Agreement and the Restricted Stock granted hereunder are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement without further definition shall have the same meanings given to such terms in the Plan.

 

Section 2.  Grant of Restricted Stock .  The Company hereby awards to the Participant, as of the Grant Date,              shares of Restricted Stock corresponding to shares of the Company common stock, $0.01 par value (the “Restricted Shares”).

 

Section 3.  Vesting .  The Restricted Shares awards shall vest on the earlier of (i) the anniversary of the Grant Date and (ii) the date on which your first term as a director ends.  All Restricted Shares shall vest immediately upon the Participant’s death or Disability.  If your service is terminated prior to the vesting date of your Restricted Shares other than by reason of your death or Disability, your Restricted Shares shall be forfeited in accordance with the Plan.

 

Section 4.  Taxes Generally .  Based on current tax laws, you will not be taxed on your Restricted Shares until they vest.  At the time of vesting, you will be taxed on the Fair Market Value of the vested Restricted Shares unless you have an 83(b) election, as described below.  The Fair Market Value will be based on the Company’s board of director’s (the “Board”) good faith determination which shall include consideration of the most recent equity transaction of the Company or its parent or such other reasonable valuation method as determined by the Board or as provided in the Plan.

 



 

Participant acknowledges and accepts that the award of Restricted Shares grants hereunder may result in application of other taxes.  Participant understands he or she should seek tax advice regarding this award and any shares issuable hereunder.

 

Section 5.  Section 83(b) Election .  You may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) to include in your gross income in the year of this Award the amount specified in Section 83(b) of the Code.  If you make such an election, you must notify the Company in writing within 10 days after filing the notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code.

 

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY’S TO TIMELY FILE THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE, EVEN IF YOU REQUEST THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THIS FILING ON YOUR BEHALF.

 

Subject to your obligation to remit an amount sufficient to satisfy all Restricted Withholding if you make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, you hereby acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for determining your tax obligations as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 6.  Issuance of Shares and Taxes .  The Restricted Shares will be issued and held in escrow by the Secretary of the Company until such time as the Restricted Shares vest or are forfeited.  Upon the vesting of such Restricted Shares and the satisfaction of the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company will issue unrestricted shares to Participant.  As the Participant, you shall be liable for any and all taxes arising from the vesting of Restricted Stock.

 

Section 7.  Rights While Shares Are Restricted .  While your Restricted Shares remain restricted, you will be entitled to any dividends or dividend requirements paid on the Restricted Shares and any voting rights.

 

Section 8.  Non-Transferability of Restricted Stock Grants .  Until the date your Restricted Shares become vested, you may not assign or otherwise transfer the Restricted Shares except as provided in the Plan.  Once your Restricted Shares vest, you may not be able to immediately sell your shares.  Any inability to sell or transfer the Restricted Shares will not relieve you of the obligation to pay any required taxes at the time of vesting (see discussion above under Section 4, 5 and 6 above).

 

Section 9.  Miscellaneous Provisions .

 

(a)                                  No Retention Rights .  Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the service of the Company for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company or of the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

 

(b)                                  Antidilution .  In the event that any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company (including an exchange of Common Stock for stock or

 

2



 

other securities of another corporation) occurs by reason of a Common Stock dividend or split, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares or other similar corporate changes, other than for consideration received by the Company therefore, the number of shares of stock granted hereunder shall be appropriately adjusted by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, whose determination shall be conclusive, final and binding; provided, however that fractional shares shall be rounded to the nearest whole share.  In the event of any other change in the Common Stock, the Board shall in its reasonable discretion determine whether such change equitably requires a change in the number or type of shares of stock granted hereunder and any adjustment made by the Board shall be conclusive, final and binding.

 

(c)                                   Plan .  The provisions of the Plan are incorporated by reference into these terms and conditions.  To the extent any provision of this Agreement conflicts with the Plan, the terms of the Agreement shall govern.  Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she has reviewed the Plan and is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof.  Participant hereby accepts this Agreement and the terms of the Plan.

 

(d)                                  Notices .  Any notice required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery, upon deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid or upon deposit with a reputable overnight courier.  Notice shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive office and to the Participant at the address most recently provided by the Participant to the Company.

 

(e)                                   Entire Agreement; Amendments .  This Agreement constitutes the entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement supersedes any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.  The Board shall have authority, subject to the express provisions of the Plan, to interpret this Agreement and the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to modify the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and to make all other determinations in the judgment of the Board necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan; provided, however, that no modification or amendment may adversely affect a Participant with respect to Grants previously made without the written consent of the Participant holding such Grant, unless such amendments are required in connection with compliance with applicable laws (including Code Section 409A).  The Board may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in this Agreement in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or desirable to carry it into effect.  All action by the Board under the provisions of this paragraph shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes.

 

(f)                                    Choice of Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, as such laws are applied to contracts entered into and performed in such State, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions thereof.

 

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(g)                                   Successors .  This Agreement is personal to the Participant and, except as otherwise provided above, shall not be assignable by the Participant otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, without the written consent of the Company.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Participant’s legal representatives.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors.  It shall not be assignable by the Company except in connection with the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets or business of the Company.

 

(h)                                  Severability .  If any provision of this Agreement for any reason should be found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such declaration shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any remaining provision or portion hereof, which remaining provision or portion hereof shall remain in full force and effect as if this Agreement had been adopted with the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion hereof eliminated.

 

(i)                                      Headings .  The headings and captions in this Agreement shall not be construed to limit or modify the terms or meaning of this Agreement.

 

This Agreement is executed by the Company and the Participant as of the date and year first written above.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

Signature of Recipient

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

4




Exhibit 10.9

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND CHRISTOPHER H. VOLK

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “REIT” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher H. Volk (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its President, Chief Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Board.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $500,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $900,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

2



 

and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2011, during the 2011 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to

 

3



 

other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with

 

4



 

particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

5



 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination ( 1 ) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or ( 2 ) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)                                      any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

6



 

expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

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the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the

 

8



 

Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than

 

9


 

death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a

 

10



 

principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate

 

11



 

employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement;

 

12



 

( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term

 

13



 

(“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any

 

14



 

court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

15



 

Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
c/o Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                                         Paul E. Belitz
Facsimile:
                                         303.292.7799
email:
                                                              paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                                         Jasmine Ball
Facsimile:
                                         212.909.6836
email:
                                                              jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

 

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New York, NY 10019
Attention:
                                                                 Ken Liang
Facsimile:
                                                                 213.830.6422
email:                                                                                       kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written

 

17



 

instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

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(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

 

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

 

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Christopher H. Volk

 

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EXECUTION VERSION

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This FIRST AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher H. Volk (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30

 



 

days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

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( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name: Michael T. Bennett

 

Title: Executive Vice President – General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Christopher H. Volk

 

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Exhibit 10.10

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MICHAEL T. BENNETT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “REIT” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael T. Bennett (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President-Operations, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President—Operations, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”)(the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $320,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $400,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

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and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2011, during the 2011 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to

 

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other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with

 

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particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

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(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination ( 1 ) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or ( 2 ) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)                                      any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

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expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

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the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the

 

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Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than

 

9



 

death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a

 

10



 

principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate

 

11


 

employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)           Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)           Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement;

 

12



 

( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)            Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term

 

13



 

(“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)       Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)       Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any

 

14



 

court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)       Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

15



 

Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)           Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
c/o Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:              Paul E. Belitz
Facsimile:              303.292.7799
email:                     paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:              Jasmine Ball
Facsimile:              212.909.6836
email:                     jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

 

16



 

New York, NY 10019
Attention:                      Ken Liang
Facsimile:                      213.830.6422
email:                             kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)           Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)           Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)           Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)           Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)            Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written

 

17



 

instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)           Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)           Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)            409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)            Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

18



 

(k)           Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)            Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)          Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)           No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)           Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

 

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title:

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Michael T. Bennett

 

20



 

December 12, 2013

 

Mr. Michael T. Bennett
5924 E. Caballo Lane

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

 

Employment Agreement Amendment

 

Dear Michael:

 

In accordance with our discussion and subject to the payment of the consideration specified below, this letter amends the Employment Agreement between you and Store Capital Advisors, LLC (the “Company”), dated as of May 17, 2013 (the “Employment Agreement”), in the manner set forth below.

 

1.             Section 1(b) of the Employment Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

(b)           Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President-General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the right to determine the persons who, and the matters on which such persons, report to Executive, and no exercise of such discretion shall be deemed for purposes of this Agreement to modify, alter or impair Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

2.             Subclause (i) of Section 7(c) of the Employment Agreement is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

(i)            A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position, which reduction, change or assignment is inconsistent with the provisions of Section 1(b) hereof;

 



 

Except as expressly provided herein, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

 

This letter has also been executed by Store Capital Corporation, solely in its capacity as the guarantor of the Company’s obligations pursuant to Section 16(g) of the Employment Agreement.

 

If you agree that the foregoing reflects our agreement with regard to the amendment of the Employment Agreement, please sign both copies of this letter where indicated below and return one of the executed copies to me.  Your signature where indicated below also acknowledges your receipt of $100 in consideration for the changes to the Employment Agreement contained in this letter.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher A. Volk

 

 

Christopher Volk

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations under the Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Christopher A. Volk

 

Name:

Christopher A. Volk

 

Title:

 

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Michael T. Bennett

 

 


 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This SECOND AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael T. Bennett (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Amendment (the “ First Amendment ”) to the Employment Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2013, which sets forth certain amended terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued

 



 

Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under

 

2



 

COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement and the First Amendment shall

 

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continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

Signature Page Follows

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Michael T. Bennett

 

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Exhibit 10.11

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND CATHERINE LONG

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “REIT” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Catherine Long (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)           Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.

 

(b)           Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Chief Financial Officer,  Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)           Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of her business time and attention and her best efforts to the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as she is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”)(the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $350,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $425,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

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and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2011, during the 2011 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)           Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)           Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)           Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, her spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to

 

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other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                       Other Benefits.

 

(i)            Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $15,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)           Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)          Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)           Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform her duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)           For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of her termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with

 

4



 

particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all her employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)           For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)            A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with her position;

 

(ii)           A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)          (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs her duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)          A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

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(v)           Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)           Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate her employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)           Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination ( 1 ) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or ( 2 ) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)            any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

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expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)           an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)          subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)          to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)           Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, her estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of her death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)            the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)           within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

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the Executive was employed prior to her death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)          immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)          to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents, or her eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)           By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)           Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from her employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of her terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following her termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of her terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)           Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable

 

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release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)       Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)         The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)         The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)         The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)         The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the

 

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date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)       Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)           Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)           Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the

 

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Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of her duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or

 

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indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to her employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or her counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than her counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of

 

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the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that her economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for herself and her family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of her employment, her entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual

 

13



 

property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with her obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, she or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process

 

14



 

in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following her termination of employment she shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making herself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

15



 

Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with her rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC

c/o Kutak Rock LLP

Suite 3100

1801 California Street

Denver, CO 80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

 

16



 

New York, NY 10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written

 

17



 

instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

18



 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to her death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to her spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to her estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, she has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of her own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of her choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to her counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of her employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

19



 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

 

 

 

Name:

Michael J. Zieg

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Catherine Long

 

Catherine Long

 

20


 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This FIRST AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Catherine Long (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

                                                ( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30

 



 

days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

2



 

                                                ( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Catherine Long

 

Catherine Long

 

4




Exhibit 10.12

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MARY FEDEWA

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “REIT” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Mary Fedewa (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President — Acquisitions, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Acquisitions, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of her business time and attention and her best efforts to the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. 

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as she is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”)(the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  During the Term, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $320,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $400,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

2



 

and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2011, during the 2011 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, her spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to

 

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other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $15,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform her duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of her termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with

 

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particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all her employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with her position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs her duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

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(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate her employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination ( 1 ) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or ( 2 ) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)                                      any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

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expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, her estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of her death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

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the Executive was employed prior to her death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents, or her eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from her employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of her terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following her termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of her terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable

 

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 release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the

 

9



 

date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the

 

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Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of her duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or

 

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indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to her employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or her counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than her counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of

 

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the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that her economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for herself and her family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of her employment, her entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual

 

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property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with her obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, she or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process

 

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in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following her termination of employment she shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making herself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

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Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with her rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
c/o Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                                         Paul E. Belitz
Facsimile:
                                         303.292.7799
email:
                                                              paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                                         Jasmine Ball
Facsimile:
                                         212.909.6836
email:
                                                              jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

 

16



 

New York, NY 10019
Attention:
                                         Ken Liang
Facsimile:
                                         213.830.6422
email:                                                               kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written

 

17



 

instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

18



 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to her death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to her spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to her estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, she has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of her own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of her choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to her counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of her employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

19



 

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

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

 

 

 

Name:

Michael J. Zieg

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Mary Fedewa

 

Mary Fedewa

 

20



 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement

 

This AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), effective as of January 1, 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Mary Fedewa (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Target RSU Bonus Increase .  Effective as of the Effective Date, the first paragraph of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $425,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  The Executive’s Target RSU Bonus may be considered from time to time by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31),

 



 

then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

Signature Page Follows

 

2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of May 30, 2013.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Mary Fedewa

 

Mary Fedewa

 

3


 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This SECOND AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Mary Fedewa (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company;

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Amendment (the “ First Amendment ”) to the Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2013, which sets forth certain amended terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

                                                ( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued

 



 

Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under

 

2



 

COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

                                                ( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement and the First Amendment shall

 

3



 

continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

Signature Page Follows

 

4



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Mary Fedewa

 

Mary Fedewa

 

5




Exhibit 10.13

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MICHAEL J. ZIEG

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “REIT” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael J. Zieg (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President —Portfolio Management, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Portfolio Management, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $320,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “Annual Bonus Plan”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and (ii) up to $400,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

2



 

and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Target Performance for 2011 shall be established not later than June 30, 2011; the period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2011 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2011 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2011 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2011, during the 2011 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to

 

3



 

other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $8,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with

 

4



 

particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

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(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination ( 1 ) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or ( 2 ) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)                                      any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

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expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

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the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the

 

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Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than

 

9



 

death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a

 

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principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate

 

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employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement;

 

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( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term

 

13



 

(“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any

 

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court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

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Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
c/o Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                 Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:                  303.292.7799

email:                                       paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                 Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:                  212.909.6836

email:                                       jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

 

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New York, NY 10019
Attention:
                 Ken Liang

Facsimile:                  213.830.6422

email:                                       kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written

 

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instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

18



 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

19



 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

 

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Michael J. Zieg

 

20


 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This FIRST AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael J. Zieg (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of May 17, 2011, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30

 



 

days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

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( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name: Michael T. Bennett

 

Title: Executive Vice President – General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Michael J. Zieg

 

4




Exhibit 10.14

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND
CHRISTOPHER K. BURBACH

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of February 6, 2012 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “Guarantor”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher K. Burbach (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity and,

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and,

 

In connection therewith, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President — Underwriting.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Underwriting and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or ( iii ) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until May 31, 2014 (the “ Term ”); provided that, beginning on May 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter on each subsequent annual anniversary of the Effective Date, the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless either party gives the other party at least 90 days prior written notice of non-extension or the Agreement is sooner terminated pursuant to Section 7.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any extensions pursuant to this Section 2 or early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $320,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Incentive Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  The Executive’s targeted bonus opportunity (“ Target Bonus ”) shall be (i) a cash payment in an amount up to 100% of the Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”), and ( ii ) up to $400,000, payable in shares of restricted common stock of the REIT (the “ Target RSU Bonus ”).  If ( i ) the Board, or a committee thereof, determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year

 

2



 

and ( ii ) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Board determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Board, or a committee thereof, may determine whether any Incentive Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.  The period of employment related to the annual incentive for 2012 shall be the period from the Effective Date to December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Performance Period”); and the Target Bonus and actual Incentive Bonus for 2012 shall be pro-rated based on the number of days in the 2012 Performance Period divided by 365.

 

The Incentive Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or a committee thereof, determines ( i ) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and ( ii ) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that in no event shall any Incentive Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year (or, with respect to any Incentive Bonus payable for 2012, during the 2012 Performance Period), the Executive has met the employment criterion for Incentive Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Incentive Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Incentive Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend

 

3



 

or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                  Other Benefits .

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in

 

4



 

the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); ( v ) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion; or ( vi ) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

5



 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause, or By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should terminate by reason of termination (1) by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, or (2) by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(i)                                      any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid

 

6



 

expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus ( C ) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(iii)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which

 

7



 

the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Incentive Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “Unvested RSU Bonus Shares”), such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the

 

8



 

Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                                  Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                  The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                                  The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                                   The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                                  The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the date hereof (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than

 

9



 

death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                                  Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code, then the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive under Section 8 or 9 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate any such excess parachute payment and the Executive shall have no further rights or claims with respect thereto.  If the preceding sentence would result in a reduction of the payments, deemed payments or other benefits the Executive would otherwise receive in more than an immaterial amount, the Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such reduced payments or other benefits to be approved in the manner provided for in section 280G(b)(5) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, so that such payments would not be treated as “parachute payments” for these purposes (and therefore would cease to be subject to reduction pursuant to this Section).

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation; and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a

 

10


 

principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate

 

11



 

employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement;

 

12



 

( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term

 

13



 

(“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                                  Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Rules”), and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect, provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery.  The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules.

 

(b)                                  Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any

 

14



 

court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                                   Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                                   Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of ( x ) $50,000 or ( y ) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the

 

15



 

Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
c/o Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO 80202
Attention:
                 Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:                  303.292.7799

email:                                       paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

And to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention:
                 Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:                  212.909.6836

email:                                       jball@debevoise.com

 

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and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.
1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34
th  Floor
New York, NY 10019
Attention:
                 Ken Liang

Facsimile:                  213.830.6422

email:                                       kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

17



 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and it may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this

 

18



 

Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Title:

CEO

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Name:

Christopher H. Volk

 

 

 

 

Title:

CEO

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher K. Burbach

 

Christopher K. Burbach

 

20


 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This FIRST AMENDMENT (the “ Amendment ”), dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and among Store Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher K. Burbach (the “ Executive ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement (the “ Employment Agreement ”), dated as of February 6, 2012, which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the REIT and the Executive have determined to enter into this Amendment in order to modify certain of those terms and conditions.

 

AMENDMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Amendment to Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement .  Effective as of the Effective Date, Section 8(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following text:

 

“(a)                            Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

( i By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Incentive Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30

 



 

days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                an amount equal to the sum of ( A ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( B ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year, plus (C) the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment (the sum of items A, B and C constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(C)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of the Target RSU Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(D)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(E)                                 to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

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( ii By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Incentive Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.”

 

2.                                       No Other Effect on the Employment Agreement .  Except as otherwise expressly modified hereby, the Employment Agreement shall continue in full and force and effect in accordance with its and their existing terms.  Capitalized terms used without definition herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunder have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher H. Volk

 

Name: Christopher H. Volk

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Zieg

 

Name: Michael J. Zieg

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Christopher K. Burbach

 

Christopher K. Burbach

 

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Exhibit 10.15

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND CHRISTOPHER H. VOLK

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher H. Volk (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its President, Chief Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Board.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $600,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

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The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

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(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

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reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

5



 

Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment;

 

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(C)                                an amount equal to two times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

7



 

program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

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(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the

 

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requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable

 

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board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or

 

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benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance

 

12



 

Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be

 

13



 

permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree

 

14



 

that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute

 

15



 

Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection

 

16



 

with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

17



 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18



 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

20



 

Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher H. Volk

 

22




Exhibit 10.16

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MICHAEL T. BENNETT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael T. Bennett (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President-General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President-General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $320,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

2



 

The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

3



 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

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reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

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Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment;

 

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(C)                                an amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

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program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

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(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the

 

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requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable

 

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board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or

 

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benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance

 

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Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be

 

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permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree

 

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that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute

 

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Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection

 

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with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

17



 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18



 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

20



 

Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

21



 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael T. Bennett

 

22




Exhibit 10.17

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND CATHERINE LONG

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Catherine Long (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of her business time and attention and her best efforts to the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as she is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $420,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

2



 

The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, her spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $15,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

3



 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform her duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of her termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all her employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

4



 

reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with her position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs her duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

5



 

Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate her employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment;

 

6



 

(C)                                an amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

7



 

program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, her estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of her death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to her death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

8



 

(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents, or her eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from her employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of her terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following her termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of her terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release

 

9



 

to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be

 

10



 

an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to

 

11


 

 

such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance

 

12



 

Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of her duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to her employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this

 

13



 

Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or her counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than her counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that her economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent her from providing for herself and her family on a basis satisfactory to her.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon her pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in

 

14



 

respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by her in the course of her employment, her entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by her during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with her obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the

 

15



 

applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, she or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive,

 

16



 

including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following her termination of employment she shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making herself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with her rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at her last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

17



 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18



 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to her death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to her spouse, if he survives the Executive, and otherwise to her estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, she has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of her own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of her choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

20



 

Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to her counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of her employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine Long

 

22




Exhibit 10.18

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MARY FEDEWA

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Mary Fedewa (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President — Acquisitions, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Acquisitions, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of her business time and attention and her best efforts to the performance of her duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as she is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $420,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

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The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, her spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $15,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

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(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform her duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of her termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all her employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

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reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with her position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs her duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

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Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate her employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of her termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding her termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of her termination of employment;

 

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(C)                                an amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

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program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, her estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of her death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to her death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

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(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for herself and, if applicable, her eligible dependents, or her eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had she continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from her employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of her terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following her termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of her terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release

 

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to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be

 

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an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to

 

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such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance

 

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Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of her duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to her employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this

 

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Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or her counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than her counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that her economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent her from providing for herself and her family on a basis satisfactory to her.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon her pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in

 

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respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by her in the course of her employment, her entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by her during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with her obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the

 

15



 

applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, she or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive,

 

16



 

including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following her termination of employment she shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making herself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with her rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at her last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18



 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to her death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to her spouse, if he survives the Executive, and otherwise to her estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, she has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of her own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of her choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

20



 

Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to her counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of her employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Fedewa

 

22




Exhibit 10.19

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND MICHAEL J. ZIEG

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Michael J. Zieg (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President —Portfolio Management, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Portfolio Management, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $330,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

2



 

The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $8,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

3



 

(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

4



 

reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

5



 

Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment;

 

6



 

(C)                                an amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

7



 

program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

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(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the

 

9



 

requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable

 

10



 

board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or

 

11


 

 

benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance

 

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Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be

 

13



 

permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree

 

14



 

that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute

 

15



 

Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection

 

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with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

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Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

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Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Zieg

 

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Exhibit 10.20

 

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AMONG
STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC AND CHRISTOPHER K. BURBACH

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ · ], 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and among STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “ REIT ” or the “ Guarantor ”), STORE Capital Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and Christopher K. Burbach (the “ Executive ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to secure the services of the Executive in the position set forth below, and the Executive desires to serve the Company in such capacity;

 

WHEREAS, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Guarantor with limited assets and the Guarantor desires to guaranty the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantor, the Company and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the future performance and responsibilities of the Executive and the Company and upon the other terms and conditions and mutual covenants hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

Section 1.  Employment .

 

(a)                                  Position .  The Executive shall be employed by the Company during the Term (defined below) as its Executive Vice President — Underwriting.

 

(b)                                  Duties .  The Executive’s principal employment duties and responsibilities shall be those duties and responsibilities customary for the positions of Executive Vice President — Underwriting and such other executive duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive.  The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c)                                   Extent of Services .  Except for illnesses and vacation periods, the Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and attention and his best efforts to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive ( i ) may make any investment, so long as he

 



 

is not obligated or required to, and shall not in fact, devote any substantial managerial efforts with respect to such investment; ( ii ) may participate in charitable, academic or community activities, and in trade or professional organizations; or (iii) may hold directorships, or equity interests, in other businesses as permitted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) (the activities in clauses (i) through (iii) above are collectively referred to herein as the “ Excluded Activities ”); provided that none of the Excluded Activities individually or in the aggregate interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

 

Section 2.  Term .  This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect thereafter until the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Term” shall mean the actual duration of the Executive’s employment hereunder, taking into account any early termination of employment pursuant to Section 7.

 

Section 3.  Base Salary .  The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary annually (the “ Base Salary ”), which shall be payable in periodic installments according to the Company’s normal payroll practices.  The initial Base Salary shall be $330,000.  The Executive’s Base Salary shall be considered annually by the Board, or a committee thereof, and may be increased at the discretion of the Board or such committee.  Any increase shall be retroactive to January 1 of the year in which such increase is approved.  The Base Salary, including any increases, shall not be decreased during the Term.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Base Salary” shall mean the amount established and adjusted from time to time pursuant to this Section 3.

 

Section 4.  Annual Incentive Bonus .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “ Target Bonus ”) for each fiscal year during the Term of this Agreement, based on satisfactory achievement of reasonable performance criteria and objectives (satisfaction of such criteria and objectives, “ Target Performance ”) to be adopted by the Board, as advised by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “ Compensation Committee ”), in its sole discretion, after consultation with management, each year prior to or as soon as practicable after the commencement of such year, but in no event later than March 1 of the applicable performance year, and set forth in a written plan (the “ Annual Bonus Plan ”).  If (i) the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance has been fully achieved with respect to a given performance year and (ii) the Executive is employed by the Company throughout the entirety of such year (January 1 through December 31), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of the full Target Bonus.  If the Compensation Committee determines that Target Performance is not achieved with respect to the applicable performance year, then the Compensation Committee may determine whether any Target Bonus shall be payable to the Executive for such year.

 

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The Target Bonus, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than 30 days after the date the Board, or the Compensation Committee, determines (i) whether or not Target Performance for such performance year has been achieved, and (ii) the amount of the actual bonus; provided that, except as may be set forth in the Annual Bonus Plan, in no event shall any Target Bonus payable be paid later than February 15 of the year following the year to which it relates.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Executive was employed by the Company from January 1 through December 31 of a performance year, the Executive has met the employment criterion for Target Bonus eligibility for that year and need not be employed by the Company thereafter, including at the time the Target Bonus, if any, is determined or paid for that performance year, in order to receive payment of any Target Bonus amount the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive.

 

Section 5.  Other Equity Grants .  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such equity awards (in addition to any awards payable in respect of the Executive’s Target Bonus under Section 4), if any, as determined by the Board under any equity incentive plan(s) established by the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

Section 6.  Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Vacation .  The Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of vacation each full calendar year in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures related to vacation time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                  Sick and Personal Days .  The Executive shall be entitled to sick and personal days on an as needed basis in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and limits related to sick and personal time as are in effect from time to time.

 

(c)                                   Employee Benefit Plans .  During the Term, the Executive (and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents, if any, and their respective designated beneficiaries) shall be eligible to participate in and receive the benefit of each employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company and generally made available to other senior executives of the Company, subject to the generally applicable provisions thereof.  Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Company’s right to amend or terminate any such plan in its discretion, so long as any such amendment does not impair the rights of the Executive without treating similarly situated executives in a similar fashion.

 

(d)                                                                      Other Benefits.

 

(i)                                      Disability Insurance .  The Company shall pay the cost of maintaining a supplemental, long-term disability policy on behalf of the Executive, provided that the cost of such policy (to the Company) shall not exceed $11,000 per year, or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

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(ii)                                   Annual Physical .  The Company shall provide, at its cost, a medical examination for the Executive on an annual basis by a licensed physician in the Scottsdale or Phoenix, Arizona area selected by the Executive; provided that the expense for such annual physical shall not exceed $1,500 per year or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

(iii)                                Club Dues .  The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for the monthly membership dues actually incurred by the Executive for one fitness or country club membership maintained by the Executive; provided that the payable or reimbursable amount shall not exceed $700 per month or such additional amount as may be subsequently approved by the Board or a committee thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as specifically provided for above, the Company shall not pay or reimburse the Executive for any other expenses associated with such club membership (including, but not limited to, any initiation fees and personal expenditures at such club).

 

Section 7.  Termination .  The employment of the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate:

 

(a)                                  Death or Disability .  Immediately upon death or Disability of the Executive.  As used in this Agreement, “ Disability ” means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the Executive’s ability to perform his duties under this Agreement and that results in the Executive’s receipt of long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan.

 

(b)                                  For Cause .  At the election of the Company and subject to the provisions of this Section 7(b), immediately upon written notice by the Company to the Executive of his termination for Cause, with such notice to specify, with particularity, each basis for the Company’s determination that Cause exists.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means Executive’s ( i ) refusal or neglect, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, to perform substantially all his employment-related duties, which refusal or neglect is not cured within 20 days of receipt of written notice from the Company, ( ii ) willful misconduct, ( iii ) personal dishonesty, incompetence or breach of fiduciary duty which, in any case, has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s reasonable discretion, ( iv ) conviction of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (or any applicable equivalent thereof) to a crime constituting a felony (or a crime or offense of equivalent magnitude in any jurisdiction); (v) willful violation of any federal, state or local law, rule, or regulation that has a material adverse impact on the business or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, as determined in the Board’s

 

4



 

reasonable discretion; or ( v i) material breach of any covenant contained in Sections 11(b) through 11(e) of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   For Good Reason .  At the election of the Executive, for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean a termination of employment by the Executive on account of the occurrence of any of the following actions or omissions, without the Executive’s written consent:

 

(i)                                      A material reduction of, or other material adverse change in, the Executive’s duties, titles, responsibilities or reporting requirements, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties, responsibilities or reporting requirements that are materially inconsistent with his position;

 

(ii)                                   A reduction by the Company in the Executive’s annual Base Salary or Target Bonus amount;

 

(iii)                                (x) the requirement by the Company that the primary location at which the Executive performs his duties (“Principal Place of Employment”) be changed to a location that is outside of a 35-mile radius of Scottsdale, Arizona, or (y) a substantial increase in the amount of travel that the Executive is required to do because of a relocation of the Company’s headquarters from Scottsdale, Arizona.  The parties acknowledge that, for these purposes, Executive’s Principal Place of Employment shall be Scottsdale, Arizona;

 

(iv)                               A material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement not otherwise specified in this Section 7(c); it being agreed and understood that any breach of the Company’s obligations under Section 6(d) shall not constitute a material breach of this Agreement and the Executive’s sole remedy for any breach of such Section 6(d) shall be monetary damages; and

 

(v)                                  Any failure by the Company, in the event of a Change of Control (as hereinafter defined), to obtain from any successor to the Company an agreement to assume and perform this Agreement, as contemplated by Section 16(e), which has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of the failure has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination for Good Reason shall not be effective until ( x ) the Executive provides the Company with written notice specifying, with particularity, each basis for the Executive’s determination that Good Reason exists and ( y ) the Company fails to cure or resolve the issues identified by the Executive’s notice within 20 days of receipt of such notice.  The

 

5



 

Company and the Executive agree that such 20-day period shall be utilized to engage in discussions in a good faith effort to cure or resolve the behavior otherwise constituting Good Reason, and that the Executive will not be considered to have resigned from employment during the 20-day period.

 

(d)                                  Without Cause; Without Good Reason .  At the election of the Company, without Cause, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the Executive, or at the election of the Executive, without Good Reason, upon 120 days’ prior written notice to the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, the exercise of the Company’s right to not extend the Term shall neither constitute a termination at the election of the Company without Cause nor a basis for the Executive to terminate his employment for Good Reason.

 

Section 8.  Effects of Termination .

 

(a)                                  Termination By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive for Good Reason .

 

(i)                                      By the Company Without Cause .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                any and all Base Salary, Target Bonus and any other compensation-related payments that have been earned, including pay in lieu of accrued, but unused, vacation, and unreimbursed expenses that are owed as of the date of his termination of employment that are related to any period of employment preceding his termination date (the “Accrued Obligations”).  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the cash portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Target Cash Bonus ”) for which the Executive is eligible for the year in which the termination of employment occurs, prorated for the portion of such year during which the Executive was employed by the Company prior to the effective date of his termination of employment;

 

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(C)                                an amount equal to one and one-half times the sum of ( i ) the Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date of termination, plus ( ii ) an amount equal to the Target Cash Bonus for which the Executive was eligible during the last completed fiscal year, regardless of whether the Executive actually received such Target Cash Bonus for that year (the sum of the amounts payable under clauses (B) and (C) hereof constituting the “ Severance Payment ”);

 

(D)                                any and all outstanding unvested shares of restricted common stock of the REIT that had been awarded to Executive in respect of any equity portion of the Target Bonus (the “ Unvested RSU Bonus Shares ”) shall immediately vest and any restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment;

 

(E)                                 subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(F)                                  to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(ii)                                   By the Executive for Good Reason .  If the employment of the Executive should be terminated by reason of termination by the Executive for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay compensation and benefits for the Executive as follows:

 

(A)                                the Accrued Obligations.  Any Target Bonus that is part of the Accrued Obligations shall be paid at the time provided for in Section 4.  Any Accrued Obligations that are deferred compensation shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan,

 

7



 

program or arrangement.  All other Accrued Obligations shall be paid within 30 days of the date of termination, or, if earlier, not later than the time required by applicable law; provided that payment in respect of any unpaid expenses shall be subject to submission of substantiation of such expenses in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense policy;

 

(B)                                the Severance Payment;

 

(C)                                subject to the provisions of Section 8(e), the Severance Payment shall be made in a single, lump sum cash payment within 60 days following the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if at the effective date of such termination, the Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, six months following the effective date of such termination; and

 

(D)                                to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA, for a period of 12 months following termination of the Executive’s employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive on a monthly basis for the excess of ( x ) the amount that the Executive is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over ( y ) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Termination on Death or Disability .  Upon a termination of employment due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Company shall have no further liability or further obligation to the Executive except that the Executive (or, if applicable, his estate or designated beneficiaries under any Company-sponsored employee benefit plan in the event of his death) shall be entitled to receive:

 

(i)                                      the Accrued Obligations, at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i);

 

(ii)                                   within 30 days after such termination of employment, an amount equal to the Executive’s Target Cash Bonus for the year in which the Executive’s death or Disability occurs, but prorated for the portion of the year during which the Executive was employed prior to his death or termination of employment due to Disability, and subtracting out all Target Bonus payments related to that performance year received by the Executive during such year;

 

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(iii)                                immediate vesting of any and all outstanding Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment; and

 

(iv)                               to the extent to which the Executive is eligible for and elects to receive continued coverage under the Company’s medical and health benefits plan(s) in accordance with the provisions of COBRA for himself and, if applicable, his eligible dependents, or his eligible dependents are eligible for such continued coverage due to the Executive’s death, then for a period of 18 months following the Executive’s termination of employment (or, if less, for the period that the Executive or any such dependent is eligible for such COBRA continuation coverage), the Company shall pay for or reimburse the Executive or such dependents on a monthly basis for the excess of (x) the amount that the Executive or any such dependent is required to pay monthly to maintain such continued coverage under COBRA over (y) the amount that the Executive would have paid monthly to participate in the Company’s medical and health benefits plans had he continued to be an employee of the Company.

 

(c)                                   By the Company for Cause or By the Executive Without Good Reason .  In the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated ( i ) by the Company for Cause or ( ii ) voluntarily by the Executive without Good Reason, the Company’s sole obligation shall be to pay the Executive the Accrued Obligations at the times provided in Section 8(a)(i).

 

(d)                                  Termination of Authority .  Immediately upon the Executive terminating or being terminated from his employment with the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive will stop serving the functions of his terminated or expired positions, and shall be without any of the authority or responsibility for such positions.  On request of the Board at any time following his termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall resign from the Board if then a member and shall execute such documentation as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence the cessation of his terminated or expired positions.

 

(e)                                   Release .  Prior to the payment by the Company of any of the Executive’s Severance Payment, and in no event later than 50 days following the effective date of Executive’s termination, the Executive shall, as a condition to receipt of such Severance Payment, deliver to the Company (and shall not have revoked) a mutually acceptable release agreement with respect to all potential claims the Executive may have against the Company related to the Executive’s employment with the Company prior to the date of payment by the Company of the Executive’s Severance Payment.  The Company shall be responsible for providing a proposed form of release within 10 business days of the date of termination of employment, and the Executive shall have 21 calendar days (or such other time as may be required by law) in which to consider, execute and return the release to the Company.  If the Company does not timely provide a proposed form of release, the

 

9



 

requirement that the Executive sign a release shall be deemed waived by the Company.  If the Company timely provides a proposed form of release and the Executive does not timely execute and return it, or revokes such release after delivery, the Company shall not be required to pay the Executive all or any portion of the Severance Payment.

 

Section 9.  Change of Control .

 

(a)                      Change of Control .  For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” will be deemed to have taken place upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)                            The acquisition of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holding Company, LLC (“ STORE Holdco ”) by any person, entity or affiliated group, excluding any employee benefit plan of the Company, any “Sponsor Member” or any “Affiliate” of a Sponsor Member (as such terms are defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2011 of STORE Holdco, as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “ LLC Agreement ”));

 

(b)                            The consummation of any merger or consolidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco into another company, such that the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to such merger or consolidation are less than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;

 

(c)                             The complete liquidation of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s, the REIT’s or STORE Holdco’s assets, such that, after the transaction, the holders of the voting securities of the Company, the REIT or STORE Holdco immediately prior to the transaction hold less than 50% of the voting securities of the acquirer or the parent of the acquirer; or

 

(d)                            The “Sponsor Directors” (as defined in the LLC Agreement) on the board of directors of STORE Holdco at the beginning of any consecutive 24 calendar month period commencing on or after the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Members ”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority of the members of such board; provided that any director whose election, or nomination for election by a Sponsor Member, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the members of the board then still in office who were members of such board at the beginning of such 24 calendar month period, shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Member.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the applicable

 

10



 

board is made up of an even number of directors, such majority shall mean fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the directors.

 

(b)                      Certain Benefits Upon (or In Connection With) a Change of Control .  If, within six months and one day prior to or after a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason, notwithstanding anything else appearing in this Agreement or otherwise, the Executive shall become 100% vested in any Unvested RSU Bonus Shares, such that all restrictions thereon shall lapse immediately upon such termination of employment.

 

Section 10.  Section 280G of the Code .  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive would receive ( i ) any payment, deemed payment or other benefit as a result of the operation of Section 8 or 9 hereof that, together with any other payment, deemed payment or other benefit the Executive may receive under any other plan, program, policy or arrangement (collectively with the payments under Section 8 and 9 hereof, the “Covered Payments”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” under section 280G of the Code that would be or become subject to the tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under Section 4999 of the Code or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, and ( ii ) a greater net after-tax benefit by limiting the Covered Payments so that the portion thereof that are parachute payments do not exceed the maximum amount of such parachute payments that could be paid to the Employee without Employee’s being subject to any Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the Covered Payments to the Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the aggregate amount of parachute payments that the Executive receives does not exceed the Safe Harbor Amount.  In the event that the Executive receives reduced payments and benefits hereunder, such payments and benefits shall be reduced in connection with the application of the Safe Harbor Amount in the following manner: first, the Executive’s Severance Payment shall be reduced, followed by, to the extent necessary and in order, (i) the Target Cash Bonus; (ii) any the continuation of medical benefits, (iii) the Unvested RSU Bonus Shares and (iv) the Accrued Obligations.  For purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, such Covered Payments will be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and all “parachute payments” in excess of the “base amount” (as defined under Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, in the good faith judgment of a public accounting firm appointed by the Company prior to the Change in Control or tax counsel selected by such accounting firm (the “Accountants”), the Company has a reasonable basis to conclude that such Covered Payments (in whole or in part) either do not constitute “parachute payments” or represent reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code) in excess of the allocable portion of the “base amount,” or such “parachute payments” are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax, and the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or

 

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benefit shall be determined by the Accountants in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code.

 

Section 11.  Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation and Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                  Consideration .  All payments and benefits to the Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to the Executive’s compliance with subparagraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 11, during the Term and for the period of time following the Term specified in each such subparagraph.

 

(b)                                  Noncompetition .  During the Term and for a period of 12 months following the termination of the Executive’s employment (the “ Restricted Period ”), the Executive shall not, anywhere in the United States, directly or indirectly, whether as a principal, partner, member, employee, independent contractor, consultant, shareholder or otherwise, provide services to ( i ) any entity (or any division, unit or other segment of any entity) whose principal business is to originate, or provide management services in connection with the origination of, mortgage loans to, or the purchase of real estate from, and the lease of such real estate back to, the owners and/or operators of, single-tenant retail, distribution, storage, industrial or service companies in the United States, including but not limited to automotive dealers, automotive parts and services stores, bank branches, convenience stores, car washes, department stores, discount stores, drug stores, universities/other education campuses, health clubs/gyms, travel plazas, movie theatres, restaurants, medical facilities and supermarkets, or ( ii ) any other business or in respect of any other endeavor that is competitive with or similar to any other business activity ( x ) engaged in by the Company or any of its subsidiaries  prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment or ( y ) that has been submitted to the Board (or a committee thereof) for consideration and that is under active consideration by the Board (or a committee thereof) as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing in this Section 11 shall prohibit the Executive from making any passive investment in a public company, from owning 5% or less of the issued and outstanding voting securities of any entity, or from serving as a non-employee, independent director of a company that does not compete with the Company or any of its affiliates (as described in this Section 11(b)), provided that such activities do not create a conflict of interest with Executive’s employment by the Company or result in the Executive being obligated or required to devote any managerial efforts.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11(b) to the contrary, if (i) the Executive’s employment is terminated under circumstances that the Company asserts do not obligate the Company to make the Severance Payment described in Section 8(a) (e.g., the Company asserts that the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause), (ii) the Executive disagrees and timely invokes the arbitration process set forth in Section 13(a) to challenge such assertion, and (iii) the Company does not, within 10 business days after it receives the Executive’s written demand for arbitration either make the Severance Payment, confirm in writing that it will make the Severance Payment if the Severance

 

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Payment is not yet due, or deposit the full amount of the Severance Payment in escrow with a third party unaffiliated bank pending the outcome of the arbitration, then this Section 11(b) shall cease to apply to the Executive, and such cessation shall be retroactive to the date of termination of employment.  To effectuate the purpose of this provision, the Company will, within 10 business days of the termination of Executive’s employment, regardless of who initiates such termination or the reason for it, provide the Executive with a written statement of the Company’s position regarding whether the Company is obligated to make the Severance Payment.

 

(c)                                   Non-Solicitation of Employees .  During the Restricted Period, except in accordance with performance of his duties hereunder, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to terminate employment with that entity, and the Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either individually or as owner, agent, employee, consultant or otherwise, employ, offer employment to or otherwise interfere with the employment relationship of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any person who is or was employed by the Company or such subsidiary unless, at the time of such employment, offer or other interference, such person shall have ceased to be employed by such entity for a period of at least six months; provided , that the foregoing will not apply to individuals solicited or hired as a result of the use of an independent employment agency (so long as the agency was not directed to solicit or hire a particular individual).

 

(d)                                  Non-Solicitation of Clients .  During the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not solicit or otherwise attempt to establish any business relationship with any Person that is, or during the 12-month period preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company was, a customer, client or distributor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries if the solicitation or establishment of the business relationship is in connection with or on behalf of any business that the Executive is precluded from providing services to pursuant to Section 11(b).

 

(e)                                   Confidentiality .  At any time during or after the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, divulge, disclose or make accessible to any other person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“ Confidential Information ”).  The Company acknowledges that, prior to his employment with the Company, the Executive has lawfully acquired extensive knowledge of the industries and businesses in which the Company engages and the Company’s customers, and that the provisions of this Section 11 are not intended to restrict the Executive’s use of such previously acquired knowledge.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall return to the Company all Company property and all written Confidential Information in the possession of the Executive.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Company document to the contrary, the Executive shall be

 

13



 

permitted, and the Company expressly acknowledges the Executive’s right, to divulge, disclose or make accessible to the Executive’s counsel any Confidential Information that, in the good faith judgment of the Executive (or his counsel), is necessary or appropriate in order for counsel to evaluate the Executive’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement or in connection with the Executive’s status as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT.

 

In the event that the Executive receives a request or is required (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose all or any part of the Confidential Information to a third party (other than his counsel), the Executive agrees to ( a ) promptly notify the Company in writing of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request or requirement; ( b ) consult with the Company, at the Company’s request, on the advisability of taking legally available steps to resist or narrow such request or requirement; and ( c ) assist the Company, at the Company’s request and expense, in seeking a protective order or other appropriate remedy.  In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained or that the Company requests no consultation or assistance from the Executive pursuant to this provision or otherwise waives compliance with the provisions hereof, the Executive shall not be liable for such disclosure unless such disclosure was caused by or resulted from a previous disclosure by the Executive not permitted by this Agreement.

 

(f)                                    Injunctive Relief with Respect to Covenants .  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants and obligations of the Executive with respect to noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, as the case may be, set forth herein relate to special, unique and extraordinary matters and that a violation or threatened violation of any of the terms of such covenants or obligations will cause the Company irreparable injury for which adequate remedies are not available at law.  Therefore, the Executive agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction, restraining order or such other equitable relief (without the requirement to post bond) restraining the Executive from committing any violation of the covenants or obligations contained in this Section 11.  These injunctive remedies are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity.  In connection with the foregoing provisions of this Section 11, the Executive represents that his economic means and circumstances are such that such provisions will not prevent him from providing for himself and his family on a basis satisfactory to him.

 

Nothing in this Section 11 shall impede, restrict or otherwise interfere with the Executive’s management and operation of the Excluded Activities.

 

The Executive agrees that the restraints imposed upon him pursuant to this Section 11 are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area.  The parties further agree

 

14



 

that, in the event that any provision of this Section 11 shall be determined by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision may be modified by the court or arbitrator to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

Section 12.  Intellectual Property .  During the Term, the Executive shall promptly disclose to the Company or any successor or assign, and grant to the Company and its successors and assigns without any separate remuneration or compensation other than that received by him in the course of his employment, his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all inventions, developments, discoveries, models, or any other intellectual property of any type or nature whatsoever developed solely during the Term (“ Intellectual Property ”), whether developed by him during or after business hours, or alone or in connection with others, that is in any way related to the business of the Company, its successors or assigns.  This provision shall not apply to books or articles authored by the Executive during non-work hours, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, so long as such books or articles ( a ) are not funded in whole or in part by the Company, ( b ) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and ( c ) do not contain any Confidential Information or Intellectual Property of the Company.  The Executive agrees, at the Company’s expense, to take all steps necessary or proper to vest title to all such Intellectual Property in the Company, and cooperate fully and assist the Company in any litigation or other proceedings involving any such Intellectual Property.

 

Section 13.  Disputes.

 

(a)                      Arbitration .  Excluding requests for equitable relief by the Company under Section 11(f), all controversies, claims or disputes arising between the parties that are not resolved within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such controversy, claim or dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration ( i ) in Maricopa County, Arizona, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate solely to this Agreement, or ( ii ) in New York, New York, with respect to controversies, claims or disputes that relate to both this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.  Arbitration of disputes under this Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and arbitration of disputes under the LLC Agreement shall proceed in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules, each as then in effect (together with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, the “ Rules ”), provided that both parties shall have the opportunity to conduct pre-arbitration discovery. The arbitration shall be decided by a single arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to the applicable Rules.  In the event of a conflict between the Employment Dispute

 

15



 

Resolution Rules and the Commercial Arbitration Rules in a dispute where both sets of Rules apply, the Commercial Arbitration Rules shall control.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company or the Executive shall request, such mutually agreeable arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two arbitrators or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with the applicable Rules.

 

(b)                      Jury Waiver .  Each party to this Agreement understands and expressly acknowledges that in agreeing to submit the disputes described in Section 13(a) to binding arbitration, he or it is knowingly and voluntarily waiving all rights to have such disputes heard and decided by the judicial process in any court in any jurisdiction.  This waiver includes, without limitation, the right otherwise enjoyed by such party to a jury trial.

 

(c)                       Limitations Period .  All arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement shall be commenced within the time period provided for by the legally recognized statute of limitations applicable to the claim being asserted.  No applicable limitations period shall be deemed shortened or extended by this Agreement.

 

(d)                      Arbitrator’s Decision .  The arbitrator shall have the power to award any party any relief available to such party under applicable law, but may not exceed that power.  The arbitrator shall explain the reasons for the award and must produce a formal written opinion.  The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.  There shall be no appeal from the award except on those grounds specified by the Federal Arbitration Act and case law interpreting the Federal Arbitration Act.

 

(e)                       Legal Fees .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 13(d), the Company shall pay or promptly reimburse the Executive for the reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in successfully enforcing or defending any right of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement even if the Executive does not prevail on all issues; provided, however, the Company shall have no obligation to reimburse the Executive unless the amount recovered by the Executive from the Company is at least the greater of (x) $50,000 or (y) 25% of the award sought by the Executive in any arbitration or other legal proceeding.

 

Section 14.  Indemnification .  The Company shall indemnify the Executive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the governing instruments of the Company, against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by the Executive, including the cost of legal counsel selected and retained by the Executive in connection

 

16



 

with any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive may be made a party by reason of the Executive being or having been an officer, director or employee of the Company.

 

Section 15.  Cooperation in Future Matters .  The Executive hereby agrees that for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment he shall cooperate with the Company’s reasonable requests relating to matters that pertain to the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, without limitation, providing information or limited consultation as to such matters, participating in legal proceedings, investigations or audits on behalf of the Company, or otherwise making himself reasonably available to the Company for other related purposes.  Any such cooperation shall be performed at scheduled times taking into consideration the Executive’s other commitments, and the Executive shall be compensated at a reasonable hourly or per diem rate to be agreed upon by the parties to the extent such cooperation is required on more than an occasional and limited basis.  The Executive shall not be required to perform such cooperation to the extent it conflicts with any requirements of exclusivity of services for another employer or otherwise, nor in any manner that in the good faith belief of the Executive would conflict with his rights under or ability to enforce this Agreement.

 

Section 16.  General .

 

(a)                                  Notices .  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing or by written telecommunication, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or if sent by overnight courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or sent by written telecommunication or facsimile, to the relevant address set forth below, or to such other address as the recipient of such notice or communication shall have specified in writing to the other party hereto, in accordance with this Section 16(a).

 

to the Company:

 

Store Capital Advisors, LLC
8501 East Princess Drive

Suite 190

Scottsdale, AZ  85255

Attention:

Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile:

480.256.1101

 

to the Executive, at his last residence shown on the records of the Company.

 

A copy of each notice provided by either party shall also be delivered to:

 

17



 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Attention:

Jasmine Ball

Facsimile:

212.909.6836

email:

jball@debevoise.com

 

and

 

Oaktree Capital Management. L.P.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 34 th  Floor

New York, NY  10019

Attention:

Ken Liang

Facsimile:

213.830.6422

email:

kliang@oaktreecapital.com

 

and

 

Kutak Rock LLP
Suite 3100
1801 California Street
Denver, CO  80202

Attention:

Paul E. Belitz

Facsimile:

303.292.7799

email:

paul.belitz@kutakrock.com

 

Any such notice shall be effective ( i ) if delivered personally, when received; ( ii ) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for; and ( iii ) on confirmed receipt if sent by written telecommunication or facsimile; provided that a copy of such communication is sent by regular mail, as described above.

 

(b)                                  Severability .  If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or declares any provision of this Agreement invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

(c)                                   Waivers .  No delay or omission by either party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall impair such right, power or privilege, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

 

(d)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18



 

(e)                                   Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive, it being understood and agreed that this is a contract for the Executive’s personal services.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Company except that the Company shall assign it in connection with a transaction involving the succession by a third party to all or substantially all of the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise).  When assigned to a successor, the assignee shall assume this Agreement and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of such an assignment.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” or “REIT” shall include any successor to the Company’s or the REIT’s business and/or assets that executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in the immediately preceding sentence or that becomes bound by this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(f)                                    Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto acknowledge that that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2012 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time), by and among the Company, the Guarantor and the Executive, and any rights, obligations and liabilities thereunder shall automatically be terminated upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.  This Agreement may not be amended except by a written instrument hereafter signed by the Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company’s Board (other than the Executive).

 

(g)                                   Guarantee .  By executing this Agreement, the REIT hereby unconditionally guarantees all obligations of the Company under this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Governing Law .  This Agreement and the performance hereof shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.

 

(i)                                      409A Compliance .  It is intended that this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance thereunder (collectively referred to as “ Section 409A ”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, this Agreement shall, to the maximum extent possible, be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A.  To the extent that any reimbursement, fringe benefit or other, similar plan or arrangement in which the Executive participates during the Term or thereafter provides for a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, ( a ) the amount of the benefit provided thereunder in a taxable year of the Executive shall not affect the amount of such benefit provided in any other taxable year of the Executive (except that a plan

 

19



 

providing medical or health benefits may impose a generally applicable limit on the amount that may be reimbursed or paid), ( b ) any portion of such benefit provided in the form of a reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the Executive’s taxable year in which the expense was incurred and ( c ) such benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.  For all purposes under this Agreement, reference to the Executive’s “termination of employment” (and corollary terms) from the Company shall be construed to refer to the Executive’s “separation from service” (as determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), as uniformly applied by the Company) from the Company.  If the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, any payment required to be made to the Executive hereunder upon or following his or her date of termination for any reason other than death or “disability” (as such terms are used in Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code) shall, to the extent necessary to comply with, and avoid imposition on the Executive of any tax penalty imposed under Section 409A, be delayed and paid in a single lump sum during the ten day period following the six-month anniversary of the date of termination.

 

(j)                                     Construction .  The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.  The headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect its meaning or construction.

 

(k)                                  Payments and Exercise of Rights After Death .  Any amounts payable hereunder after the Executive’s death shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, whether received as a designated beneficiary or by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The Executive may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries for all purposes of this Agreement, and may change at any time such designation, by notice to the Company making specific reference to this Agreement.  If no designated beneficiary survives the Executive or the Executive fails to designate a beneficiary for purposes of this Agreement prior to his death, all amounts thereafter due hereunder shall be paid, as and when payable, to his spouse, if she survives the Executive, and otherwise to his estate.

 

(l)                                      Consultation With Counsel .  The Executive acknowledges that, prior to the execution of this Agreement, he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel or other advisers of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement other than as are reflected in this Agreement.  The Company acknowledges that, following the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall have the right to consult with counsel of his choosing (at the Executive’s personal expense) concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement and the

 

20



 

Executive’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder and as an officer and/or director of the Company or REIT and, in so doing, may divulge Confidential Information to his counsel.

 

(m)                              Withholding .  Any payments provided for in this Agreement shall be paid after deduction for any applicable income tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

 

(n)                                  No Mitigation of Damages .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise after the termination of his employment hereunder.

 

(o)                                  Survival .  The provisions of Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

21



 

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

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION, as guarantor of the Company’s obligations hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher K. Burbach

 

22




Exhibit 10.21

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

 

by and among

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,
AS BORROWER,

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
THE OTHER LENDERS WHICH ARE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT
AND
OTHER LENDERS THAT MAY BECOME
PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT,

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS SYNDICATION AGENT,

 

BMO HARRIS BANK, N.A.

 

AND

 

REGIONS BANK,
AS CO-DOCUMENTATION AGENTS,

 

AND

 

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.
AND
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC
AS JOINT LEAD ARRANGERS AND JOINT BOOK RUNNERS

 



 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of the 19th day of September, 2014 by and among STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION , a Maryland corporation (the “Borrower”), KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (“KeyBank”), and the several banks, financial institutions and other entities from time to time parties to this Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”), and KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , not individually, but as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”).

 

R E C I T A L S

 

WHEREAS , the Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility to the Borrower;

 

WHEREAS , the Agent, the Issuing Lender (as defined below) and the Lenders desire to make available to the Borrower a revolving unsecured credit facility in the initial amount of $300,000,000.00, with a swingline subfacility in the amount of $30,000,000.00 and a $30,000,000.00 letter of credit subfacility, on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the recitals herein and mutual covenants agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION

 

§1.1                         Definitions .  The following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this Article I or elsewhere in the provisions of this Agreement referred to below:

 

Additional Commitment Request Notice .  See §2.8(a).

 

Additional Subsidiary Guarantor .  Each additional Subsidiary of the Borrower which is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity which becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to §5.10.  For the avoidance of doubt, SCA shall not be required to be structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity.

 

Affiliate .  An Affiliate, as applied to any Person, shall mean any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means (a) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the stock, shares, voting trust certificates, beneficial interest, partnership interests, member interests or other interests having voting power for the election of directors of such Person or otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise, or (b) the ownership of (i) a general partnership interest, (ii) a managing member’s or manager’s interest in a limited liability company or (iii) a limited partnership interest or preferred stock (or other ownership interest) representing ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding limited partnership interests, preferred stock or other ownership interests of such Person.

 



 

Agent .  KeyBank National Association, acting as administrative agent for the Lenders, its successors, and any replacement agent appointed pursuant to §12.9.

 

Agent’s Head Office .  The Agent’s head office located at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306, or at such other location as the Agent may designate from time to time by notice to the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

Agent’s Special Counsel .  McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP or such other counsel as selected by Agent.

 

Agreement .  This Credit Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto.

 

Agreement Regarding Fees .  That certain fee letter dated May 30, 2014 between the Borrower, Agent, Syndication Agent and Arrangers.

 

Applicable Margin .  On any date, the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans and Base Rate Loans shall be as set forth below based on the ratio of the Consolidated Total Indebtedness to the Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value:

 

 

Pricing Level

 

Ratio

 

LIBOR Rate
Loans

 

Base Rate
Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pricing Level 1

 

Less than 45%

 

1.75

%

0.75

%

 

 

Pricing Level 2

 

Greater than or equal to 45% but less than 50%

 

2.00

%

1.00

%

 

 

Pricing Level 3

 

Greater than or equal to 50% but less than 60%

 

2.25

%

1.25

%

 

 

Pricing Level 4

 

Greater than or equal to 60%

 

2.50

%

1.50

%

 

 

The initial Applicable Margin shall be at Pricing Level 3.  The Applicable Margin shall not be adjusted based upon such ratio, if at all, until the first day of the first month following the delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of the Compliance Certificate after the end of a calendar quarter.  In the event that the Borrower shall fail to deliver to the Agent a quarterly Compliance Certificate on or before the date required by §7.1(c), then, without limiting any other rights of the Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement, the Applicable Margin shall be at Pricing Level 4 until such failure is cured within any applicable cure period, or waived in writing by the Required Lenders, in which event the Applicable Margin shall adjust, if necessary, on the first day of the first month following receipt of such Compliance Certificate.

 

In the event that the Agent or the Borrower determine that any financial statements previously delivered were incorrect or inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “ Applicable Period ”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Period, then (a) the Borrower shall as soon as practicable deliver to the Agent the corrected financial statements for such Applicable Period, (b) the Applicable Margin shall be determined as if the Pricing Level for such higher Applicable Margin were applicable for such Applicable Period, and (c) the Borrower

 

2



 

shall within three (3) Business Days of demand thereof by the Agent pay to the Agent the accrued additional amount owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period, which payment shall be promptly applied by the Agent in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Appraisal .  An MAI appraisal of the value of an Unencumbered Pool Property or other Real Estate, determined on an “as-is” value basis, performed by an independent appraiser.

 

Appraised Value .  The “as-is” value of an Unencumbered Pool Property or other Real Estate determined by the most recent Appraisal of such Unencumbered Pool Property or other Real Estate, obtained pursuant to §5.9 or §9.1(l).

 

Arrangers .  Collectively KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, or any successor.

 

Assignment and Acceptance Agreement .  See §13.1.

 

Authorized Officer .  Any of the following officers of Borrower:  Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, or any Executive Vice President, and such other Persons as Borrower shall designate in a written notice to Agent.

 

Balance Sheet Date .  The date of the balance sheet of the Borrower most recently furnished to the Agent by the Borrower under this Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Code .  Title 11, U.S.C.A., as amended from time to time or any successor statute thereto.

 

Base Rate .  The greatest of (a) the fluctuating annual rate of interest announced from time to time by the Agent at the Agent’s Head Office as its “prime rate”, (b) one half of one percent (0.5%) above the Federal Funds Effective Rate, or (c) LIBOR for an Interest Period of one (1) month plus one percent (1%).  The Base Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate being charged to any customer.  Any change in the rate of interest payable hereunder resulting from a change in the Base Rate shall become effective as of the opening of business on the Business Day on which such change in the Base Rate becomes effective, without notice or demand of any kind.

 

Base Rate Loans .  Collectively, the Revolving Credit Loans bearing interest by reference to the Base Rate and the Swing Loans.

 

Borrower .  STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation.

 

Breakage Costs .  The cost to any Lender of re-employing funds bearing interest at LIBOR incurred (or reasonably expected to be incurred) in connection with (i) any payment of any portion of the Loans bearing interest at LIBOR prior to the termination of any applicable Interest Period, (ii) the conversion of a LIBOR Rate Loan to any other applicable interest rate on a date other than the last day of the relevant Interest Period, or (iii) the failure of the Borrower to draw down, on the first day of the applicable Interest Period, any amount as to which the Borrower has elected a LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

3



 

Building .  With respect to each Unencumbered Pool Property or other parcel of Real Estate, all of the buildings, structures and improvements now or hereafter located thereon.

 

Business Day .  Any day on which banking institutions located in the same city and State as the Agent’s Head Office are located are open for the transaction of banking business and, in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans, which also is a LIBOR Business Day.

 

Capitalized Lease .  A lease under which the discounted future rental payment obligations of the lessee or the obligor are required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Lease Obligations .  With respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any Capitalized Lease.

 

CERCLA .  The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended from time to time, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Change of Control .  A Change of Control shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)                                  any Person (including a Person’s Affiliates and associates) or group (as that term is understood under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder), shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of a percentage (based on voting power, in the event different classes of stock or voting interests shall have different voting powers) of the voting stock or voting interests of the Borrower equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of the then outstanding voting stock or voting interests of the Borrower (provided that prior to the occurrence of the IPO Event, this paragraph (a) shall not be deemed to have been violated solely in connection with the issuance of additional common shares of Borrower to any Person in connection with additional private placements); or

 

(b)                                  as of any date a majority of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Borrower consists of individuals who were not either (i) directors of the Borrower as of the corresponding date of the previous year, or (ii) selected or nominated to become directors by the Board of the Borrower of which a majority consisted of individuals described in clause (b)(i) above, or (iii) selected or nominated to become directors by the Board of the Borrower, which majority consisted of individuals described in clause (b)(i) above and individuals described in clause (b)(ii), above (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and (iii) above, any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any Person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the Board); or

 

(c)                                   the Borrower or any Guarantor consolidates with, is acquired by, or merges into or with any Person (other than a merger permitted by §8.6); or

 

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(d)                                  the Borrower fails to own, directly or indirectly, free of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, one hundred percent (100%) of the economic, voting and beneficial interest of SCA or fails to control all decisions of SCA; or

 

(e)                                   prior to the occurrence of the IPO Event, any two or more of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or any Executive Vice President of the Borrower shall cease to be an executive officer of the Borrower and a competent and experienced officer shall not be approved by, or a replacement proposal or strategy presented to and approved by, the Required Lenders within six (6) months of such event, which approval the Required Lenders shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay.

 

Provided that the terms of §7.21 are complied with, the occurrence of the IPO Event shall not constitute a Change of Control.

 

Closing Date .  The first date on which all of the conditions set forth in §9.1 have been satisfied.

 

Code .  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Collateral Account .  A special deposit account established by the Agent pursuant to §5.8 and under its sole dominion and control.

 

Commitment .  With respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto as the amount of such Lender’s Commitment to make or maintain Loans (other than Swing Loans) to the Borrower and to participate in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit, as the same may be changed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Commitment Increase .  An increase in the Total Commitment to not more than $500,000,000.00 pursuant to §2.8.

 

Commitment Increase Date .  See §2.8(a).

 

Commitment Percentage .  With respect to each Lender, the percentage set forth on Schedule 1.1 hereto as such Lender’s percentage of the aggregate Commitments of all of the Lenders, as the same may be changed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that if the Commitments of the Lenders have been terminated as provided in this Agreement, then the Commitment of each Lender shall be determined based on the Commitment Percentage of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

Compliance Certificate .  See §7.1(c).

 

Consolidated .  With reference to any term defined herein, that term as applied to the accounts of a Person and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated EBITDA .  With respect to any period, an amount equal to the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a Consolidated basis.

 

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Consolidated Fixed Charges .  On any date of determination for the period of four (4) fiscal quarters most recently ended, the sum of (a) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period (both expensed and capitalized), plus (b) all of the principal due and payable and principal paid with respect to Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period, other than any balloon, bullet or similar principal payment which repays such Indebtedness in full and any voluntary full or partial prepayments prior to stated maturity thereof, plus (c) all Preferred Distributions paid during such period, plus (d) the principal payment on any Capital Lease Obligations.  Such Person’s Equity Percentage in the fixed charges referred to above of its Unconsolidated Affiliates shall be included in the determination of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

 

Consolidated Interest Expense .  On any date of determination, without duplication, (a) total Interest Expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP for the period of determination, plus (b) such Person’s Equity Percentage of Interest Expense of its Unconsolidated Affiliates for such period.

 

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth .  The amount by which Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value exceeds Consolidated Total Indebtedness.

 

Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value .  As of any date of determination, the sum of the undepreciated value of all assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries  minus goodwill calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, provided that all real estate assets shall be valued at (a) undepreciated cost (minus any write downs or impairments) as determined in accordance with GAAP, or (b) in the event that Borrower has obtained (or as provided in this Agreement Agent has obtained) an Appraisal of Real Estate owned in fee simple by Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries, the Appraised Value thereof.  Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value will be adjusted to include an amount equal to Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ pro rata share (based upon such Person’s Equity Percentage in such Unconsolidated Affiliate) of the Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value attributable to the assets owned by such Unconsolidated Affiliate, calculated in the same manner as above.

 

Consolidated Total Indebtedness .  All Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a Consolidated basis and shall include (without duplication), such Person’s Equity Percentage of the Indebtedness of its Unconsolidated Affiliates.

 

Contract Interest Payments .  With respect to any period of determination and any Hybrid Mortgage or Qualified Note Receivable, the next scheduled monthly interest payment payable by the related borrower under the terms of the applicable loan documents.

 

Contract Rent .  With respect to any period of determination and any Lease, the fixed or “base” rent payment for each month that is actually payable by the related Tenant from time to time under the terms of such Lease (excluding any Percentage Rent, prepaid rents and security deposits), after giving effect to any provision of such Lease which applies to the applicable period of determination providing for periodic increases in such fixed or “base” rent by fixed percentages or dollar amounts or by percentages based on increases in the Consumer Price Index.  Contract Rent shall exclude rent from ancillary leases such as a billboards or cell towers.

 

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Contribution Agreement .  The Contribution Agreement dated as of even date herewith between the Borrower and the Guarantors (including each Additional Subsidiary Guarantor which may hereafter become a party thereto), as the same may be modified, amended or ratified from time to time.

 

Conversion/Continuation Request .  A notice given by the Borrower to the Agent of its election to convert or continue a Loan in accordance with §2.7.

 

Debt Service Coverage Amount .  At any time determined by Agent, an amount equal to the maximum principal loan amount which is payable at the greater of (a) interest at a rate per annum equal to the then-current annual yield on seven (7) year obligations issued by the United States Treasury most recently prior to the date of determination plus two hundred fifty (250) basis points (2.5%) and being amortized over a thirty (30) year period and (b) interest at a rate per annum equal to seven percent (7.0%) and being amortized over a thirty (30) year period, that would be payable by the monthly principal and interest payment amount resulting from dividing (a) Operating Cash Flow from the Unencumbered Pool Properties divided by 1.50, by (b) 12.  Attached hereto as Schedule 9 is an example of the calculation of Debt Service Coverage Amount (such example is meant only as an illustration based upon the assumptions set forth in such example, and shall not be interpreted so as to limit the Agent in its good faith determination of the Debt Service Coverage Amount hereunder).  The determination of the Debt Service Coverage Amount and the components thereof by the Agent shall, so long as the same shall be determined in good faith, be conclusive and binding absent demonstrable error.

 

Default .  See Article X.

 

Default Rate .  See §2.3(d).

 

Defaulted Loan .  An Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan with respect to which a default (other than a payment default) occurs, under or with respect to such Unencumbered Pool Asset, Intercompany Loan or related Lease, that materially and adversely affects the interests of Borrower or a Guarantor and that continues unremedied for the applicable grace period under the terms of such Loan or related Lease, as applicable (or, if no grace period is specified, for thirty-two (32) days).

 

Defaulting Lender .  Any Lender that, as reasonably determined by the Agent, (a) has failed to perform any of its funding obligations hereunder, including in respect of its Loans or participations in respect of Swing Loans or Letters of Credit, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder and such failure is continuing, unless such Lender notifies the Agent and the Borrower in writing of such Lender’s good faith determination that the Borrower has failed to satisfy a condition precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing), (b) has notified the Borrower, the Agent or any Lender that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or has made a public statement to that effect, unless with respect to this clause (b), such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or statement) cannot be satisfied, (c) has

 

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failed, within two (2) Business Days after request by the Agent, to confirm in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Agent that it will comply with its funding obligations; provided that, notwithstanding the provisions of §5.7, such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender upon the Agent’s receipt of confirmation that such Defaulting Lender will comply with its funding obligations, or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, conservatorship, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, receivership, rearrangement or similar debtor relief law of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect, including any law for the appointment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority as receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator or any similar capacity, (ii) had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such capacity, charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) taken any action in furtherance of, or indicated its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a governmental authority (including any agency, instrumentality, regulatory body, central bank or other authority) so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts of the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment of its assets or permit such Lender (or such governmental authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow, or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Person).  Any determination by the Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to §5.7(i)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

Delinquent Loan .  An Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan for which (a) any related loan payment or tenant lease payment has not been received on or before the date thirty-two (32) days after the date on which such payment is due pursuant to the related Unencumbered Pool Documents or Lease, as applicable, without regard to any grace period; provided, that a Delinquent Loan shall remain a Delinquent Loan until the related Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or related Tenant cures such delinquency and makes two (2) successive monthly payments on a timely basis, including any related grace period, or (b) any payment due on the scheduled maturity date of such Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan has not been received on or before the date on which such payment is due.

 

Derivatives Contract .  Any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement.  Not in limitation of the

 

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foregoing, the term “Derivatives Contract” includes any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement of similar type, including any such obligations or liabilities under any such master agreement.

 

Derivatives Termination Value .  In respect of any one or more Derivatives Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Derivatives Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Derivatives Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a) the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Derivatives Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Derivatives Contracts (which may include Chatham Financial, the Agent or any Lender).

 

Designated Person .  See §6.25.

 

Development Property .  Any Real Estate owned or acquired by Borrower or its Subsidiaries and on which such Person is pursuing construction of one or more buildings for commercial, single-tenant income producing properties and for which construction is proceeding to completion without undue delay from permit denial, construction delays or otherwise, all pursuant to the ordinary course of business of Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and remains less than one hundred percent (100%) leased to an unaffiliated third party.

 

Distribution .  Any (a) dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any Equity Interest of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter outstanding, except a dividend payable solely in Equity Interests of identical class to the holders of that class; (b) redemption, conversion, exchange, retirement, sinking fund or similar payment, purchase or other acquisition for value, direct or indirect, of any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter outstanding; and (c) payment made to retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to acquire any Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter outstanding, and (d) distributions permitted under §8.8(a).  Distributions from any Subsidiary of Borrower to Borrower shall be excluded from this definition.

 

Dollars or $ .  Dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

Domestic Lending Office .  Initially, the office of each Lender designated as such on Schedule 1.1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Lender, if any, located within the United States that will be making or maintaining Base Rate Loans.

 

Double Net Lease .  A Lease of all of the leasable area of an Unencumbered Pool Property under which the Tenant pays all operating expenses of the property, including, without limitation, insurance, taxes, maintenance and capital expenditures, except for certain limited maintenance or capital expenditure obligations (such as roof repairs) retained by the landlord under such Lease.

 

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Drawdown Date .  The date on which any Loan is made or is to be made, and the date on which any Loan which is made prior to the Maturity Date, as applicable, is converted in accordance with §2.7.

 

EBITDA .  With respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any period (without duplication):  (a) Net Income (or Loss) on a Consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP, exclusive of the following (but only to the extent included in determination of such Net Income (Loss)):  (i) depreciation and amortization expense; (ii) Interest Expense; (iii) income tax expense; (iv) acquisition closing costs for acquisitions closed during such period and extraordinary or non-recurring gains and losses (including, without limitation, gains and losses on the sale of assets) and distributions to minority owners); and (v) other non-cash items to the extent not actually paid as a cash expense; plus (b) such Person’s pro rata share of EBITDA of its Unconsolidated Affiliates as provided below.  With respect to Unconsolidated Affiliates, EBITDA attributable to such entities shall be excluded but EBITDA shall include a Person’s Equity Percentage of Net Income (or Loss) from such Unconsolidated Affiliates plus its Equity Percentage of (i) depreciation and amortization expense; (ii) Interest Expense; (iii) income tax expense; (iv) acquisition closing costs for acquisitions closed during such period and extraordinary or non-recurring gains and losses (including, without limitation, gains and losses on the sale of assets) and distributions to minority owners; and (v) other non-cash items to the extent not actually paid as a cash expense.

 

Employee Benefit Plan .  Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of §3(3) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by Borrower, any Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate, other than a Multiemployer Plan.

 

Environmental Laws .  Any judgment, decree, order, law, license, rule or regulation pertaining to human health or the pollution or protection of the environment or the release or discharge of any Hazardous Substances into the environment, including without limitation, those arising under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), CERCLA, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (“SARA”), the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or any state or local statute, regulation, ordinance, order or decree relating to the environment.

 

Equity Interests .  With respect to any Person, (i) any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person; (ii) any warrant, option or other right for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of (a) any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, or (b) any security convertible into or exchangeable for any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrant, right or option for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests) and whether or not such share, warrant, option, right or other interest is authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination; and (iii) any other ownership or profit interest in such Person (including, without limitation, partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting.

 

Equity Offering .  The issuance and sale after the Closing Date by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Interests of such Person (other than Equity Interests issued (i) to Borrower or any one or more of its Subsidiaries in its respective Subsidiaries, and (ii) in

 

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connection with the exercise by a present or former employee, officer or director under a stock incentive plan, stock option plan or other equity-based compensation plan or arrangement), and prior to the occurrence of the IPO Event, the contribution of additional equity or capital to Borrower.

 

Equity Percentage .  The aggregate ownership percentage of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in each Unconsolidated Affiliate, which shall be calculated as the greater of (a) the Borrower’s direct or indirect nominal capital ownership interest in the Unconsolidated Affiliate as set forth in the Unconsolidated Affiliate’s organizational documents, and (b) the Borrower’s direct or indirect economic ownership interest in the Unconsolidated Affiliate reflecting the Borrower’s current allocable share of income and expenses of the Unconsolidated Affiliate.

 

ERISA .  The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and in effect from time to time and all regulations and formal guidance issued thereunder.

 

ERISA Affiliate .  Any Person which is treated as a single employer with Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries under §414 of the Code or §4001 of ERISA and any predecessor entity of any of them.

 

ERISA Reportable Event .  A reportable event with respect to a Guaranteed Pension Plan within the meaning of §4043 of ERISA and the regulations promulgated thereunder as to which the requirement of notice has not been waived or any other event with respect to which Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate could have liability under §4062(e) or §4063 of ERISA.

 

Event of Default .  See Article X.

 

Excluded FATCA Tax .  Any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed on a Lender under FATCA, to the extent applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, that would not have been imposed but for a failure by a Lender (or any financial institution through which any payment is made to such Lender) to comply with the requirements of FATCA.

 

Existing Credit Agreements .  Collectively, (a) that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 21, 2012, among KeyBank, Agent, Borrower, and the other parties thereto, as amended, and (b) that certain Second Amended and Restated Master Repurchase Agreement dated as of October 24, 2013, among Alpine Securitization Corp., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, STORE SPE Warehouse Funding, LLC, SCA, and the other parties thereto, as amended.

 

Extension Request .  See §2.9(a).

 

FATCA .  Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate .  For any day, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland on such day as being the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions arranged by federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, as computed and announced by such Federal Reserve Bank in substantially the same manner as such Federal

 

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Reserve Bank computes and announces the weighted average it refers to as the “Federal Funds Effective Rate.”

 

Fronting Exposure .  At any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the Issuing Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the outstanding Letter of Credit Liabilities other than Letter of Credit Liabilities as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or cash collateral or other credit support acceptable to the Issuing Lender shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) with respect to the Swing Loan Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment Percentage of Swing Loans other than Swing Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders, repaid by the Borrower or for which cash collateral or other credit support acceptable to the Swing Loan Lender shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Funds from Operations .  With respect to any Person for any period, an amount equal to (a) the Net Income (or Loss) of such Person computed in accordance with GAAP, calculated without regard to (i) gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property during such period, and (ii) charges for impairment of real estate, plus (b) depreciation with respect to such Person’s real estate assets and amortization (other than amortization of deferred financing costs) of such Person for such period, plus (c) non-cash items (other than amortization of deferred financing costs, straight line rent and other above and below market rent adjustments), all after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  Adjustments for Unconsolidated Affiliates will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis.  Except as provided above, Funds from Operations shall be reported in accordance with NAREIT policies as amended from time to time.

 

Future Advance Property .  An Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan which otherwise satisfies the requirements of this Agreement to be treated as an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, but which provides for the future advance of funds to be used by a Tenant at the related Real Estate, which future advances are detailed in the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents, or if there are no Unencumbered Pool Documents, in a separate disbursement agreement with the Tenant, and which Future Advance Property satisfies all other requirements of this Agreement (including, without limitation, §7.20(a)(xviii) and §7.22) and is included by Borrower as an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan.

 

GAAP .  Principles that are (a) consistent with the principles promulgated or adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and its predecessors, as in effect from time to time and (b) except as a result of changes permitted in §7.5, consistently applied with past financial statements of the Person adopting the same principles.

 

Governmental Authority .  Any federal, state, county or municipal government, or political subdivision thereof, any governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, department, instrumentality, or public body, or any court, administrative tribunal, or public utility.

 

Ground Lease .  An unsubordinated ground lease pursuant to which an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner leases an Unencumbered Pool Property as to which no default or event of

 

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default has occurred or with the passage of time or the giving of notice would occur and containing the following terms and conditions:  (a) a remaining term (exclusive of any unexercised extension options) of thirty (30) years or more from the date of inclusion of such property in the Unencumbered Pool Assets; (b) the right of the lessee to mortgage and encumber its interest in the leased property without the consent of the lessor; (c) the obligation of the lessor to give the holder of any mortgage lien on such leased property written notice of any defaults on the part of the lessee and agreement of such lessor that such lease will not be terminated until such holder has had a reasonable opportunity to cure or complete foreclosure, and fails to do so; (d) reasonable transferability of the lessee’s interest under such lease, including the ability to sublease; and (e) such other rights customarily required by mortgagees making a loan secured by the interest of the holder of the leasehold estate demised pursuant to a ground lease.

 

Guaranteed Pension Plan .  Any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of §3(2) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate the benefits of which are guaranteed on termination in full or in part by the PBGC pursuant to Title IV of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer Plan.

 

Guarantors .  Collectively, SCA and the Subsidiary Guarantors, and individually any one of them.

 

Guaranty .  The Unconditional Guaranty of Payment and Performance dated of even date herewith made by SCA and the Subsidiary Guarantors which may hereafter become a party thereto in favor of the Agent and the Lenders, as the same may be modified, amended, restated or ratified.

 

Hazardous Substances .  Each and every element, compound, chemical mixture, contaminant, pollutant, toxic substance, oil, petroleum and petroleum byproduct, material, waste or other substance which is defined, determined or identified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term shall mean and include:

 

(a)                                  “hazardous substances” as defined under CERCLA;

 

(b)                                  “hazardous waste” and “regulated substances” as defined in RCRA and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

(c)                                   “hazardous materials” as defined in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder; and

 

(d)                                  “chemical substance or mixture” as defined in the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Hybrid Lease .  An Unencumbered Pool Property pursuant to which (a) the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner owns fee simple title to the Real Estate, the Tenant owns fee simple title to the Improvements on such Real Estate, and the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner leases such Real Estate to the Tenant, (b) such Tenant is the borrower under a Hybrid Mortgage from Borrower or a Guarantor  and which loan is secured by a first-priority mortgage on the Improvements and such Tenant’s interest in the ground lease of such Real Estate, and (c) the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner, if

 

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not a Guarantor, is the borrower under a loan from Borrower or a Guarantor and which loan is secured by a first-priority mortgage on the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner’s fee interest in the real estate and the lease to the Tenant.

 

Hybrid Lease Fee Owner .  A Guarantor or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower which is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity which owns fee simple title to a parcel of Real Estate in connection with Hybrid Lease.

 

Hybrid Mortgage .  A first-priority mortgage loan on the Improvements owned by the Tenant of a completed single-tenant commercial real estate property which is operationally essential to such Tenant, which includes, without limitation, such Tenant’s interest in the ground lease of such Real Estate.

 

Improvements .  All buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures now erected on, attached to, or used or adapted for use in the operation of any Real Estate or Unencumbered Pool Property.

 

Increase Notice .  See §2.8(a).

 

Indebtedness .  With respect to a Person, at the time of computation thereof, all of the following (without duplication):  (a) all obligations of such Person in respect of money borrowed (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business which is not more than ninety (90) days past due); (b) all obligations of such Person, whether or not for money borrowed (i) represented by notes payable, or drafts accepted, in each case representing extensions of credit, (ii) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or (iii) constituting purchase money indebtedness, conditional sales contracts, title retention debt instruments or other similar instruments, upon which interest charges are customarily paid or that are issued or assumed as full or partial payment for property or services rendered; (c) obligations of such Person as a lessee or obligor under a Capitalized Lease; (d) all reimbursement obligations of such Person under any letters of credit or acceptances (whether or not the same have been presented for payment); (e) all Off-Balance Sheet Obligations of such Person; (f) all obligations of such Person in respect of any purchase obligation (but excluding obligations to purchase Real Estate entered into in the ordinary course of business), repurchase obligation, takeout commitment (excluding commitments to fund construction or purchase real property upon the completion of construction in the ordinary course of business) or forward equity commitment, in each case evidenced by a binding agreement (excluding any such obligation to the extent the obligation can be satisfied solely by the issuance of Equity Interests); (g) net obligations under any Derivatives Contract not entered into as a hedge against existing Indebtedness, in an amount equal to the Derivatives Termination Value thereof; (h) all Indebtedness of other Persons which such Person has guaranteed or is otherwise recourse to such Person (except for guaranties of customary exceptions for fraud, misapplication of funds, environmental indemnities, violation of “special purpose entity” covenants, and other similar exceptions to recourse liability until a written claim is made with respect thereto, and then shall be included only to the extent of the amount of such claim), including liability of a general partner in respect of liabilities of a partnership in which it is a general partner which would constitute “Indebtedness” hereunder, any obligation to supply funds to or in any manner to invest directly or indirectly in a Person, to maintain working capital or equity capital of a Person or otherwise to maintain net worth,

 

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solvency or other financial condition of a Person, to purchase indebtedness, or to assure the owner of indebtedness against loss, including, without limitation, through an agreement to purchase property, securities, goods, supplies or services for the purpose of enabling the debtor to make payment of the indebtedness held by such owner or otherwise; (i) all Indebtedness of another Person secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property or assets owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness or other payment obligation; and (j) such Person’s pro rata share of the Indebtedness (based upon its Equity Percentage in such Unconsolidated Affiliates) of any Unconsolidated Affiliate of such Person.  “Indebtedness” shall be adjusted to remove any impact of intangibles pursuant to FAS 141, as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in June of 2001.  For the avoidance of doubt the obligations under any repurchase agreement shall constitute Indebtedness.  All Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities shall constitute Indebtedness of the Borrower.

 

Information Materials .  See §7.1.

 

Intercompany Loan .  Each of the loans related to an Unencumbered Pool Property included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets and which is made by Borrower or a Guarantor to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower that is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity, and which is secured by a first priority mortgage loan on the Unencumbered Pool Property which satisfies the conditions of §7.20 and which such mortgage loans are made pursuant to and are evidenced by Qualifying Intercompany Loan Documents.

 

Intercompany Revolver .  The unsecured revolving loan agreements between Borrower, as lender, and a Subsidiary of Borrower, as the borrower; provided that the borrower under such Intercompany Revolver shall also be a borrower under an Intercompany Loan and shall not be a Guarantor.

 

Interest Expense .  On any date of determination, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, without duplication, total interest expense accruing or paid on Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, during such period (including interest expense attributable to Capital Lease Obligations and amounts attributable to interest incurred under Derivatives Contracts), determined in accordance with GAAP, and including (without duplication) the Equity Percentage of Interest Expense for the Borrower’s Unconsolidated Affiliates.  Interest Expense shall not include non-cash interest expense, but includes capitalized interest not funded under a construction loan by the Borrower.

 

Interest Payment Date .  As to each Loan, the first (1 st ) day of each calendar month during the term of such Loan.

 

Interest Period .  With respect to each LIBOR Rate Loan (a) initially, the period commencing on the Drawdown Date of such LIBOR Rate Loan and ending one day, or one, two, three or six months (in each case, subject to availability) thereafter, and (b) thereafter, each period commencing on the day following the last day of the next preceding Interest Period applicable to such Loan and ending on the last day of one of the periods set forth above, as selected by the Borrower in a Loan Request or Conversion/Continuation Request; provided that all of the foregoing provisions relating to Interest Periods are subject to the following:

 

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(i)                                      if any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan would otherwise end on a day that is not a LIBOR Business Day, such Interest Period shall end on the next succeeding LIBOR Business Day, unless such next succeeding LIBOR Business Day occurs in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding LIBOR Business Day, as determined conclusively by the Agent in accordance with the then current bank practice in London;

 

(ii)                                   if the Borrower shall fail to give notice as provided in §2.7, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a continuation of the affected LIBOR Rate Loan as a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto;

 

(iii)                                any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the applicable calendar month; and

 

(iv)                               no Interest Period relating to any LIBOR Rate Loan shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

 

Investments .  With respect to any Person, all shares of capital stock, evidences of Indebtedness and other securities issued by any other Person and owned by such Person, all loans, advances, or extensions of credit to, or contributions to the capital of, any other Person, all purchases of the securities or business or integral part of the business of any other Person and commitments and options to make such purchases, all interests in real property, and all other investments; provided , however , that the term “Investment” shall not include (i) equipment, inventory and other tangible personal property acquired in the ordinary course of business, (ii) current trade and customer accounts receivable for services rendered in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance with customary trade terms, or (iii) operating Leases (of real or personal property) entered into by such Person in the ordinary course of business as a lessee.  In determining the aggregate amount of Investments outstanding at any particular time:  (a) there shall be included as an Investment all interest accrued with respect to Indebtedness constituting an Investment unless and until such interest is paid; (b) there shall be deducted in respect of each Investment any amount received as a return of capital; (c) there shall not be deducted in respect of any Investment any amounts received as earnings on such Investment, whether as dividends, interest or otherwise, except that accrued interest included as provided in the foregoing clause (a) shall be deducted when paid; and (d) the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value thereof.

 

IPO Event .  The initial public offering of stock in Borrower, the registration of the shares of Borrower on the New York Stock Exchange or another national exchange, and the registration of Borrower as a public company with the SEC.

 

Issuing Lender .  KeyBank, in its capacity as the Lender issuing the Letters of Credit, and any successor thereto.

 

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Joinder Agreement .  The Joinder Agreement with respect to the Guaranty and the Contribution Agreement to be executed and delivered pursuant to §5.10 by any Additional Subsidiary Guarantor, such Joinder Agreement to be substantially in the form of Exhibit J .

 

KeyBank .  As defined in the preamble hereto.

 

KCM .  KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. or any successor.

 

Land Assets .  Land to be developed as a commercial single-tenant income producing property with respect to which the commencement of grading, construction of improvements (other than improvements that are not material and are temporary in nature) or infrastructure has not yet commenced and for which no such work is reasonably scheduled to commence within the following twelve (12) months.

 

Lease .  Each lease entered into between an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner which owns Real Estate and a Tenant, and each lease from a Hybrid Lease Fee Owner to a Tenant in a Hybrid Lease structure, each as amended or restated.

 

Lenders .  KeyBank, the other lending institutions which are party hereto and any other Person which becomes an assignee of any rights of a Lender pursuant to this Agreement (but not including any participant as described in §13.4).  The Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender shall each be a Lender, as applicable.

 

Letter of Credit .  Any standby letter of credit issued at the request of the Borrower and for the account of the Borrower in accordance with Article III.

 

Letter of Credit Commitment .  An amount equal to Thirty Million and No/100 Dollars ($30,000,000.00), as the same may be changed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Letter of Credit Liabilities .  At any time and in respect of any Letter of Credit, the sum of (a) the maximum undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit plus (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all drawings made under such Letter of Credit which have not been repaid (including repayment by a Revolving Credit Loan).  For purposes of this Agreement, a Lender (other than the Lender acting as the Issuing Lender) shall be deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its participation interest in the related Letter of Credit under Article III, and the Lender acting as the Issuing Lender shall be deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its retained interest in the related Letter of Credit after giving effect to the acquisition by the Lenders other than the Lender acting as the Issuing Lender of their participation interests under Article III.

 

Letter of Credit Request .  See §3.1.

 

LIBOR .  For any LIBOR Rate Loan for any Interest Period, the average rate as shown in Reuters Screen LIBOR 01 Page (or any successor service, or if such Person no longer reports such rate as determined by Agent, by another commercially available source providing such quotations approved by Agent) at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by first class banks in the London Interbank Market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is

 

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two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period with a maturity approximately equal to such Interest Period and in an amount approximately equal to the amount to which such Interest Period relates, adjusted for reserves and taxes if required by future regulations.  If such service or such other Person approved by Agent described above no longer reports such rate or Agent determines in good faith that the rate so reported no longer accurately reflects the rate available to Agent in the London Interbank Market, Loans shall accrue interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for such Base Rate Loan.  For any period during which a Reserve Percentage shall apply, LIBOR with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans shall be equal to the amount determined above divided by an amount equal to 1 minus the Reserve Percentage.

 

LIBOR Business Day .  Any day on which commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in Dollar deposits) in London, England.

 

LIBOR Lending Office .  Initially, the office of each Lender designated as such on Schedule 1.1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Lender, if any, that shall be making or maintaining LIBOR Rate Loans.

 

LIBOR Rate Loans .  Those Loans bearing interest calculated by reference to LIBOR.

 

Lien .  See §8.3.

 

Loan Documents .  This Agreement, the Notes, the Guaranty, the Joinder Agreements, the Letter of Credit Requests, and all other documents, instruments or agreements now or hereafter executed or delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower or the Guarantors in connection with the Loans.

 

Loan Request .  See §2.1(c).

 

Loan and Loans .  An unsecured individual loan or the aggregate loans (including a Revolving Credit Loan and a Swing Loan (or Loans)), as the case may be, in the maximum principal amount of $300,000,000.00 (subject to increase in §2.8) to be made by the Lenders hereunder.  All Loans shall be made in Dollars.  Amounts drawn under Letters of Credit shall also be considered Revolving Credit Loans as provided in §3.6.

 

Majority Lenders .  As of any date, the Lender or Lenders whose aggregate Commitment Percentage is greater than fifty percent (50%) of the Total Commitment; provided that in determining said percentage at any given time, all then existing Defaulting Lenders will be disregarded and excluded and the Commitment Percentages of the Lenders shall be redetermined for voting purposes only to exclude the Commitment Percentages of such Defaulting Lenders.

 

Master Lease .  A master lease pursuant to which multiple Unencumbered Pool Properties or other parcels of Real Estate are leased.

 

Master Lease FCCR .  With respect to the fixed charge coverage ratio for the related Unencumbered Pool Properties subject to a Master Lease as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) the sum of the related Unencumbered Pool Properties’ (i) pre-tax income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) all non-cash amounts in respect of depreciation and amortization, (iv) all non-recurring expenses, (v) specifically documented discretionary management or corporate

 

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overhead fees, and (vi) all operating lease or rent expense (including with respect to any equipment loans) less (vii) all non-recurring income and normalized overhead based on estimated industry standards, for the related fiscal period, to (2) the sum of the related Unencumbered Pool Properties’ (i) total operating lease or rent expense, (ii) interest expense and (iii) scheduled principal payments on indebtedness payable in respect of such Unencumbered Pool Properties or obligor, in each case for the period of determination.

 

Material Adverse Effect .  A material adverse effect on (a) the business, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries considered as a whole; (b) the ability of the Borrower or any Guarantor to perform any of its material obligations under the Loan Documents; or (c) the validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents; or (d) the rights or remedies of Agent or the Lenders thereunder.

 

Material Renovation .  Any renovation or improvements (whether separately or as part of an overall plan or similar related renovation or improvements, even if not performed at the same time) which has resulted or is expected to result in a material adverse effect upon, or a complete stoppage for a period of thirty (30) days or more, of the core operating business at the property.

 

Maturity Date .  September 19, 2017, as such date may be extended as provided in §2.9, or such earlier date on which the Loans shall become due and payable pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

Moody’s .  Moody’s Investor Service, Inc.

 

Mortgage Note Receivables .  A mortgage loan on a completed single-tenant commercial real estate property which is operationally essential to such tenant, and which Mortgage Receivable includes, without limitation, the indebtedness secured by a related first priority security instrument.  A Hybrid Lease shall not be considered a Mortgage Note Receivable.

 

Multiemployer Plan .  Any multiemployer plan within the meaning of §3(37) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by Borrower, any Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

NAICS .  The North American Industry Classification System, as published by the Executive Office of the President Office of Management and Budget, United States 2012.

 

NAICS Industry Group .  Any “Industry Group” as defined by NAICS.

 

Net Income (or Loss) .  With respect to any Person (or any asset of any Person) for any period, the net income (or loss) of such Person (or attributable to such asset), determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Net Offering Proceeds .  The gross cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of an Equity Offering less the customary and reasonable costs, expenses and discounts paid by the Borrower or such Subsidiary in connection therewith.

 

Net Operating Income .  For any Unencumbered Pool Asset (other than an Unencumbered Pool Property relating to a Qualifying Note Receivable) and for a period of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (a) Contract Rent for such Unencumbered Pool Property, minus (b)

 

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all rents received from tenants or licensees in default of payment or other material obligations under their lease for thirty-two (32) days or more, or with respect to leases as to which the tenant or licensee or any guarantor thereunder is subject to any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar debtor relief proceeding (and that, with respect to tenants in bankruptcy, have not unconditionally and finally affirmed or assumed their lease in such bankruptcy proceeding or the Required Lenders otherwise consent in writing to include such amounts), and minus (c) unless otherwise agreed to by Agent in its sole discretion, if the Lease applicable to such Unencumbered Pool Property is a Double Net Lease, all expenses and costs paid or accrued by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries related to the maintenance, repair, operation or ownership of such Unencumbered Pool Property, plus (d) with respect to a Hybrid Mortgage, the Contract Interest Payments with respect thereto  during such period for the Hybrid Mortgage that is not a Delinquent Loan or a Defaulted Loan.  With respect to a Qualifying Note Receivable, Net Operating Income shall be an amount equal to Contract Interest Payments for such period for such Qualifying Note Receivable that is not a Delinquent Loan or a Defaulted Loan.

 

Non-Defaulting Lender .  At any time, any Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 

Non-Recourse Exclusions .  With respect to any Non-Recourse Indebtedness of any Person, any usual and customary exclusions from the non-recourse limitations governing such Indebtedness, including, without limitation, exclusions for claims that (i) are based on fraud, intentional or material misrepresentation, misapplication of funds, gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) result from intentional mismanagement of or waste at the Real Estate securing such Non-Recourse Indebtedness, (iii) arise from the presence of Hazardous Substances on the Real Estate securing such Non-Recourse Indebtedness; (iv) are the result of any unpaid real estate taxes and assessments (whether contained in a loan agreement, promissory note, indemnity agreement or other document); or (v) result from the borrowing Subsidiary and/or its assets becoming the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding.

 

Non-Recourse Indebtedness .  With respect to a Person, (a) Indebtedness in respect of which recourse for payment (except for Non-Recourse Exclusions until a claim is made with respect thereto, and then such Indebtedness shall not constitute Non-Recourse Indebtedness only to the extent of the amount of such claim) is contractually limited to specific assets of such Person encumbered by a Lien securing such Indebtedness or (b) if such Person is a Single Asset Entity, any Indebtedness of such Person.  A loan secured by multiple properties owned by Single Asset Entities shall be considered Non-Recourse Indebtedness of such Single Asset Entities even if such Indebtedness is cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized with the loans to such other Single Asset Entities.

 

Notes .  Collectively, the Revolving Credit Notes and the Swing Loan Note.

 

Notice .  See §14.1.

 

Obligations .  All indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to any of the Lenders or the Agent, individually or collectively, under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans, the Notes, the Letters of Credit or other instruments

 

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at any time evidencing any of the foregoing, whether existing on the date of this Agreement or arising or incurred hereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise.

 

OFAC .  Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury of the United States of America.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Obligations .  Liabilities and obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person in respect of “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act) which Borrower would be required to disclose in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of Borrower’s report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K (or their equivalents) which Borrower is required to file with the SEC or would be required to file if it were subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefor).

 

Operating Cash Flow .  For any period of determination, the Net Operating Income from an Unencumbered Pool Asset, annualized.

 

Outstanding .  With respect to the Loans, the aggregate unpaid principal thereof as of any date of determination.  With respect to Letters of Credit, the aggregate undrawn face amount of issued Letters of Credit.

 

Patriot Act .  The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as the same may be amended from time to time, and corresponding provisions of future laws.

 

PBGC .  The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation created by §4002 of ERISA and any successor entity or entities having similar responsibilities.

 

Permitted Liens .  Liens, security interests and other encumbrances permitted by §8.3.

 

Permitted Unsecured Debt .  Unsecured Debt, other than the Obligations under this Agreement, which is only an obligation of the Borrower and Guarantors in a principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000.00.

 

Person .  Any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, business, or other legal entity, and any government or any governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Plan Assets .  Assets of any employee benefit plan subject to Part 4, Subtitle B, Title I of ERISA.

 

Preferred Distributions.   For any period and without duplication, all Distributions paid, declared but not yet paid or otherwise due and payable during such period on Preferred Securities issued by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.  Preferred Distributions shall not include dividends or distributions: (a) paid or payable solely in Equity Interests of identical class

 

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payable to holders of such class of Equity Interests; (b) paid or payable to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; or (c) constituting or resulting in the redemption of Preferred Securities, other than scheduled redemptions not constituting balloon, bullet or similar redemptions in full.

 

Preferred Securities .  With respect to any Person, Equity Interests in such Person, which are entitled to preference or priority over any other Equity Interest in such Person in respect of the payment of dividends or distribution of assets upon liquidation, or both.

 

Prepayment .  Any voluntary or involuntary payment or prepayment of principal of an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, or any other event (including, without limitation, a casualty to or condemnation of an Unencumbered Pool Property) resulting in a prepayment of an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, or any other recovery or monetary return by or for Borrower or a Guarantor, whether directly, through a servicer or collateral agent, or otherwise, with respect to an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan.

 

Public Lender .  See §7.1.

 

Qualifying Intercompany Loan Documents .  In order to be Qualifying Intercompany Loan Documents, (a) the Intercompany Loan shall be originated by Borrower or a Guarantor consistent with the terms of this Agreement to SCA, SIC or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower which is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity; (b) such Intercompany Loan shall have a term (including any extension options) not later than the Maturity Date and the interest rate payable thereunder shall be not less than 6.0% per annum; (c) the Intercompany Loan shall be cross-defaulted to the Loan Documents in a manner acceptable to Agent, and (d) the Unencumbered Pool Documents shall be in a form approved by Agent.

 

Qualifying Note Receivable .  A Qualifying Note Receivable shall be either (a) a loan originated and owned by Borrower or a Guarantor to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Borrower that operates a commercial business and with whom Borrower or a Guarantor simultaneously enters into a sale-leaseback transaction, or (b) a loan originated and owned by Borrower or a Guarantor to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Borrower that operates a single-user commercial business from the real estate that is security for such loan, and which loan is secured by a first-priority mortgage in the related real estate and improvements, and which loans are in each case otherwise approved by Agent to be an Unencumbered Pool Asset.  For the avoidance of doubt, a Hybrid Lease shall not constitute a Qualifying Note Receivable.

 

Real Estate .  All real property and related improvements, including, without limitation, the Unencumbered Pool Properties, at the time of determination then owned or leased (as lessee or sublessee) in whole or in part or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or an Unconsolidated Affiliate of the Borrower and which is located in the United States of America or the District of Columbia.

 

Record .  The grid attached to any Note, or the continuation of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records, maintained by the Agent with respect to any Loan referred to in such Note.

 

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Recourse Indebtedness .  As of any date of determination, any Indebtedness (whether secured or unsecured) which is recourse to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.  Recourse Indebtedness shall not include Non-Recourse Indebtedness, but shall include any Non-Recourse Exclusions at such time a written claim is made with respect thereto.

 

Register .  See §13.2.

 

REIT Status .  With respect to a Person, its status as a real estate investment trust as defined in §856(a) of the Code.

 

Related Fund .  With respect to any Lender which is a fund that invests in loans, any Affiliate of such Lender or any other fund that invests in loans that is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such Lender or such investment advisor.

 

Required Lenders .  As of any date, the Lender or Lenders whose aggregate Commitment Percentage is equal to or greater than sixty-six and 7/10 percent (66.7%) of the Total Commitment; provided, that in determining said percentage at any given time, all then existing Defaulting Lenders will be disregarded and excluded and the Commitment Percentages of the Lenders shall be redetermined for voting purposes only to exclude the Commitment Percentages of such Defaulting Lenders.

 

Reserve Percentage .  For any Interest Period, that percentage which is specified three (3) Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) or any other Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over Agent or any Lender for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, but not limited to, any marginal reserve requirement) for Agent or any Lender with respect to liabilities constituting of or including (among other liabilities) Eurocurrency liabilities in an amount equal to that portion of the Loan affected by such Interest Period and with a maturity equal to such Interest Period.

 

Revolving Credit Loan or Loans .  An individual Revolving Credit Loan or the aggregate Revolving Credit Loans, as the case may be, in the maximum principal amount of $300,000,000.00 (subject to increase as provided in §2.8) to be made by the Revolving Credit Lenders hereunder as more particularly described in §2.1.  Without limiting the foregoing, Revolving Credit Loans shall also include Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to §3.6.

 

Revolving Credit Notes .  Promissory notes of the Borrower evidencing a Revolving Credit Loan as described in §2.1(b).

 

Sanctions Laws and Regulations .  Any sanctions, prohibitions or requirements imposed by any executive order or by any sanctions program administered by OFAC.

 

SCA .  STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

SEC .  The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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Secured Debt .  With respect to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as of any given date, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness of such Persons on a Consolidated basis outstanding at such date and that is secured in any manner by any Lien.

 

Securities Act .  The Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, together with all rules and regulations issued thereunder.

 

Single Asset Entity .  A bankruptcy remote, single purpose entity which is a Subsidiary of the Borrower and which is not an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or a Guarantor, which owns real property and related assets which are security for Indebtedness of such entity, and which Indebtedness does not constitute Indebtedness of any other Person except as provided in the definition of Non-Recourse Indebtedness (except for Non-Recourse Exclusions).

 

Single Tenant Limitation .  See §7.20(a)(xix).

 

S&P .  Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group.

 

State .  A state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia.

 

SIC .  STORE Investment Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

 

Subsidiary .  For any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which at least a majority of the securities or other ownership interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, and shall include all Persons the accounts of which are consolidated with those of such Person pursuant to GAAP.

 

Subsidiary Guarantors .  The Persons that are a party to the Guaranty (other than SCA) from time to time, including any and all Additional Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

Swing Loan .  See §2.2(a).

 

Swing Loan Commitment .  The sum of Thirty Million and No/100 Dollars ($30,000,000.00), as the same may be changed from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Swing Loan Lender .  KeyBank, in its capacity as Swing Loan Lender and any successor thereof.

 

Swing Loan Note .  A promissory note of the Borrower evidencing the Swing Loan as described in §2.2(b).

 

Syndication Agent .  Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as Syndication Agent.

 

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Tenant .  The tenant of an Unencumbered Pool Property pursuant to a Lease or sub-lease of such Unencumbered Pool Property, together with such tenant’s Affiliates and any guarantor of such tenant’s obligations under such Lease.  A Tenant shall include each tenant under a Hybrid Lease and their sublessees.

 

Titled Agents .  The Arrangers, any syndication or documentation agent, and any arranger or book runner.

 

Total Commitment .  The sum of the Commitments of the Lenders, as in effect from time to time.  As of the date of this Agreement, the Total Commitment is Three Hundred Million and No/100 Dollars ($300,000,000.00).  The Total Commitment may increase in accordance with §2.8.

 

Triple Net Lease .  A Lease of all of the leasable area of an Unencumbered Pool Property under which the Tenant pays all operating expenses of the property including, without limitation, insurance, taxes, maintenance and capital expenditures relating to such property.

 

Type .  As to any Loan, its nature as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

Unconsolidated Affiliate .  In respect of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any Person in whom the Borrower or Subsidiary holds an Investment, which Investment is accounted for in the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on an equity basis of accounting and whose financial results would not be consolidated under GAAP with the financial results of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with the full consolidation method of GAAP as of such date.

 

Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit .  The Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit for Unencumbered Pool Property included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets shall be the amount which is the sum of (a) the Appraised Values of each Unencumbered Pool Property as most recently determined under §5.9 or §9.1(l), as applicable, plus (b) the sum of the amounts funded by the Borrower or a Guarantor pursuant to or with respect to a Future Advance Property permitted by this Agreement subsequent to the date of the most recent Appraisal in the foregoing clause (a) and not contemplated or reflected in the Appraised Value.

 

Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner .  With respect to:

 

(a)                                  each Unencumbered Pool Property that is not subject to a Qualifying Note Receivable or Hybrid Lease, a Guarantor or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower that is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity;

 

(b)                                  each Unencumbered Pool Property that is subject to a Qualifying Note Receivable, the borrower or maker of such loan approved by Agent or the Borrower or Guarantor which is the holder of such loan, as the context permits or requires; and

 

(c)                                   each Hybrid Lease, collectively, the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner and the Tenant which is the owner of the related Improvements.

 

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Unencumbered Pool Asset Schedule .  The list of Unencumbered Pool Assets delivered by Borrower to the Agent in the form of, and containing the information required by, Schedule 10.

 

Unencumbered Pool Assets .  Collectively, Unencumbered Pool Properties, Hybrid Leases and Qualifying Note Receivables which satisfy all conditions set forth in §7.20(a) to be included in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability and which are included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability pursuant to §7.20, minus any Unencumbered Pool Properties, Hybrid Leases and Qualifying Note Receivables subsequently removed pursuant to §7.20(b), (c) and (d) of this Agreement. The initial Unencumbered Pool Assets are described in Schedule 1.2 hereto.

 

Unencumbered Pool Availability .  Subject to the other terms of this definition, the amount which is the sum of:

 

(a)                                  with respect to each Qualifying Note Receivable, fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding principal balance of such Qualifying Note Receivable; plus

 

(b)                                  with respect to Unencumbered Pool Properties that are not subject to a Qualifying Note Receivable, the lowest of (i) fifty percent (50%) of the Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit for such Unencumbered Pool Properties, or if there is no Appraisal for such property, fifty percent (50%) of the undepreciated book value of such Unencumbered Pool Properties as determined in accordance with GAAP, and (ii) the Debt Service Coverage Amount; provided that notwithstanding the forgoing, for Unencumbered Pool Properties that are Hybrid Leases, the Unencumbered Pool Availability shall be the lowest of (i) fifty percent (50%) of the Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit for such Unencumbered Pool Properties (excluding the Improvements), or if there is no Appraisal for such property, fifty percent (50%) of the undepreciated book value of such Unencumbered Pool Properties (excluding the Improvements) as determined in accordance with GAAP, plus the outstanding principal balance of the Hybrid Mortgage, and (ii) the Debt Service Coverage Amount.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that any Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, as applicable, shall be a Delinquent Loan or a Defaulted Loan then the book value of the related Unencumbered Pool Property, the Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit, Operating Cash Flow and principal balance with respect thereto shall be deemed to be zero, such that such Unencumbered Pool Asset, Operating Cash Flow and principal balance thereof as applicable, shall contribute $0 to the Unencumbered Pool Availability.  In no event shall the amount attributable to the Unencumbered Pool Availability from any Unencumbered Pool Property subject to an Intercompany Loan, Hybrid Lease or Qualifying Note Receivable  exceed the outstanding principal balance of such Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, as applicable.

 

Unencumbered Pool Certificate .  See §7.1(d).

 

Unencumbered Pool Documents .  Originals of all documents, instruments, agreements, assignments and certificates, including without limitation, any and all loan or credit agreements, notes, allonges or endorsements, master loan agreements, mortgages, assignments of leases and rents, security agreements, pledge agreements, assignments of contracts, environmental

 

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indemnities, guaranties, mortgagee’s title insurance policies, opinions of counsel, evidences of authorization or incumbency, escrow instructions and UCC-1 financing statements, evidencing, securing or otherwise relating to an Intercompany Loan, Hybrid Lease or Qualifying Note Receivable with respect to an Unencumbered Pool Asset, as the same may be amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, the Unencumbered Pool Documents shall include each of the foregoing unless otherwise approved by Agent.

 

Unencumbered Pool Property or Unencumbered Pool Properties .  At the time of determination, the Real Estate satisfying the terms of §7.20 owned or leased pursuant to a Ground Lease, by an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner (and Hybrid Lease Fee Owner, as applicable), and collectively, all of them.  In the case of a Hybrid Lease, the Unencumbered Pool Property shall include the fee ownership or ground lease interest in the land and the Improvements secured by the Hybrid Mortgage.

 

Unencumbered Pool Qualification Documents .  See Schedule 1.3 attached hereto.

 

Unit-Level FCCR .  With respect to the fixed charge coverage ratio for any Unencumbered Pool Property as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) the sum of the unit’s (i) pre-tax income, (ii) interest expense, (iii) all non-cash amounts in respect of depreciation and amortization, (iv) all non-recurring expenses, (v) specifically documented discretionary management or corporate overhead fees, and (vi) all operating lease or rent expense (including with respect to any equipment loans) less (vii) all non-recurring income and normalized overhead based on estimated industry standards for the related fiscal period, to (2) the sum of the unit’s (i) total operating lease or rent expense, (ii) interest expense and (iii) scheduled principal payments on indebtedness payable in respect of the unit or obligor, in each case for the period of determination.

 

Unsecured Debt .  Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries outstanding at any time which is not Secured Indebtedness.

 

UPREIT Structure .  See §7.23.

 

Weighted Average Aggregate FCCR .  The fixed charge coverage ratio calculated by weighting Unit-Level FCCR or Master Lease FCCR, as applicable, by the Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit of the related Unencumbered Pool Property (or if there is no Appraisal for such Unencumbered Pool Property, then by the undepreciated book value of such Unencumbered Pool Property determined in accordance with GAAP).

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary .  As to the Borrower, any Subsidiary of Borrower that is directly or indirectly owned 100% by the Borrower.

 

§1.2                         Rules of Interpretation .

 

(a)                                  A reference to any document or agreement shall include such document or agreement as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(b)                                  The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular.

 

(c)                                   A reference to any law includes any amendment or modification of such law.

 

(d)                                  A reference to any Person includes its permitted successors and permitted assigns.

 

(e)                                   Accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them by GAAP applied on a consistent basis by the accounting entity to which they refer.

 

(f)                                    The words “include”, “includes” and “including” are not limiting.

 

(g)                                   The words “approval” and “approved”, as the context requires, means an approval in writing given to the party seeking approval after full and fair disclosure to the party giving approval of all material facts necessary in order to determine whether approval should be granted.

 

(h)                                  All terms not specifically defined herein or by GAAP, which terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York, have the meanings assigned to them therein.

 

(i)                                      Reference to a particular “§”, refers to that section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

 

(j)                                     The words “herein”, “hereof”, “hereunder” and words of like import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or subdivision of this Agreement.

 

(k)                                  In the event of any change in GAAP after the date hereof or any other change in accounting procedures pursuant to §7.5 which would materially affect the computation of any financial covenant, ratio or other requirement set forth in any Loan Document, then upon the request of the Borrower or Agent, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Lenders shall negotiate promptly, diligently and in good faith in order to amend the provisions of the Loan Documents such that such financial covenant, ratio or other requirement shall continue to provide substantially the same financial tests or restrictions of the Borrower and the Guarantors as in effect prior to such accounting change, as determined by the Majority Lenders in their good faith judgment.  Until such time as such amendment shall have been executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Majority Lenders, such financial covenants, ratio and other requirements, and all financial statements and other documents required to be delivered under the Loan Documents, shall be calculated and reported as if such change had not occurred.

 

(l)                                      Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification

 

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or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at “fair value”, as defined therein, and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof

 

(m)                              To the extent that any of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document are qualified by “Material Adverse Effect” or any other materiality qualifier, then the qualifier “in all material respects” contained in §2.8(d)(iii), §2.9(d), §7.20(a)(xxv)(C), §9.1(h) and §9.2(b) shall not apply solely with respect to any such representations and warranties.

 

(n)                                  Any Tenant that is not operating from an Unencumbered Pool Property as permitted by §7.20(a)(xviii)(B) shall be excluded from the calculation of the covenant set forth in §8.1(e) until such time as the first to occur of (i) the date that the applicable Tenant commences any operations from the applicable Unencumbered Pool Property, and (ii) the date that is thirty (30) days after the issuance of any certificate of occupancy for the applicable Unencumbered Pool Property after substantial completion of the applicable construction described in §7.20(a)(xviii)(B).

 

ARTICLE II
THE CREDIT FACILITY

 

§2.1                         Revolving Credit Loans .

 

(a)                                  Making of Revolving Credit Loans .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the Lenders severally agrees to lend to the Borrower, and the Borrower may borrow (and repay and reborrow) from time to time between the Closing Date and the Maturity Date upon notice by the Borrower to the Agent given in accordance with §2.1(c), such sums as are requested by the Borrower for the purposes set forth in §7.19 up to a maximum aggregate principal amount outstanding (after giving effect to all amounts requested) at any one time equal to the lesser of (i) the sum of such Lender’s Commitment and (ii) such Lender’s Percentage of the sum of (A) the Unencumbered Pool Availability minus (B) the sum of the amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities and the Unsecured Debt; provided , that, in all events no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and provided , further , that the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans (after giving effect to all amounts requested), Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities shall not at any time exceed the Total Commitment, and the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans (after giving effect to all amounts requested), Swing Loans, Letter of Credit Liabilities and the Unsecured Debt shall not at any time cause a violation of the covenants set forth in §8.1(a).  The Revolving Credit Loans shall be made pro rata in accordance with each Lender’s Commitment Percentage.  Each request for a Revolving Credit Loan hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that all of the conditions required of the Borrower set forth in §9.1 and §9.2 have been satisfied on the date of such request.  The Agent may assume that the conditions in §9.1 and §9.2 have been satisfied

 

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unless it receives prior written notice from a Lender that such conditions have not been satisfied.  No Lender shall have any obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower in the maximum aggregate principal outstanding balance of more than the principal face amount of its Revolving Credit Note.

 

(b)                                  Revolving Credit Notes .  The Revolving Credit Loans shall be evidenced by separate promissory notes of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Revolving Credit Notes”), dated of even date with this Agreement (except as otherwise provided in §13.3) and completed with appropriate insertions.  One Revolving Credit Note shall be payable to the order of each Lender in the principal amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment or, if less, the outstanding amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender, plus interest accrued thereon, as set forth below.  The Borrower irrevocably authorizes Agent to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Revolving Credit Loan or the time of receipt of any payment of principal thereof, an appropriate notation on Agent’s Record reflecting the making of such Revolving Credit Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment.  The outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans set forth on Agent’s Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to each Lender, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on Agent’s Record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under any Revolving Credit Note to make payments of principal of or interest on any Revolving Credit Note when due.

 

(c)                                   Requests for Revolving Credit Loans .  Except with respect to the initial Revolving Credit Loan on the Closing Date, the Borrower shall give to the Agent written notice executed by an Authorized Officer in the form of Exhibit D hereto (or telephonic notice confirmed in writing in the form of Exhibit D hereto) of each Revolving Credit Loan requested hereunder (a “Loan Request”) by 2:00 p.m. (Cleveland time) one (1) Business Day prior to the proposed Drawdown Date with respect to Base Rate Loans and three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed Drawdown Date with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans.  Each such notice shall specify with respect to the requested Revolving Credit Loan the proposed principal amount of such Revolving Credit Loan, the Type of Revolving Credit Loan, the initial Interest Period (if applicable) for such Revolving Credit Loan and the Drawdown Date.  Each such notice shall also contain (i) a general statement as to the purpose for which such advance shall be used (which purpose shall be in accordance with the terms of §7.19) and (ii) a certification by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Borrower that the Borrower and the Guarantors are and will be in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Documents after giving effect to the making of such Revolving Credit Loan.  Promptly upon receipt of any such notice, the Agent shall notify each of the Lenders thereof.  Each such Loan Request shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower and shall obligate the Borrower to accept the Revolving Credit Loan requested from the Lenders on the proposed Drawdown Date.  Nothing herein shall prevent the Borrower from seeking recourse against any Lender that fails to advance its proportionate share of a requested Revolving Credit Loan as required by this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Funding of Revolving Credit Loans .  Not later than 1:00 p.m. (Cleveland time) on the proposed Drawdown Date of any Revolving Credit Loans, each of the Lenders, will make available to the Agent, at the Agent’s Head Office, in immediately available funds, the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the amount of the requested Loans which

 

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may be disbursed pursuant to §2.1(a).  Upon receipt from each such Lender of such amount, and upon receipt of the documents required by §9.1 and §9.2 and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth therein, to the extent applicable, the Agent will make available to the Borrower the aggregate amount of such Revolving Credit Loans made available to the Agent by the Lenders, as applicable, by crediting such amount to the account of the Borrower maintained at the Agent’s Head Office.  The failure or refusal of any Lender to make available to the Agent at the aforesaid time and place on any Drawdown Date the amount of its Commitment Percentage of the requested Loans shall not relieve any other Lender from its several obligation hereunder to make available to the Agent the amount of such other Lender’s Commitment Percentage of any requested Loans, including any additional Revolving Credit Loans that may be requested subject to the terms and conditions hereof to provide funds to replace those not advanced by the Lender so failing or refusing.

 

(e)                                   Assumptions Regarding Funding by Lenders .  Unless the Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the applicable Drawdown Date that such Lender will not make available to Agent such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of a proposed Loan, Agent may in its discretion assume that such Lender has made such Loan available to Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Agent may, if it chooses, in reliance upon such assumption make such Loan available to the Borrower, and such Lender shall be liable to the Agent for the amount of such advance.  If such Lender does not pay such corresponding amount upon the Agent’s demand therefor, the Agent will promptly notify the Borrower, and the Borrower shall promptly pay such corresponding amount to the Agent.  The Agent shall also be entitled to recover from the Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the Agent to the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the Agent at a per annum rate equal to (i) from the Borrower at the applicable rate for such Loan or (ii) from a Lender at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

 

(f)                                    Minimum Amount of Loan Requests .  Each Loan Request shall be (a) for a Base Rate Loan in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $100,000.00 in excess thereof; or (b) for a LIBOR Rate Loan in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $250,000.00 in excess thereof; provided, however, that there shall be no more than fifteen (15) LIBOR Rate Loans outstanding at any one time.

 

§2.2                         Swing Loan Commitment .

 

(a)                                  Making of Swing Loans .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Swing Loan Lender agrees to lend to the Borrower (the “Swing Loans”), and the Borrower may borrow (and repay and reborrow) from time to time between the Closing Date and the date which is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date upon notice by the Borrower to the Swing Loan Lender given in accordance with this §2.2, such sums as are requested by the Borrower for the purposes set forth in §7.19 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not exceeding the Swing Loan Commitment; provided that in all events (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (ii) the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans (after giving effect to all amounts requested) and Letter of Credit Liabilities shall not at any time exceed the lesser of (A) the Total Commitment or (B) the Unencumbered Pool Availability minus the outstanding principal

 

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amount of the Unsecured Debt and (iii) the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans (after giving effect to all amounts requested), Letter of Credit Liabilities and Unsecured Debt shall not at any time cause a violation of the covenants set forth in §8.1(a).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this §2.2, the Swing Loan Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swing Loan at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless the Swing Loan Lender is satisfied that the participation therein will otherwise be fully allocated to the Lenders that are Non-Defaulting Lenders consistent with §5.7(c) and the Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein, except to the extent the Swing Loan Lender has entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender that are satisfactory to the Swing Loan Lender in its good faith determination to eliminate the Swing Loan Lender’s Fronting Exposure with respect to any such Defaulting Lender, including the delivery of cash collateral.  Swing Loans shall constitute “Revolving Credit Loans” for all purposes hereunder.  The funding of a Swing Loan hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that all of the conditions set forth in §9.1 and §9.2 have been satisfied on the date of such funding.  The Swing Loan Lender may assume that the conditions in §9.1 and §9.2 have been satisfied unless Swing Loan Lender has received written notice from a Lender that such conditions have not been satisfied.  Each Swing Loan shall be due and payable within five (5) Business Days of the date such Swing Loan was provided and the Borrower hereby agrees (to the extent not repaid as contemplated by §2.2(d) below) to repay each Swing Loan on or before the date that is five (5) Business Days from the date such Swing Loan was provided.  A Swing Loan may not be refinanced with another Swing Loan.

 

(b)                                  Swing Line Notes .  The Swing Loans shall be evidenced by a separate promissory note of the Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto (the “Swing Loan Note”), dated the date of this Agreement and completed with appropriate insertions.  The Swing Loan Note shall be payable to the order of the Swing Loan Lender in the principal face amount equal to the Swing Loan Commitment and shall be payable as set forth below.  The Borrower irrevocably authorizes the Swing Loan Lender to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the Drawdown Date of any Swing Loan or at the time of receipt of any payment of principal thereof, an appropriate notation on the Swing Loan Lender’s Record reflecting the making of such Swing Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment.  The outstanding amount of the Swing Loans set forth on the Swing Loan Lender’s Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount thereof owing and unpaid to the Swing Loan Lender, but the failure to record, or any error in so recording, any such amount on the Swing Loan Lender’s Record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Swing Loan Note to make payments of principal of or interest on any Swing Loan Note when due.

 

(c)                                   Requests for Swing Loans .  The Borrower shall request a Swing Loan by delivering to the Swing Loan Lender a Loan Request executed by an Authorized Officer no later than 2:00 p.m. (Cleveland time) on the requested Drawdown Date specifying the amount of the requested Swing Loan (which shall be in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00) and providing the wire instructions for the delivery of the Swing Loan proceeds.  The Loan Request shall also contain the statements and certifications required by §2.1(c)(i) and (ii).  Each such Loan Request shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower and shall obligate the Borrower to accept such Swing Loan on the Drawdown Date.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Swing Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan and shall bear interest at the Base Rate plus the Applicable

 

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Margin for Base Rate Loans.  The proceeds of the Swing Loan will be disbursed by wire by the Swing Loan Lender to the Borrower no later than 4:00 p.m. (Cleveland time).

 

(d)                                  Funding of Swing Loans .  The Swing Loan Lender shall, within two (2) Business Days after the Drawdown Date with respect to such Swing Loan, request each Lender, including the Swing Loan Lender, to make a Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to §2.1 in an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the amount of the Swing Loan outstanding on the date such notice is given.  In the event that the Borrower does not notify the Agent in writing otherwise on or before 2:00 p.m. (Cleveland Time) on the Business Day of the Drawdown Date with respect to such Swing Loan, Agent shall notify the Lenders that such Loan shall be a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one (1) month, provided that the making of such LIBOR Rate Loan will not be in contravention of any other provision of this Agreement, or if the making of a LIBOR Rate Loan would be in contravention of this Agreement, then such notice shall indicate that such loan shall be a Base Rate Loan.  The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs the Swing Loan Lender to so act on its behalf, and agrees that any amount advanced to the Agent for the benefit of the Swing Loan Lender pursuant to this §2.2(d) shall be considered a Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to §2.1.  Unless any of the events described in paragraph (f) or (g) of §10.1 shall have occurred (in which event the procedures of §2.2(e) shall apply), each Lender shall make the proceeds of its Revolving Credit Loan available to the Swing Loan Lender for the account of the Swing Loan Lender at the Agent’s Head Office prior to 12:00 noon (Cleveland time) in funds immediately available no later than the third (3rd) Business Day after the date such notice is given just as if the Lenders were funding directly to the Borrower, so that thereafter such Obligations shall be evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes.  The proceeds of such Revolving Credit Loan shall be immediately applied to repay the Swing Loans.

 

(e)                                   Participations of Swing Loans .

 

(i)                                      If for any reason a Swing Loan cannot be refinanced by a Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to §2.2(d), each Lender will, on the date such Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to §2.2(d) was to have been made, purchase an undivided participation interest in the Swing Loan in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of such Swing Loan.  Each Lender will immediately transfer to the Swing Loan Lender in immediately available funds the amount of its participation and upon receipt thereof the Swing Loan Lender will deliver to such Lender a Swing Loan participation certificate dated the date of receipt of such funds and in such amount.

 

(ii)                                   Whenever at any time after the Swing Loan Lender has received from any Lender such Lender’s participation interest in a Swing Loan, the Swing Loan Lender receives any payment on account thereof, the Swing Loan Lender will distribute to such Lender its participation interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted in the case of interest payments to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s participating interest was outstanding and funded); provided , however , that in the event that such payment received by the Swing Loan Lender is required to be returned, such Lender will return to the Swing Loan Lender any portion thereof previously distributed by the Swing Loan Lender to it.

 

(f)                                    Obligation Unconditional .  Each Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan as provided in §2.2(d) or to purchase participation interests pursuant to §2.2(e) shall be absolute and

 

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unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including, without limitation, (i) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or the Borrower or the Guarantors may have against the Swing Loan Lender, the Borrower, the Guarantors or anyone else for any reason whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or an Event of Default; (iii) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries; (iv) any breach of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents by the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Lender; or (v) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.  Any portions of a Swing Loan not so purchased or converted may be treated by the Agent and Swing Loan Lender as against such Lender as a Revolving Credit Loan which was not funded by the non-purchasing Lender, thereby making such Lender a Defaulting Lender.  Each Swing Loan, once so sold or converted, shall cease to be a Swing Loan for the purposes of this Agreement, but shall be a Revolving Credit Loan made by each Lender under its Commitment.

 

§2.3                         Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans .

 

(a)                                  Interest Rates .  The Borrower promises to pay the Agent for the account of each Lender interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan made by such Lender at the following per annum rates:

 

(i)                                      Each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest for the period commencing with the Drawdown Date thereof and to but excluding the date on which such Base Rate Loan is repaid or converted to a LIBOR Rate Loan at the rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans.

 

(ii)                                   Each LIBOR Rate Loan shall bear interest for the period commencing with the Drawdown Date thereof to but excluding the last day of each Interest Period with respect thereto at the rate per annum equal to the sum of LIBOR determined for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans.

 

(iii)                                Base Rate Loans and LIBOR Rate Loans may be converted to Loans of the other Type as provided in §2.7.

 

(b)                                  Payment of Interest .  All accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding principal amount of each Loan shall be payable (i) monthly in arrears on the Interest Payment Date with respect thereto, commencing with the first Interest Payment Date occurring after the Closing Date and (ii) on any date on which the principal balance of such Loan is due and payable in full (whether at maturity, due to acceleration or otherwise).  Interest payable at the Default Rate shall be payable from time to time on demand.  All determinations by the Agent of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding on the Lenders and the Borrower for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

(c)                                   Additional Interest .  If any LIBOR Rate Loan or any portion thereof is repaid or is converted to a Base Rate Loan for any reason on a date which is prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan, or if repayment of the Loans has been accelerated as provided in §10.2, or if the Borrower fails to draw down on the first day of

 

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the applicable Interest Period any amount as to which Borrower has elected a LIBOR Rate Loan, the Borrower will pay to the Agent upon demand for the account of the applicable Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages (or to the Swing Loan Lender with respect to a Swing Loan), in addition to any amounts of interest otherwise payable hereunder, the Breakage Costs.  The Borrower understands, agrees and acknowledges the following:  (i) no Lender has any obligation to purchase, sell and/or match funds in connection with the use of LIBOR as a basis for calculating the rate of interest on a LIBOR Rate Loan; (ii) LIBOR is used merely as a reference in determining such rate; and (iii) the Borrower has accepted LIBOR as a reasonable and fair basis for calculating such rate and any Breakage Costs.  The Borrower further agrees to pay the Breakage Costs, if any, whether or not a Lender elects to purchase, sell and/or match funds.

 

(d)                                  Default Rate .  Following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, and regardless of whether or not the Agent or the Lenders shall have accelerated the maturity of the Loans, all Loans shall bear interest payable on demand at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans plus two percent (2.0%) (the “Default Rate”), until such amount shall be paid in full (after as well as before judgment), and the fee payable with respect to Letters of Credit shall be increased to a rate equal to two percent (2.0%) above the Letter of Credit fee that would otherwise be applicable at such time, or if such amount shall exceed the maximum rate permitted by law, then at the maximum rate permitted by law.

 

§2.4                         Repayment of Principal.

 

(a)                                  Stated Maturity .  The Borrower promises to pay on the Maturity Date and there shall become absolutely due and payable on the Maturity Date all of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities Outstanding on such date, together with any and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

(b)                                  Mandatory Prepayments .  If at any time the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans and the Swing Loans and the Letter of Credit Liabilities exceeds the lesser of (A) the Total Commitment or (B) the Unencumbered Pool Availability minus the outstanding principal amount of the Unsecured Debt, then the Borrower shall, within five (5) Business Days of such occurrence, pay the amount of such excess to the Agent for the respective accounts of the Lenders for application to the Revolving Credit Loans as provided in §2.4(d), together with any additional amounts payable pursuant to §2.3(c), except that the amount of any Swing Loans shall be paid solely to the Swing Loan Lender.

 

(c)                                   Optional Prepayments .

 

(i)                                      The Borrower shall have the right, at its election, to prepay the outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Loans, as a whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium; provided, that if any prepayment of the outstanding amount of any LIBOR Rate Loans pursuant to this §2.4(c) is made on a date that is not the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto, such prepayment shall be accompanied by the payment of any amounts due pursuant to §2.3(c).

 

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(ii)                                   The Borrower shall give the Agent, no later than 1:00 p.m. (Cleveland time) at least three (3) days prior written notice of any prepayment pursuant to this §2.4(c), in each case specifying the proposed date of prepayment of the Loans and the principal amount to be prepaid (provided that any such notice may be revoked or modified upon one (1) day’s prior notice to the Agent).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no prior notice shall be required for the prepayment of any Swing Loan.

 

(d)                                  Partial Prepayments .  Each partial prepayment of the Loans under §2.4(c) shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $100,000.00 in excess thereof, shall be accompanied by the payment of accrued interest on the principal prepaid to the date of payment.  Each partial payment under §2.4(b) and §2.4(c) shall be applied first to the principal of any Outstanding Swing Loans, then, in the absence of instruction by the Borrower and then to the principal of Revolving Credit Loans (and with respect to each category of Loans, first to the principal of Base Rate Loans, and then to the principal of LIBOR Rate Loans).

 

(e)                                   Effect of Prepayments .  Amounts of the Revolving Credit Loans prepaid under §2.4(b) and §2.4(c) prior to the Maturity Date may be reborrowed as provided in Article II.

 

§2.5                         Facility Unused Fee .  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders (other than a Defaulting Lender for such period of time as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender) in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages a facility unused fee calculated at the rate per annum of 0.25% on the average daily amount by which the Total Commitment exceeds the outstanding principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans and the face amount of Letters of Credit Outstanding during each calendar quarter or portion thereof commencing on the date hereof and ending on the Maturity Date.  The facility unused fee shall be calculated for each day based on the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (a) the average daily amount of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans and the face amount of Letters of Credit Outstanding during such quarter to (b) the Total Commitment.  The facility unused fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the first (1st) day of each calendar quarter for the immediately preceding calendar quarter or portion thereof, and on any earlier date on which the Commitments shall be reduced or shall terminate as provided in §2.10, with a final payment on the Maturity Date.

 

§2.6                         Other Fees .  The Borrower agrees to pay to KeyBank, Syndication Agent, Agent and Arrangers for their own account certain fees for services rendered or to be rendered in connection with the Loans as provided pursuant to the Agreement Regarding Fees.  All such fees shall be fully earned when paid and nonrefundable under any circumstances.

 

§2.7                         Conversion Options .

 

(a)                                  Conversion of Loans .  The Borrower may elect from time to time to convert any of its outstanding Revolving Credit Loans to a Revolving Credit Loan of another Type and such Revolving Credit Loans shall thereafter bear interest as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan, as applicable; provided that (i) with respect to any such conversion of a LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan, the Borrower shall give the Agent at least one (1) Business Day’s prior written notice of such election, and such conversion shall only be made on the last day of the Interest Period with respect to such LIBOR Rate Loan; (ii) with respect to any

 

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such conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the Borrower shall give the Agent at least three (3) LIBOR Business Days’ prior written notice of such election and the Interest Period requested for such Loan, the principal amount of the Loan so converted shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $250,000.00 in excess thereof and, after giving effect to the making of such Loan, there shall be no more than fifteen (15) LIBOR Rate Loans outstanding at any one time; and (iii) no Loan may be converted into a LIBOR Rate Loan when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  All or any part of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of any Type may be converted as provided herein, provided that no partial conversion shall result in a Base Rate Loan in a principal amount of less than $1,000,000.00 or a LIBOR Rate Loan in a principal amount of less than $1,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $250,000.00.  On the date on which such conversion is being made, each Lender shall take such action as is necessary to transfer its Commitment Percentage of such Loans to its Domestic Lending Office or its LIBOR Lending Office, as the case may be.  Each Conversion/Continuation Request relating to the conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be irrevocable by the Borrower.

 

(b)                                  Continuation .  Any LIBOR Rate Loan may be continued as such Type upon the expiration of an Interest Period with respect thereto by compliance by the Borrower with the terms of §2.7; provided that no LIBOR Rate Loan may be continued as such when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, but shall be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto ending during the continuance of any Default or Event of Default.

 

(c)                                   Automatic Conversion of LIBOR Rate Loans .  In the event that the Borrower does not notify the Agent of its election hereunder with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan, such Loan shall be automatically converted at the end of the applicable Interest Period to a Base Rate Loan.

 

§2.8                         Increase in Total Commitment .

 

(a)                                  Borrower’s Option to Increase Total Commitment .  Provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this §2.8, the Borrower shall have the option at any time and from time to time prior to the Maturity Date to request an increase in the Total Commitment to not more than $500,000,000.00 by giving written notice to the Agent (an “Increase Notice”; and the amount of such requested increase is the “Commitment Increase”), provided that any such individual increase must be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000.00 and increments of $5,000,000.00 in excess thereof.  Upon receipt of any Increase Notice, the Agent shall consult with the Arrangers and shall notify the Borrower of the amount of the facility fees to be paid to any Lenders who provide an additional Commitment in connection with such increase in addition to the fees to be paid pursuant to the Agreement Regarding Fees.  If the Borrower agrees to pay the facility fees so determined, the Agent shall send a notice to all Lenders (the “Additional Commitment Request Notice”) informing them of the Borrower’s request to increase the Total Commitment and of the facility fees to be paid with respect thereto.  Each Lender who desires to provide an additional Commitment upon such terms shall provide Agent with a written commitment letter specifying the amount of the additional Commitment which it is willing to provide prior to such deadline as may be specified in the Additional Commitment Request Notice.  If the requested

 

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increase is oversubscribed then the Agent and the Arrangers shall allocate the Commitment Increase among the Lenders who provide such commitment letters on such basis as the Agent and the Arrangers, shall determine in their sole discretion.  If the additional Commitments so provided are not sufficient to provide the full amount of the Commitment Increase requested by the Borrower, then the Agent, Arrangers, or the Borrower may, but shall not be obligated to, invite one or more banks or lending institutions (which banks or lending institutions shall be acceptable to Agent, Arrangers, and the Borrower) to become a Lender and provide an additional Commitment.  The Agent shall provide all Lenders with a notice setting forth the amount, if any, of the additional Commitment to be provided by each Lender and the revised Commitment Percentages which shall be applicable after the effective date of the Commitment Increase specified therein (the “Commitment Increase Date”).  In no event shall any Lender be obligated to provide an additional Commitment.

 

(b)                                  Allocation Among Lenders .  On any Commitment Increase Date the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loans shall be reallocated among the Lenders such that after the applicable Commitment Increase Date the outstanding principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans owed to each Lender shall be equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage (as in effect after the applicable Commitment Increase Date) of the outstanding principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans.  The participation interests of the Lenders in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit and shall be similarly adjusted.  On any Commitment Increase Date, those Lenders whose Commitment Percentage is increasing shall advance the funds to the Agent and the funds so advanced shall be distributed among the Lenders whose Commitment Percentage is decreasing as necessary to accomplish the required reallocation of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans.  The funds so advanced shall be Base Rate Loans until converted to LIBOR Rate Loans which are allocated among all Lenders based on their Commitment Percentages.

 

(c)                                   Issuance of New Notes .  Upon the effective date of each increase in the Total Commitment pursuant to this §2.8, (i) the Agent may unilaterally revise Schedule 1.1 to reflect the name and address, Commitment and Commitment Percentage of each Lender following such increase and the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Agent new Revolving Credit Notes for each Lender whose Commitment has changed so that the principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Note shall equal its Commitment, and (ii) the Swing Loan Commitment shall automatically increase to the lesser of (A) an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the new Total Commitment and (B) the Commitment of the Swing Loan Lender, and the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Agent a new Swing Loan Note for the Swing Loan Lender so that the principal amount of Swing Loan Note shall equal the Swing Loan Commitment.  The Agent shall deliver such replacement Revolving Credit Note and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, to the respective Lenders in exchange for the Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note replaced thereby which shall be surrendered by such Lenders.  Such new Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, shall provide that they are replacements for the surrendered Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, and that they do not constitute a novation, shall be dated as of the Commitment Increase Date and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of the replaced Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable.  In connection with the issuance of any new Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, pursuant to this §2.8(c), the Borrower shall deliver an opinion of counsel, addressed to the Lenders and the Agent, relating to the due authorization,

 

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execution and delivery of such new Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, and the enforceability thereof, in form and substance substantially similar to the opinion delivered in connection with the closing of this Agreement. The surrendered Revolving Credit Notes and/or Swing Loan Note, as applicable, shall be canceled and returned to the Borrower.

 

(d)                                  Conditions Precedent to Increase Total Commitments .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the obligation of the Agent and the Lenders to increase the Total Commitment pursuant to this §2.8 shall be conditioned upon satisfaction of the following conditions precedent which must be satisfied prior to the effectiveness of any increase of the Total Commitment:

 

(i)                                      Payment of Activation Fee .  The Borrower shall pay (A) to the Agent and the Arrangers those fees described in and contemplated by the Agreement Regarding Fees with respect to the applicable Commitment Increase, and (B) to the Arrangers such facility fees as the Lenders who are providing an additional Commitment may require to increase the aggregate Commitment, which fees shall, when paid, be fully earned and non-refundable under any circumstances.  The Arrangers shall pay to the Lenders acquiring the increased Commitment certain fees pursuant to their separate agreement; and

 

(ii)                                   No Default .  On the date any Increase Notice is given and on the date such increase becomes effective, both immediately before and after the Total Commitment is increased, there shall exist no Default or Event of Default; and

 

(iii)                                Representations True .  The representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors in the Loan Documents or otherwise made by or on behalf of the Borrower and the Guarantors in connection therewith or after the date thereof shall have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall also be true and correct in all material respects on the date of such Increase Notice and on the date the Total Commitment is increased, both immediately before and after the Total Commitment is increased; and

 

(iv)                               Additional Documents and Expenses .  The Borrower and the Guarantors shall execute and deliver to Agent and the Lenders such additional documents, instruments, certifications and opinions as the Agent may reasonably require in its sole and absolute discretion (including, without limitation, in the case of the Borrower, a Compliance Certificate, demonstrating compliance with all covenants, representations and warranties set forth in the Loan Documents after giving effect to the increase) and the Borrower shall pay the cost of any updated UCC searches, all recording costs and fees, and any and all intangible taxes or other documentary or mortgage taxes, assessments or charges or any similar fees, taxes or expenses which are required to be paid in connection with such increase; and

 

(v)                                  Other .  The Borrower and the Guarantors shall satisfy such other conditions to such increase as Agent may require in its reasonable discretion.

 

§2.9                         Extension of Maturity Date .  The Borrower shall have the one-time right and option to extend the Maturity Date to September 19, 2018, upon satisfaction of the following

 

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conditions precedent, which must be satisfied prior to the effectiveness of any extension of the Maturity Date:

 

(a)                                  Extension Request .  The Borrower shall deliver written notice of such request (the “Extension Request”) to the Agent not earlier than the date which is one hundred twenty (120) days and not later than the date which is sixty (60) days prior to the Maturity Date (as determined without regard to such extension).  Any such Extension Request shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower.

 

(b)                                  Payment of Extension Fee .  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the pro rata accounts of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments an extension fee in an amount equal to twenty (20) basis points on the Total Commitment in effect on the Maturity Date (as determined without regard to such extension), which fee shall, when paid, be fully earned and non-refundable under any circumstances.

 

(c)                                   No Default .  On the date the Extension Request is given and on the Maturity Date (as determined without regard to such extension) there shall exist no Default or Event of Default.

 

(d)                                  Representations and Warranties .  The representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors in the Loan Documents or otherwise made by or on behalf of the Borrower and the Guarantors in connection therewith or after the date thereof shall have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall also be true and correct in all material respects on the date the Extension Request is given and on the Maturity Date (as determined without regard to such extension).

 

§2.10                  Voluntary Reductions and Termination of the Commitments .  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time upon five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent to reduce by $5,000,000.00 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000.00 in excess thereof (provided that in no event shall the Total Commitment be reduced in such manner to an amount less than fifty percent (50.0%) of the highest Total Commitment at any time existing under this Agreement) or to terminate entirely the Commitments, whereupon the Commitments of the Lenders shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages of the amount specified in such notice or, as the case may be, terminated, any such termination or reduction to be without penalty except as otherwise set forth in §2.3(c); provided, however, that no such termination or reduction shall be permitted if, after giving effect thereto, the sum of Outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, the Outstanding Swing Loans and the Letter of Credit Liabilities would exceed the Commitments of the Lenders as so terminated or reduced.  Promptly after receiving any notice from the Borrower delivered pursuant to this §2.10, the Agent will notify the Lenders of the substance thereof.  Any reduction of the Commitments shall also result in an automatic reduction in the maximum amount of the Letter of Credit Commitment and the Swing Loan Commitment by an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the applicable reduction of the Total Commitment (rounded to the next lowest integral multiple of $100,000.00).  Upon the effective date of any such reduction or termination, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the respective accounts of the Lenders the full amount of any facility fee under §2.5 then accrued on the amount of the reduction.  No reduction or termination of the Commitments may be reinstated.

 

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ARTICLE III
LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY

 

§3.1                         Issuing Letters of Credit .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, at any time and from time to time from the Closing Date through the day that is ninety (90) days prior to the Maturity Date, the Issuing Lender shall issue such Letters of Credit as the Borrower may request upon the delivery of a written request in the form of Exhibit C hereto (a “Letter of Credit Request”) to the Issuing Lender, provided that (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) upon issuance of such Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Liabilities shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Commitment, (iii) in no event shall the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities (after giving effect to any requested Letters of Credit) exceed the lesser of (A) the Total Commitment and (B) the Unencumbered Pool Availability minus the outstanding principal amount of the Unsecured Debt, nor shall the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Loans, Letter of Credit Liabilities (after giving effect to any requested Letters of Credit) and the Unsecured Debt cause a violation of the covenant set forth in §8.1(a), (iv) the conditions set forth in §§9.1 and 9.2 shall have been satisfied, and (v) in no event shall any amount drawn under a Letter of Credit be available for reinstatement or a subsequent drawing under such Letter of Credit.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article III, the Issuing Lender shall not be obligated to issue, amend, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless the Issuing Lender is satisfied that the participation therein will otherwise be fully allocated to the Lenders that are Non-Defaulting Lenders consistent with §5.7(c) and the Defaulting Lender shall have no participation therein, except to the extent the Issuing Lender has entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender which are satisfactory to the Issuing Lender in its good faith determination to eliminate the Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure with respect to any such Defaulting Lender, including the delivery of cash collateral.  The Issuing Lender may assume that the conditions in §§9.1 and 9.2 have been satisfied unless it receives written notice from a Lender that such conditions have not been satisfied.  Each Letter of Credit Request shall be executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower.  The Issuing Lender shall be entitled to conclusively rely on such Person’s authority to request a Letter of Credit on behalf of the Borrower.  The Issuing Lender shall have no duty to verify the authenticity of any signature appearing on a Letter of Credit Request.  The Borrower assumes all risks with respect to the use of the Letters of Credit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the expiration date of any Letter of Credit extend beyond the earlier of (i) the date one year from its date of issuance or (ii) the Maturity Date; provided, however, a Letter of Credit may contain a provision providing for the automatic extension of the expiration date in the absence of a notice of non-renewal from the Issuing Lender but in no event shall any such provision permit the extension of the expiration date of such Letter of Credit beyond the Maturity Date; provided further, that a Letter of Credit may, as a result of its express terms or as the result of the effect of an automatic extension provision, have an expiration of not more than one year beyond the Maturity Date so long as the Borrower delivers to the Issuing Lender no later than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date cash collateral for such Letter of Credit for deposit into the Collateral Account in an amount equal to the stated amount of such Letter of Credit.  The amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit shall reduce on a dollar-for-dollar basis the amount available to be drawn under the Total Commitment as a Revolving Credit Loan.

 

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§3.2                         Requests of Issuance of Letters of Credit .  Each Letter of Credit Request shall be submitted to the Issuing Lender at least five (5) Business Days (or such shorter period as the Issuing Lender may approve) prior to the date upon which the requested Letter of Credit is to be issued.  Each such Letter of Credit Request shall contain (i) a statement as to the purpose for which such Letter of Credit shall be used (which purpose shall be in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), and (ii) a certification by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Borrower that the Borrower and the Guarantors are and will be in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Documents after giving effect to the issuance of such Letter of Credit.  The Borrower shall further deliver to the Issuing Lender such additional applications (which application as of the date hereof is in the form of Exhibit I attached hereto) and documents as the Issuing Lender may require, in conformity with the then standard practices of its letter of credit department, in connection with the issuance of such Letter of Credit; provided that in the event of any conflict, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

 

§3.3                         Issuance and Terms of Letters of Credit .  The Issuing Lender shall, subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, issue the Letter of Credit on or before five (5) Business Days following receipt of the documents last due pursuant to §3.2.  Each Letter of Credit shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Issuing Lender in its reasonable discretion.

 

§3.4                         Lenders’ Participation in Letters of Credit .  Upon the issuance of a Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased a participation therein from the Issuing Lender in an amount equal to its respective Commitment Percentage of the amount of such Letter of Credit.  No Lender’s obligation to participate in a Letter of Credit shall be affected by any other Lender’s failure to perform as required herein with respect to such Letter of Credit or any other Letter of Credit.

 

§3.5                         Letter of Credit Fees .  Upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall pay to the Issuing Lender (i) for its own account, a Letter of Credit fronting fee calculated at the rate equal to one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) per annum of the face amount of such Letter of Credit (which fee shall not be less than $1,500 in any event) and an administrative charge of $250, and (ii) for the accounts of the Lenders that are Non-Defaulting Lenders (including the Issuing Lender) in accordance with their respective percentage shares of participation in such Letter of Credit, a Letter of Credit fee calculated at the rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin then applicable to LIBOR Rate Loans on the face amount of such Letter of Credit.  Such fees shall be payable in quarterly installments in arrears with respect to each Letter of Credit on the first day of each calendar quarter following the date of issuance and continuing on each quarter or portion thereof thereafter, as applicable, or on any earlier date on which the Commitments shall terminate and on the expiration or return of any Letter of Credit.  In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the Issuing Lender for its own account within five (5) days of demand of the Issuing Lender the standard issuance, documentation and service charges for Letters of Credit issued from time to time by the Issuing Lender.

 

§3.6                         Reimbursement Obligations .  In the event that any amount is drawn under a Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the Borrower shall reimburse the Issuing Lender by having such amount drawn treated as an outstanding Base Rate Loan under this Agreement (the Borrower being deemed to have requested a Base Rate Loan on such date in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing and such amount drawn shall be treated as an outstanding Base Rate

 

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Loan under this Agreement) and the Agent shall promptly notify each Lender by telex, telecopy, telegram, telephone (confirmed in writing) or other similar means of transmission, and each Lender shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Agent, for the Issuing Lender’s own account, an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such Letter of Credit (to the extent of the amount drawn).  If and to the extent any Lender shall not make such amount available on the Business Day on which such draw is funded (either pursuant to this Section or pursuant to §3.7), such Lender agrees to pay such amount to the Agent forthwith on demand, together with interest thereon, for each day from the date on which such draw was funded until the date on which such amount is paid to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Effective Rate until three (3) days after the date on which the Agent gives notice of such draw and at the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus one percent (1%) for each day thereafter.  Further, such Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all payments made of principal and interest on its Revolving Credit Loans, amounts due with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit and any other amounts due to it hereunder to the Agent to fund the amount of any drawn Letter of Credit which such Lender was required to fund pursuant to this §3.6 until such amount has been funded (as a result of such assignment or otherwise).  In the event of any such failure or refusal, the provisions of §5.7 shall govern the priority of payments to such Lender.  The failure of any Lender to make funds available to the Agent in such amount shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation hereunder to make funds available to the Agent pursuant to this §3.6.

 

§3.7                         Payment Obligation of Lenders .  If after the issuance of a Letter of Credit pursuant to §3.3 by the Issuing Lender, but prior to the funding of any portion thereof by a Lender, for any reason a drawing under a Letter of Credit cannot be refinanced as a Revolving Credit Loan, each Lender will, on the date such Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to §3.6 was to have been made, purchase an undivided participation interest in the Letter of Credit in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of the amount of such Letter of Credit.  Each Lender will immediately transfer to the Issuing Lender in immediately available funds the amount of its participation and upon receipt thereof the Issuing Lender will deliver to such Lender a Letter of Credit participation certificate dated the date of receipt of such funds and in such amount.

 

§3.8                         Sharing of Payments .  Whenever at any time after the Issuing Lender has received from any Lender any such Lender’s payment of funds under a Letter of Credit and thereafter the Issuing Lender receives any payment on account thereof, then the Issuing Lender will distribute to such Lender its participation interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted in the case of interest payments to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s participation interest was outstanding and funded); provided , however , that in the event that such payment received by the Issuing Lender is required to be returned, such Lender will return to the Issuing Lender any portion thereof previously distributed by the Issuing Lender to it.

 

§3.9                         Amendments, Etc.   The issuance of any supplement, modification, amendment, renewal or extension to or of any Letter of Credit shall be treated in all respects the same as the issuance of a new Letter of Credit.

 

§3.10                  Issuing Lender’s Duties Regarding Letters of Credit .  The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts, omissions, or misuse of any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof.  Neither the Agent, the Issuing Lender nor any Lender will be responsible for (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Letter of Credit or any document

 

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submitted by any party in connection with the issuance of any Letter of Credit, even if such document should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) failure of any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to comply fully with the conditions required in order to demand payment under a Letter of Credit; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document or draft required by or from a beneficiary in order to make a disbursement under a Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; and (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Agent or any Lender.  None of the foregoing will affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the rights or powers granted to the Agent, the Issuing Lender or the Lenders hereunder.  In furtherance and extension and not in limitation or derogation of any of the foregoing, any act taken or omitted to be taken by the Agent, the Issuing Lender or the other Lenders in good faith will be binding on the Borrower and will not put the Agent, the Issuing Lender or the other Lenders under any resulting liability to the Borrower; provided nothing contained herein shall relieve the Issuing Lender for liability to the Borrower arising as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Issuing Lender as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the exhaustion of all applicable appeal periods.

 

ARTICLE IV
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; YIELD PROTECTION

 

§4.1                         Change in Capital Adequacy Regulations.   If after the date hereof any Lender determines that (a) the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline regarding capital requirements for banks or bank holding companies or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the administration thereof, or (b) compliance by such Lender or its parent bank holding company with any guideline, request or directive of any such entity regarding liquidity or capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law), has the effect of reducing the return on such Lender’s or such holding company’s capital as a consequence of such Lender’s commitment to make Loans or participate in Letters of Credit hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or holding company could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such holding company’s then existing policies with respect to capital adequacy and assuming the full utilization of such entity’s capital) by any amount deemed by such Lender to be material, then such Lender may notify the Borrower thereof.  The Borrower agrees to pay to such Lender the amount of such reduction in the return on capital as and when such reduction is determined, upon presentation by such Lender of a statement of the amount setting forth the Lender’s calculation thereof.  In determining such amount, such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods generally applied by such Lender.  For purposes of §4.1 and §4.2, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, publications, orders, guidelines and directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority)

 

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or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall be deemed to have been adopted and gone into effect after the date hereof regardless of when adopted, enacted or issued.

 

§4.2                         Additional Costs, Etc.   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any present or future applicable law, which expression, as used herein, includes statutes, rules and regulations thereunder and interpretations thereof by any competent court or by any governmental or other regulatory body or official charged with the administration or the interpretation thereof and requests, directives, instructions and notices at any time (or from time to time) hereafter made upon or otherwise issued to any Lender or the Agent by any central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority (whether or not having the force of law), shall:

 

(a)                                  subject any Lender or the Agent to any tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, fee, deduction or withholding of any nature with respect to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, such Lender’s Commitment, a Letter of Credit or the Loans (other than taxes based upon or measured by the gross receipts, income or profits of such Lender or the Agent or its franchise tax), or

 

(b)                                  materially change the basis of taxation (except for changes in taxes on gross receipts, income or profits or its franchise tax) of payments to any Lender of the principal of or the interest on any Loans or any other amounts payable to any Lender under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or

 

(c)                                   impose or increase or render applicable any special deposit, reserve, assessment, liquidity, capital adequacy or other similar requirements (whether or not having the force of law and which are not already reflected in any amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder) against assets held by, or deposits in or for the account of, or loans by, or commitments of an office of any Lender, or

 

(d)                                  impose on any Lender or the Agent any other conditions or requirements with respect to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Loans, such Lender’s Commitment, a Letter of Credit or any class of loans or commitments of which any of the Loans or such Lender’s Commitment forms a part; and the result of any of the foregoing is:

 

(i)                                      to increase the cost to any Lender of making, funding, issuing, renewing, extending or maintaining any of the Loans, the Letters of Credit or such Lender’s Commitment, or

 

(ii)                                   to reduce the amount of principal, interest or other amount payable to any Lender or the Agent hereunder on account of such Lender’s Commitment or any of the Loans or Letters of Credit, or

 

(iii)                                to require any Lender or the Agent to make any payment or to forego any interest or other sum payable hereunder, the amount of which payment or foregone interest or other sum is calculated by reference to the gross amount of any sum receivable or deemed received by such Lender or the Agent from the Borrower hereunder,

 

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then, and in each such case, the Borrower will, within fifteen (15) days of demand made by such Lender or (as the case may be) the Agent accompanied by reasonable evidence of the occurrence of the applicable event described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above at any time and from time to time and as often as the occasion therefor may arise, pay to such Lender or the Agent such additional amounts as such Lender or the Agent shall determine in good faith to be sufficient to compensate such Lender or the Agent for such additional cost, reduction, payment or foregone interest or other sum.  Each Lender and the Agent in determining such amounts may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods generally applied by such Lender or the Agent.

 

§4.3                         Lender’s Suspension of LIBOR Rate Loans .  In the event that, prior to the commencement of any Interest Period relating to any LIBOR Rate Loan, the Agent shall determine that adequate and reasonable methods do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR for such Interest Period, or the Agent shall reasonably determine that LIBOR will not accurately and fairly reflect the cost of the Lenders making or maintaining LIBOR Rate Loans for such Interest Period, the Agent shall forthwith give notice of such determination (which shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the Lenders absent manifest error) to the Borrower and the Lenders.  In such event (a) any Loan Request with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be automatically withdrawn and shall be deemed a request for a Base Rate Loan and (b) each LIBOR Rate Loan will automatically, on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, become a Base Rate Loan, and the obligations of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Agent determines that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer exist, whereupon the Agent shall so notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

§4.4                         Illegality .  Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any present or future law, regulation, treaty or directive or the interpretation or application thereof shall make it unlawful, or any central bank or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over a Lender or its LIBOR Lending Office shall assert that it is unlawful, for any Lender to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans, such Lender shall forthwith give notice of such circumstances to the Agent and the Borrower and thereupon (a) the commitment of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans shall forthwith be suspended and (b) the LIBOR Rate Loans then outstanding shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loans or within such earlier period as may be required by law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, before giving such notice, the applicable Lender shall designate a different lending office if such designation will void the need for giving such notice and will not, in the judgment of such Lender, be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender or increase any costs payable by the Borrower hereunder.

 

§4.5                         Breakage Costs .  The Borrower shall pay all Breakage Costs required to be paid by it pursuant to this Agreement and incurred from time to time by any Lender upon demand within fifteen (15) days from receipt of written notice from Agent, or such earlier date as may be required by this Agreement.

 

§4.6                         Certain Provisions Relating to Increased Costs; Affected Lenders .  If a Lender gives notice of the existence of the circumstances set forth in §4.2 or any Lender requests compensation for any losses or costs to be reimbursed pursuant to any one or more of the provisions of §5.1(b) (as a result of the imposition of U.S. withholding taxes on amounts paid to

 

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such Lender under this Agreement), §4.1 or §4.2, then, upon request of the Borrower, such Lender, as applicable, shall use reasonable efforts in a manner consistent with such institution’s practice in connection with loans like the Loan of such Lender to eliminate, mitigate or reduce amounts that would otherwise be payable by the Borrower under the foregoing provisions, provided that such action would not be otherwise prejudicial to such Lender, including, without limitation, by designating another of such Lender’s offices, branches or affiliates; the Borrower agreeing to pay all reasonably incurred costs and expenses incurred by such Lender in connection with any such action.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and if any Lender has given notice of the existence of the circumstances set forth in §4.2 or has requested payment or compensation for any losses or costs to be reimbursed pursuant to any one or more of the provisions of §5.1(b) (as a result of the imposition of U.S. withholding taxes on amounts paid to such Lender under this Agreement), §4.1 or §4.2 and following the request of the Borrower has been unable to take the steps described above to mitigate such amounts (each, an “Affected Lender”), then, within thirty (30) days after such notice or request for payment or compensation, the Borrower shall have the one-time right as to such Affected Lender, to be exercised by delivery of written notice delivered to the Agent and the Affected Lender within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice, to elect to cause the Affected Lender to transfer its Commitment (provided further that Borrower shall not have the rights set forth in this §4.6 as to Affected Lenders if the Affected Lenders constitute Majority Lenders).  The Agent shall promptly notify the remaining Lenders that each of such Lenders shall have the right, but not the obligation, to acquire a portion of the Commitment, pro rata based upon their relevant Commitment Percentages, of the Affected Lender (or if any of such Lenders does not elect to purchase its pro rata share, then to such remaining Lenders in such proportion as approved by the Agent).  In the event that the Lenders do not elect to acquire all of the Affected Lender’s Commitment, then the Agent shall at Borrower’s sole cost and expense endeavor to obtain a new Lender to acquire such remaining Commitment.  Upon any such purchase of the Commitment of the Affected Lender, the Affected Lender’s interest in the Obligations and its rights hereunder and under the Loan Documents shall terminate at the date of purchase, and the Affected Lender shall at the sole cost and expense of Borrower promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to surrender and transfer such interest in accordance with §13.1.  The purchase price for the Affected Lender’s Commitment shall equal any and all amounts outstanding and owed by the Borrower to the Affected Lender including principal, prepayment premium or fee, and all accrued and unpaid interest or fees (some of which may be paid by the Borrower, as determined by the Borrower and the replacement Lender).

 

§4.7                         Certificate .  A certificate setting forth any amounts payable pursuant to §2.3(c), §2.4(d), §4.1, §4.2 or §4.5 and a reasonably detailed explanation of such amounts which are due, submitted by any Lender or the Agent to the Borrower, shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error, and shall be promptly provided to the Borrower upon their written request.

 

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ARTICLE V
PAYMENTS AND CERTAIN OTHER GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

§5.1                         Payments by Borrower .

 

(a)                                  General .  All payments of principal, interest, facility fees, Letter of Credit fees, closing fees and any other amounts due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall be made to the Agent, for the respective accounts of the Lenders and the Agent, as the case may be, at the Agent’s Head Office, not later than 2:00 p.m. (Cleveland time) on the day when due, in each case in lawful money of the United States in immediately available funds.  Subject to the foregoing, all payments made to Agent on behalf of the Lenders, and actually received by Agent, shall be deemed received by the Lenders on the date actually received by Agent.

 

(b)                                  No Offset .  All payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any of the other Loan Documents shall be made without setoff or counterclaim and free and clear of and without deduction for any taxes (other than income or franchise taxes imposed on any Lender and any Excluded FATCA Tax), levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless the Borrower is compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding.  If any such obligation is imposed upon the Borrower with respect to any amount payable by it hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, the Borrower will pay to the Agent, for the account of the Lenders (including the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender) or (as the case may be) the Agent, on the date on which such amount is due and payable hereunder or under such other Loan Document, such additional amount in Dollars as shall be necessary to enable the Lenders or the Agent to receive the same net amount which the Lenders or the Agent would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon the Borrower.  If any such Lender, to the extent it may lawfully do so, fails to deliver the above forms or other documentation, then the Agent may withhold from any payments to be made to such Lender under any of the Loan Documents such amounts as are required by the Code.  If any Governmental Authority asserts that the Agent or Borrower (as to Borrower, with respect to Excluded FATCA Taxes only) did not properly withhold or backup withhold, as the case may be, any tax or other amount from payments made to or for the account of any Lender, such Lender shall indemnify the Agent and/or Borrower (as to Borrower, with respect to Excluded FATCA Taxes only) therefor, including all penalties and interest, any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to the Agent or by the Borrower (as to Borrower, with respect to Excluded FATCA Taxes only) under this section, and costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel and the allocated cost of internal legal services and all disbursements of internal counsel) of the Agent and Borrower (as to Borrower, with respect to Excluded FATCA Taxes only).  The obligation of the Lenders under this section shall survive the termination of the Commitments, repayment of all Obligations and all the resignation or replacement of the Agent.  Without limitation of §5.1(b), if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to United States federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting and document provision requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent, at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by either, such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower and/or the Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA, to determine that such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender obligations under FATCA and, as

 

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necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  The Borrower will deliver promptly to the Agent certificates or other valid vouchers for all taxes or other charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

 

§5.2                         Taxes; Foreign Lenders .  Each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States (but only so long as such Lender remains lawfully able to do so), shall provide the Borrower and Agent with such duly executed form(s) or statement(s) which may, from time to time, be prescribed by law and, which, pursuant to applicable provisions of  (i) an income tax treaty between the United States and the country of residence of such Lender, (ii) the Code, or (iii) any applicable rules or regulations in effect under (i) or (ii) above, indicates the withholding status of such Lender; provided that nothing herein (including without limitation the failure or inability to provide such form or statement) shall relieve the Borrower of its obligations under §5.1(b).  In the event that the Borrower shall have delivered the certificates or vouchers described above for any payments made by the Borrower and such Lender receives a refund of any taxes paid by the Borrower pursuant to §5.1(b), such Lender will pay to the Borrower the amount of such refund promptly upon receipt thereof; provided that if at any time thereafter such Lender is required to return such refund, the Borrower shall promptly repay to such Lender the amount of such refund.

 

§5.3                         Obligations Absolute and Unconditional .  The obligations of the Borrower to the Lenders (including the Swing Loan Lender) under this Agreement (and of the Lenders to make payments to the Issuing Lender with respect to Letters of Credit) shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid and performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, under all circumstances whatsoever, including, without limitation, the following circumstances:  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any of the other Loan Documents; (ii) any improper use which may be made of any Letter of Credit or any improper acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit in connection therewith; (iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or any right which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or persons or entities for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting) or the Lenders (other than the defense of payment to the Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) or any other Person, whether in connection with any Letter of Credit, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any unrelated transaction; (iv) any draft, demand, certificate, statement or any other documents presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be insufficient, forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect whatsoever; (v) any breach of any agreement between the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates and any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit; (vi) any irregularity in the transaction with respect to which any Letter of Credit is issued, including any fraud by the beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit; (vii) payment by the Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a sight draft, demand, certificate or other document which does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, provided that such payment shall not have constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Lender as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the exhaustion of all applicable appeal periods; (viii) any non-application or misapplication by the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit of the proceeds of such Letter of Credit; (ix) the legality, validity, form,

 

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regularity or enforceability of the Letter of Credit; (x) the failure of any payment by Issuing Lender to conform to the terms of a Letter of Credit (if, in Issuing Lender’s good faith judgment, such payment is determined to be appropriate); (xi) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Loan Documents; (xii) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; and (xiii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, provided that such other circumstances or happenings shall not have been the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Lender as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the exhaustion of all applicable appeal periods.

 

§5.4                         Computations .  All computations of interest on the Loans and of other fees to the extent applicable shall be based on a 360-day year and paid for the actual number of days elapsed.  Except as otherwise provided in the definition of the term “Interest Period” with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans, whenever a payment hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents becomes due on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date for such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and interest shall accrue during such extension.  The Outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities as reflected on the records of the Agent from time to time shall be considered prima facie evidence of such amount absent manifest error.

 

§5.5                         Usury; Limitations on Interest .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary, all agreements between or among the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Lenders and the Agent, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby limited so that in no contingency, whether by reason of acceleration of the maturity of any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged or received by the Lenders exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable law.  If, from any circumstance whatsoever, interest would otherwise be payable to the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful amount, the interest payable to the Lenders shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted under applicable law; and if from any circumstance the Lenders shall ever receive anything of value deemed interest by applicable law in excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to any excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of the Obligations and to the payment of interest or, if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of principal of the Obligations, such excess shall be refunded to the Borrower.  All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the Lenders shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal of the Obligations (including the period of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.  This Section shall control all agreements between or among the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Lenders and the Agent.

 

§5.6                         Unsecured Obligations .  The Lenders have agreed to make the Loans to the Borrower and issue the Letters of Credit for the account of Borrower on an unsecured basis.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Obligations shall be guaranteed pursuant to the terms of the Guaranty.

 

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§5.7                         Defaulting Lenders .

 

(a)                                  General .  If for any reason any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, then, in addition to the rights and remedies that may be available to the Agent or the Borrower under this Agreement or applicable law, such Defaulting Lender’s right to participate in the administration of the Loans, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including without limitation, any right to vote in respect of, to consent to or to direct any action or inaction of the Agent or to be taken into account in the calculation of the Required Lenders, Majority Lenders or all of the Lenders, shall be suspended during the pendency of such failure or refusal.  If a Lender is a Defaulting Lender because it has failed to make timely payment to the Agent of any amount required to be paid to the Agent hereunder (without giving effect to any notice or cure periods), in addition to other rights and remedies which the Agent or the Borrower may have under the immediately preceding provisions or otherwise, the Agent shall be entitled (i) to collect interest from such Defaulting Lender on such delinquent payment for the period from the date on which the payment was due until the date on which the payment is made at the Federal Funds Effective Rate, (ii) to withhold or setoff and to apply in satisfaction of the defaulted payment and any related interest, any amounts otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (iii) to bring an action or suit against such Defaulting Lender in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the defaulted amount and any related interest.  Any amounts received by the Agent in respect of a Defaulting Lender’s Loans shall be applied as set forth in §5.7(d).

 

(b)                                  Right of Non-Defaulting Lenders to Acquire Interest .  Any Non-Defaulting Lender may, but shall not be obligated, in its sole discretion, to acquire all or a portion of a Defaulting Lender’s Commitments.  Any Lender desiring to exercise such right shall give written notice thereof to the Agent and the Borrower no sooner than two (2) Business Days and not later than five (5) Business Days after such Defaulting Lender became a Defaulting Lender.  If more than one Lender exercises such right, each such Lender shall have the right to acquire an amount of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitments in proportion to the Commitments of the other Lenders exercising such right.  If after such 5th Business Day, the Lenders have not elected to purchase all of the Commitments of such Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists) or the Majority Lenders may, by giving written notice thereof to the Agent, such Defaulting Lender and the other Lenders, demand that such Defaulting Lender assign its Commitments to an eligible assignee subject to and in accordance with the provisions of §13.1 for the purchase price provided for below.  No party hereto shall have any obligation whatsoever to initiate any such replacement or to assist in finding an eligible assignee.  Upon any such purchase or assignment, and any such demand with respect to which the conditions specified in §13.1 have been satisfied, the Defaulting Lender’s interest in the Loans and its rights hereunder (but not its liability in respect thereof or under the Loan Documents or this Agreement to the extent the same relate to the period prior to the effective date of the purchase) shall terminate on the date of purchase, and the Defaulting Lender shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to surrender and transfer such interest to the purchaser or assignee thereof, including an appropriate Assignment and Acceptance Agreement.  The purchase price for the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender shall be equal to the amount of the principal balance of the Loans outstanding and owed by the Borrower to the Defaulting Lender plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon and accrued but unpaid fees.  Prior to payment of such purchase price to a Defaulting Lender, the Agent shall apply against such purchase price any amounts retained by the Agent pursuant to §5.7(d).

 

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(c)                                   Reallocation .  During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, all or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s obligation to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Swing Loans pursuant to §2.2(e) or in Letters of Credit pursuant to §3.7 shall be reallocated among the Lenders that are Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages (computed without giving effect to the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default exists, (ii) the conditions set forth in §9.1 and §9.2 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrower shall have notified the Agent at such time, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at the time), (iii) the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such reallocation with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, and (iv) the aggregate obligation of each Lender that is a Non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (A) the Commitment of that Non-Defaulting Lender minus (B) the sum of (1) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of that Lender plus (2) such Lender’s pro rata portion in accordance with its Commitment Percentage of outstanding Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities.  No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(d)                                  Application of Payments .  Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Article XI), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Agent as follows:  first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Agent (other than with respect to Letter of Credit Liabilities) hereunder; second, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Lender with respect to Letter of Credit Liabilities and/or the Swing Loan Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Agent or requested by the Issuing Lender or the Swing Loan Lender, to be held as cash collateral for future funding obligations of such Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Letter of Credit or Swing Loan; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy obligations of such Defaulting Lender to fund Loans or participations under this Agreement and (y) be held as cash collateral for future funding obligations of such Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Letter of Credit or Swing Loan; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Agent or the Lenders (including the Swing Loan Lender and the Issuing Lender) as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Agent or any Lender (including the Swing Loan Lender and the Issuing Lender) against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the

 

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Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (i) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Revolving Credit Loans or funded participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (ii) such Revolving Credit Loans or funded participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit were made at a time when the conditions set forth in §9.1 and §9.2, to the extent required by this Agreement, were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Revolving Credit Loans of, and funded participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis until such time as all Revolving Credit Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their Commitment Percentages without regard to §5.7(c), prior to being applied to the payment of any Revolving Credit Loans of, or funded participations in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, such Defaulting Lender.  Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this §5.7(d) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto, and to the extent allocated to the repayment of principal of the Loan, shall not be considered outstanding principal under this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   Cash Collateral .  Within five (5) Business Days of demand by the Swing Loan Lender or Issuing Lender from time to time, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent for the benefit of the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender cash collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure with respect to the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender (after giving effect to §2.2(a), §3.1 and §5.7(c)) on terms satisfactory to the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender in their good faith determination (and such cash collateral shall be in Dollars).  Any such cash collateral shall be deposited in the Collateral Account as collateral (solely for the benefit of the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender) for the payment and performance of each Defaulting Lender’s pro rata portion in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages of outstanding Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities.  Moneys in the Collateral Account deposited pursuant to this section shall be applied by the Agent to reimburse the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, as applicable, immediately for each Defaulting Lender’s pro rata portion in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages of any funding obligation with respect to a Swing Loan or a Letter of Credit which has not otherwise been reimbursed by the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender.

 

(f)                                    Payment of Unused Fee .  Each Lender that is a Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any facility unused fee pursuant to §2.5 for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender.

 

(g)                                   Payment of Letter of Credit Fee .  Each Lender that is a Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive Letter of Credit fees pursuant to §3.5 for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender.

 

(h)                                  Payment of Fees to Non-Defaulting Lenders .  With respect to any facility unused fee or Letter of Credit fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to subparagraph (f) or (g) above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that is a

 

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Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Swing Loans or Letter of Credit Liabilities that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to §5.7(c), (y) pay to the Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the Swing Loan Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender and (z) not be required to pay any remaining amount of any such fee.

 

(i)                                      Termination of Defaulting Lender Status .  If the Borrower (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists) and the Agent agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any cash collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Commitments (without giving effect to §5.7(c)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

§5.8                         Collateral Account .

 

(a)                                  Pledge .  As collateral security for the prompt payment in full when due of all Swing Loans, Letter of Credit Liabilities and the other Obligations, the Borrower hereby pledges and grants to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Agent and the Lenders as provided herein, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to the Collateral Account and the balances from time to time in the Collateral Account (including the investments and reinvestments therein provided for below).  The balances from time to time in the Collateral Account shall not constitute payment of any Swing Loans or Letter of Credit Liabilities until applied by the Agent as provided herein.  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, funds held in the Collateral Account shall be subject to withdrawal only as provided in this section.

 

(b)                                  Control of Collateral Account .  Amounts on deposit in the Collateral Account shall not be invested.  All such amounts shall be held in the name of and be under the sole dominion and control of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders.  The Agent shall exercise reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any funds held in the Collateral Account and shall be deemed to have exercised such care if such funds are accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Agent accords other funds deposited with the Agent, it being understood that the Agent shall not have any responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any funds held in the Collateral Account.

 

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(c)                                   Application .  If a Swing Loan is not refinanced as a Base Rate Loan as provided in §2.2 above, then the Agent is authorized to use monies deposited in the Collateral Account to make payment to the Swing Loan Lender with respect to any participation not funded by a Defaulting Lender.  If a drawing pursuant to any Letter of Credit occurs on or prior to the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower and the Lenders authorize the Agent to use the monies deposited in the Collateral Account to make payment to the beneficiary with respect to such drawing or the payee with respect to such presentment.

 

(d)                                  Liquidation .  If an Event of Default exists, the Majority Lenders may, in their discretion, at any time and from time to time, instruct the Agent to liquidate any such investments and reinvestments and apply proceeds thereof to the Obligations in accordance with §10.3.

 

(e)                                   Excess Balance .  So long as no Default or Event of Default exists, and to the extent amounts on deposit in the Collateral Account exceed the aggregate amount of the Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities then due and owing and the pro rata share of any Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities of any Defaulting Lender after giving effect to §5.7(c), the Agent shall, from time to time, at the request of the Borrower, deliver to the Borrower within ten (10) Business Days after the Agent’s receipt of such request from the Borrower, against receipt but without any recourse, warranty or representation whatsoever, such of the balances in the Collateral Account as exceed the aggregate amount of the Swing Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities at such time.

 

(f)                                    Payments of Fees .  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent from time to time such fees as the Agent normally charges for similar services in connection with the Agent’s administration of the Collateral Account and investments and reinvestments of funds therein.  The Borrower authorizes Agent to file such financing statements as Agent may reasonably require in order to perfect Agent’s security interest in the Collateral Account, and Borrower shall promptly upon demand execute and deliver to Agent such other documents as Agent may reasonably request to evidence its security interest in the Collateral Account.

 

§5.9                         Appraisals .

 

(a)                                  Obtaining of Appraisals .  The Agent (or another Lender designated by Agent) may obtain new Appraisals or an update to existing Appraisals with respect to the Unencumbered Pool Properties, or any of them, for which an Appraisal has been delivered or is required to be delivered pursuant to §7.20(a)(xxiii) of this Agreement as the Agent shall determine (i) at any time following a Default or Event of Default, or (ii) if the Agent reasonably believes that there has been a material adverse change or deterioration with respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property; provided that Agent shall give Borrower fifteen (15) days prior notice of its intent to obtain Appraisals pursuant to §5.9(a)(ii) with respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property, and Agent shall not order, or request that another Lender order, such Appraisals if Borrower shall remove such Unencumbered Pool Properties from the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability prior to the expiration of such 15-day period.  In addition, Borrower shall at all times have Appraisals of not less than seventy percent (70%) by value of the Real Estate included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value.  The Agent may obtain new Appraisals or updates to existing Appraisals with respect to any of such

 

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Real Estate included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value if the Agent reasonably believes that a Material Adverse Effect has occurred.  The expense of such Appraisals and/or updates performed pursuant to this §5.9(a) shall be borne by the Borrower and payable to Agent within fifteen (15) days of demand; provided the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay for an Appraisal of an Unencumbered Pool Property or other Real Estate obtained pursuant to this §5.9(a) more often than once in any period of twelve (12) months.

 

(b)                                  No Representation Regarding Appraisals .  The Borrower acknowledges that the Agent has the right to approve any Appraisal performed pursuant to this Agreement and ordered by Agent pursuant to §5.9(a).  The Borrower further agrees that the Lenders and Agent do not make any representations or warranties with respect to any such Appraisal and shall have no liability as a result of or in connection with any such Appraisal for statements contained in such Appraisal, including without limitation, the accuracy and completeness of information, estimates, conclusions and opinions contained in such Appraisal, or variance of such Appraisal from the fair value of such property that is the subject of such Appraisal given by the local tax assessor’s office, or the Borrower’s idea of the value of such property.

 

§5.10                  Additional Subsidiary Guarantors .  In the event that the Borrower shall request that certain Real Estate of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not subject to an Intercompany Loan be included as an Unencumbered Pool Property, or that a Qualifying Note Receivable or Hybrid Lease owned by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower be included as an Unencumbered Pool Asset, or that Real Estate that is subject to an Intercompany Loan which loan is owned by a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower be included as an Unencumbered Pool Property, the Borrower shall as a condition thereto, in addition to the requirements of §7.20, cause each such Wholly Owned Subsidiary to execute and deliver to Agent a Joinder Agreement, and such Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.  Each such Subsidiary that becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor shall not be restricted by its respective organizational documents and applicable law from serving as a Guarantor hereunder.  The Borrower shall further cause all representations, covenants and agreements in the Loan Documents with respect to the Guarantors to be true and correct with respect to each such Subsidiary that is an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or owner of an Intercompany Loan.  In connection with the delivery of such Joinder Agreement, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent such organizational agreements, resolutions, consents, opinions and other documents and instruments as the Agent may reasonably require.

 

§5.11                  Release of a Subsidiary Guarantor .  The Borrower may request in writing that the Agent release, and upon receipt of such request the Agent shall release (subject to the terms hereof), a Subsidiary Guarantor from the Guaranty so long as:  (a) no Default or Event of Default shall then be in existence or would occur as a result of such release or the removal of the Real Estate referred to in clause (c) below; (b) the Agent shall have received such written request at least five (5) Business Days prior to the requested date of release; and (c) any and all Unencumbered Pool Assets owned or leased by such Subsidiary Guarantor or Unencumbered Pool Properties subject to an Intercompany Loan held by such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be removed from the Unencumbered Pool Assets in accordance with §7.20.  Delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of any such request for a release shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with

 

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respect to such request.  Upon the request of Borrower, Agent shall reasonably cooperate with Borrower to confirm to Borrower in writing as to whether such Subsidiary Guarantor has been fully released from its Guaranty, has no further liability with respect thereto and is no longer a party to the Guaranty.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the foregoing provisions shall not apply to SCA, which may only be released upon the written approval of Agent and all of the Lenders or the termination of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders as follows:

 

§6.1                         Corporate Authority, Etc.

 

(a)                                  Incorporation; Good Standing .  Borrower is a Maryland corporation duly organized pursuant to articles of incorporation filed with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Maryland.  Borrower conducts its business in a manner which enables it to qualify as a real estate investment trust under, and to be entitled to the benefits of, §856 of the Code, and has elected to be treated as and is entitled to the benefits of a real estate investment trust thereunder.  The Borrower (i) has all requisite power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted and as presently contemplated, and (ii) is in good standing and is duly authorized to do business in the jurisdiction of its organization and in each other jurisdiction where a failure to be so qualified in such other jurisdiction could have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)                                  Subsidiaries .  Each of the Guarantors and the other Subsidiaries of the Borrower (i) is a corporation, limited partnership, general partnership, limited liability company or trust duly organized under the laws of its State of organization and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws thereof, (ii) has all requisite power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted and as presently contemplated and (iii) is in good standing and is duly authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where it is organized and where an Unencumbered Pool Property owned or leased by it is located, and in each other jurisdiction where a failure to be so qualified could have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   Authorization .  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Borrower is a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (i) are within the authority of such Person, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on the part of such Person, (iii) do not and will not conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation to which such Person is subject or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, license or permit applicable to such Person, (iv) do not and will not conflict with or constitute a default (whether with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both) under any provision of the partnership agreement, articles of incorporation or other charter documents or bylaws of, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon, such Person or any of its properties, (v) do not and will not result in or require the imposition of any lien or other encumbrance on any of the properties, assets or rights of such Person other than the liens and encumbrances in favor of Agent contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan

 

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Documents, and (vi) do not, as of the date of execution and delivery thereof, require the approval or consent of any Person other than those already obtained and delivered to Agent.

 

§6.2                         Enforceability .  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and the Guarantors, and this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Borrower is a party are valid and legally binding obligations of such Person enforceable in accordance with the respective terms and provisions hereof and thereof, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’  rights and general principles of equity.

 

§6.3                         Governmental Approvals .  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Borrower is a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not require the approval or consent of, or filing or registration with, or the giving of any notice to, any court, department, board, governmental agency or authority other than those already obtained.

 

§6.4                         Title to Properties .  Except as indicated on Schedule 6.4 hereto, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries own or lease all of the assets reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower as of June 30, 2014 or acquired or leased since that date (except property and assets sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course since that date) subject to no rights of others, including any mortgages, leases pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates is the lessee, conditional sales agreements, title retention agreements, liens or other encumbrances except Permitted Liens.

 

§6.5                         Financial Statements .  The Borrower has furnished to Agent:  (a) audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2013, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2014 and the related consolidated statement of income and cash flow for the period ended June 30, 2014, each certified by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower, (b) an unaudited statement of EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow for the period ended June 30, 2014 reasonably satisfactory in form to the Agent and certified by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower as fairly presenting the EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow for such periods, and (c) certain other financial information relating to the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Unencumbered Pool Assets and the Intercompany Loans.  The balance sheet and statements referred to in clause (a) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (except as to the absence of footnotes in quarterly statements), the statements of EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow have been calculated in accordance with the definitions thereof, and such financial statements fairly present the consolidated financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such periods.  There are no liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving material amounts not disclosed in said financial statements and the related notes thereto.

 

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§6.6                         No Material Changes .  Since June 30, 2014 or the date of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to §7.1(a), as applicable, there has occurred no materially adverse change in the financial condition, prospects or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole as shown on or reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower as of June 30, 2014, or its consolidated statement of income or cash flows for the six months then ended, other than changes in the ordinary course of business that have not and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  As of the date hereof, except as set forth on Schedule 6.6 hereto, there has occurred no materially adverse change in the financial condition, prospects, operations or business activities of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets from the condition shown on the statements of income delivered to the Agent pursuant to §6.5 other than changes in the ordinary course of business that have not had any materially adverse effect either individually or in the aggregate on the business, prospects, operation or financial condition of Borrower, its Subsidiaries, considered as a whole, or of any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets.

 

§6.7                         Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, Etc.   The Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries possess all franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, licenses and permits, and rights in respect of the foregoing, adequate for the conduct of their business substantially as now conducted without known conflict with any rights of others.

 

§6.8                         Litigation .  Except as stated on Schedule 6.8 , there are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations of any kind pending or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries before any court, tribunal, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency or board which question the validity of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, any action taken or to be taken pursuant hereto or thereto, or which if adversely determined could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.8 , there are no judgments, final orders or awards outstanding against or affecting the Borrower, any Guarantor any of their respective Subsidiaries or any Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $5,000,000.00, or against or affecting the Unencumbered Pool Property.  No injunction, writ, temporary restraining order or any order of any nature has been issued by any court or other Governmental Authority purporting to enjoin or restrain the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or directing that the transactions provided for herein or therein not be consummated as herein or therein provided.

 

§6.9                         No Material Adverse Contracts, Etc.   None of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries is subject to any charter, corporate or other legal restriction, or any judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation that has or is expected in the future to have a Material Adverse Effect.  None of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party to any contract or agreement that has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

§6.10                  Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, Etc.   None of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries is in violation of any provision of its charter or other organizational documents, bylaws, or any agreement or instrument to which it is subject or

 

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by which it or any of its properties is bound or any decree, order, judgment, statute, license, rule or regulation, in any of the foregoing cases in a manner that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

§6.11                  Tax Status .  Each of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective  Subsidiaries (a) has made or filed all federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject or has obtained an extension for filing, (b) has paid prior to delinquency all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except for such taxes as are being contested in accordance with the terms of §7.8, and (c) has set aside on its books provisions reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.11(a) , there are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers or partners of such Person know of no basis for any such claim.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.11(a) , there are no audits pending or to the knowledge of the Borrower or the Guarantors threatened with respect to any tax returns filed by the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries.  The taxpayer identification numbers for Borrower and the Guarantors (as of the date of this Agreement) are set forth on Schedule 6.11(b) hereto.

 

§6.12                  No Event of Default .  No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

§6.13                  Investment Company Act .  None of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries is an “investment company”, or an “affiliated company” or a “principal underwriter” of an “investment company”, as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

§6.14                  Ownership of Guarantors .  Each Guarantor is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Borrower, and Borrower controls all decisions of each Guarantor.

 

§6.15                  Certain Transactions .  Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.15 hereto, none of the partners, officers, trustees, managers, members, directors, or employees of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries is, nor shall any such Person become, a party to any transaction with the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates (other than for services as partners, managers, members, employees, officers and directors), including any agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any partner, officer, trustee, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any partner, officer, trustee, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner, which are on terms less favorable to the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries than those that would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction.

 

§6.16                  Employee Benefit Plans .  The Borrower, the Guarantors and each ERISA Affiliate has fulfilled its obligation, if any, under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and

 

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the Code with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan and is in compliance in all material respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantors nor any ERISA Affiliate has (a) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under §412 of the Code in respect of any Employee Benefit Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan, (b) failed to make any contribution or payment to any Employee Benefit Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan, or made any amendment to any Employee Benefit Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan, which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security under ERISA or the Code, or (c) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a liability to the PBGC for premiums under §4007 of ERISA.  None of the assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, any Unencumbered Pool Asset or any Intercompany Loan, constitutes a “plan asset” of any Employee Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Guaranteed Pension Plan.

 

§6.17                  Disclosure .  All of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any document or instrument delivered to the Agent or the Lenders pursuant to or in connection with any of such Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects, and the Borrower has not failed to disclose such information as is necessary to make such representations and warranties not misleading.  All information contained in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or otherwise furnished to or made available to the Agent or the Lenders by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries as supplemented to date, is and, when delivered, will be true and correct in all material respects and, as supplemented to date, does not, and when delivered will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.  The written information, reports and other papers and data with respect to the Borrower, the Guarantors, any Subsidiary, the Unencumbered Pool Assets, the Intercompany Loans and the Unencumbered Pool Documents (other than projections and estimates) furnished to the Agent or the Lenders in connection with this Agreement or the obtaining of the Commitments of the Lenders hereunder was, at the time so furnished, complete and correct in all material respects, or has been subsequently supplemented by other written information, reports or other papers or data, to the extent necessary to give in all material respects a true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter in all material respects; provided that such representation shall not apply to (a) the accuracy of any appraisal, title commitment, survey, or engineering and environmental reports prepared by third parties or legal conclusions or analysis provided by the Borrower’s and Guarantors’ counsel (although the Borrower and Guarantors have no reason to believe that the Agent and the Lenders may not rely on the accuracy thereof) or (b) budgets, projections and other forward-looking speculative information prepared in good faith by the Borrower and the Guarantors (except to the extent the related assumptions were when made manifestly unreasonable).

 

§6.18                  Regulations T, U and X .  No portion of any Loan or Letter of Credit is to be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin security” or “margin stock” as such terms are used in Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Parts 220, 221 and 224.  None of the Borrower nor the Guarantors is engaged, nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the

 

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purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin security” or “margin stock” as such terms are used in Regulations T, U and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Parts 220, 221 and 224.

 

§6.19                  Subsidiaries; Organizational Structure Schedule 6.19(a) sets forth, as of the date hereof, all of the Subsidiaries of Borrower, the form and jurisdiction of organization of each of the Subsidiaries, and Borrower’s direct and indirect ownership interests therein.  Schedule 6.19(b) sets forth, as of the date hereof, all of the Unconsolidated Affiliates of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the form and jurisdiction of organization of each of the Unconsolidated Affiliates, Borrower’s or its Subsidiary’s ownership interest therein and the other owners of the applicable Unconsolidated Affiliate.  No Person owns any legal, equitable or beneficial interest in any of the Persons set forth on Schedules 6.19(a) and 6.19(b) except as set forth on such Schedules.

 

§6.20                  Brokers .  Neither the Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has engaged or otherwise dealt with any broker, finder or similar entity in connection with this Agreement or the Loans contemplated hereunder.

 

§6.21                  Other Debt .  As of the date of this Agreement, (a) neither the Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is in default of (i) the payment of any Indebtedness, the performance of any related agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, financing agreement or indenture to which any of them is a party, and (b) no Indebtedness of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries has been accelerated nor has Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries been asked to repurchase any assets.  Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is a party to or bound by any agreement, instrument or indenture that may require the subordination in right or time or payment of any of the Obligations to any other indebtedness or obligation of the Borrower or a Guarantor.  Schedule 6.21 hereto sets forth all agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, financing agreements or other material agreements binding upon the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries or their respective properties and entered into by the Borrower, the Guarantors and/or such Subsidiary as of the date of this Agreement with respect to any Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary in an amount greater than $1,000,000.00, and the Borrower has provided the Agent with such true, correct and complete copies thereof as Agent has requested.

 

§6.22                  Solvency .  As of the date of this Agreement and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including all Loans made or to be made hereunder, neither the Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is insolvent on a balance sheet basis such that the sum of such Person’s assets exceeds the sum of such Person’s liabilities, the Borrower, each Guarantor, and each such Subsidiary is able to pay its debts as they become due, and the Borrower, each Guarantor, and each such Subsidiary has sufficient capital to carry on its business.

 

§6.23                  No Bankruptcy Filing .  Neither the Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is contemplating either the filing of a petition by it under any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency laws or for the liquidation of its assets or property, and the

 

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Borrower and the Guarantors have no knowledge of any Person contemplating the filing of any such petition against it.

 

§6.24                  No Fraudulent Intent .  Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents nor the performance of any actions required hereunder or thereunder is being undertaken by the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries with or as a result of any actual intent by any of such Persons to hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which any of such Persons is now or will hereafter become indebted.

 

§6.25                  OFAC; Anti-Corruption .  Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor (i) is (or will be) a person with whom any Lender is restricted from doing business under OFAC (including, those Persons named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons list) or under any statute, executive order (including the September 24, 2001 Executive Order Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism and all other Sanctions Laws and Regulations), or other governmental action or (ii) is engaged (or will engage) in any dealings or transactions or otherwise be associated with such persons (any such Person, a “Designated Person”).  In addition, the Borrower hereby agrees to provide to the Lenders any additional information that a Lender reasonably deems necessary from time to time in order to ensure compliance with all applicable laws concerning money laundering and similar activities.  Neither Borrower, any Guarantor, nor any Subsidiary, director or officer of Borrower or Guarantor or, to the knowledge of Borrower, any Affiliate, agent or employee of Borrower or any Guarantor, has engaged in any activity or conduct which would violate any applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption or anti-money laundering laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction, including without limitation, any Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

 

§6.26                  Origination and Acquisition of Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans .  The Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans were originated or purchased, as applicable, by Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and the origination, acquisition and collection practices used by Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, with respect to the Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans have been, in all material respects, legal, proper, prudent and customary in the franchise or commercial, as applicable, mortgage loan and real estate investment origination business.  The servicing of each of the Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans has been, in all material respects, legal, proper, prudent and customary in the commercial mortgage loan and real estate investment, as applicable, servicing business.

 

§6.27                  Corporate Separateness .  The capital of the Borrower and the Guarantors is adequate for the respective business and undertakings of Borrower and Guarantors.  Other than as provided in this Agreement, neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is engaged in any business transactions with any of its Affiliates other than transactions in the ordinary course of its business on an “arms-length” basis.  The funds and assets of Borrower and Guarantors are not, and will not be, commingled with the funds of any other Person (except that funds and assets of Guarantors may be commingled with those of Borrower).

 

§6.28                  No Liens .  Each Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner is and will be the lawful sole owner and beneficiary of its Unencumbered Pool Asset and the related Unencumbered Pool Documents, if applicable, which are consistent with the requirements of §7.20 free, clear and

 

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discharged of and from all Liens.  The Unencumbered Pool Documents have been delivered to and are being held by the Borrower or a Guarantor or a custodian acting on their behalf.  The applicable Guarantor is and will be the lawful sole owner of the Unencumbered Pool Properties that are not subject to Intercompany Loans or Hybrid Leases free, clear and discharged of and from all Liens except as permitted by §7.20(a)(ii).

 

§6.29                  Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans .

 

(a)                                  The Unencumbered Pool Documents are in the form approved by Agent and there have been no amendments, modifications or waivers to such documents except as permitted under §8.14.  Borrower and the applicable Guarantor have performed all of their respective obligations under the Unencumbered Pool Documents and no default, event of default, or event which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default exists under any of the Unencumbered Pool Documents.

 

(b)                                  Borrower hereby makes each and every representation and warranty in Schedules 6.29 , 6.30 , 6.31 and 6.32 attached hereto.

 

§6.30                  REIT Status .  The Borrower qualifies as, and has elected to be treated as, a REIT and is in compliance with all requirements and conditions imposed under the Code to allow the Borrower to maintain status as a REIT.

 

§6.31                  Unencumbered Pool Assets .  The Unencumbered Pool Asset Schedule is a correct and complete list of all Unencumbered Pool Assets.  Each of the Unencumbered Pool Assets, Intercompany Loans and Unencumbered Pool Documents included by the Borrower in the calculation of the compliance of the covenants set forth in §8.1(a), satisfies all of the requirements contained in this Agreement for the same to be included therein.

 

§6.32                  Contribution Agreement .  The Contribution Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligations of the parties thereto enforceable against them in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof, except as enforceability is limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights and except to the extent that availability of the remedy of specific performance or injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

 

§6.33                  Transaction in Best Interests of Borrower and Guarantors; Consideration .  The transaction evidenced by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents is in the best interests of the Borrower and each of the Guarantors and, to Borrower’s and Guarantors’ belief, the creditors of such Persons.  The direct and indirect benefits to inure to the Borrower and the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute at least “reasonably equivalent value” (as such term is used in §548 of the Bankruptcy Code) and “valuable consideration,” “fair value,” and “fair consideration,” (as such terms are used in any applicable state fraudulent conveyance law), in exchange for the benefits to be provided by the Borrower and the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and but for the willingness of each Guarantor to be a guarantor of the Obligations, the Borrower would be unable to obtain the financing contemplated hereunder which financing will enable the

 

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Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries to have available financing to conduct and expand their business.  The Borrower and each of the Guarantors further acknowledge and agree that the Borrower and the Guarantors constitute a single integrated and common enterprise and that each receives a benefit from the availability of credit under this Agreement for so long as such Guarantor is a party to the Guaranty.

 

ARTICLE VII
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Note or Letter of Credit is outstanding or any Lender has any obligation to make any Loans or issue any Letter of Credit:

 

§7.1                         Financial Reporting .  The Borrower shall furnish to the Agent and the Lenders:

 

(a)                                  (i) within fifteen (15) days of the filing of Borrower’s Form 10-K with the SEC, if applicable, but in any event not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each calendar year, the audited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the end of such year, and the related audited consolidated statements of income, changes in capital and cash flows for such year, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year and all such statements to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, together with a certification by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower, on its behalf, that the information contained in such financial statements fairly presents the financial position of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and accompanied by an auditor’s report prepared without qualification as to the scope of the audit by a nationally recognized accounting firm, and (ii) within a reasonable period of time following request therefor, any other information the Lenders may reasonably request to complete a financial analysis of Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

(b)                                  within fifteen (15) days of the filing of Borrower’s Form 10-Q with the SEC, if applicable, but in any event not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters of each year (except with respect to the quarter covered by the Borrower’s first Form 10-Q filed with the SEC following an IPO Event, in which case not later than the last date on which such Form 10-Q is due under applicable SEC rules and regulations), copies of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, at the end of such quarter, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the portion of Borrower’s fiscal year then elapsed, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP (provided that such statements need not include footnotes and other presentation items), together with a certification by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower, on its behalf, that the information contained in such financial statements fairly presents the financial position of Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date thereof (subject to year-end adjustments);

 

(c)                                   simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement (a “Compliance Certificate”) certified by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower, on its behalf, in the form of Exhibit F hereto (or in such other form as the Agent may approve from time to time) setting forth in reasonable detail computations evidencing compliance or non-compliance (as the case may be)

 

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with the covenants contained in §8.1 and the other covenants described in such certificate and (if applicable) setting forth reconciliations to reflect material changes in GAAP effective since the Balance Sheet Date.  The Compliance Certificate shall be accompanied by copies of the statement of Funds from Operations and Operating Cash Flow for such calendar quarter, prepared on a basis consistent with the statements furnished to the Agent prior to the date hereof and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, and a listing of the Appraised Values of not less than seventy percent (70%) by value of the Real Estate included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value, together with a certification by the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or applicable Executive Vice President of Borrower included within clause (e) of the definition of Change of Control, on its behalf, that the information contained in such statement fairly presents the Funds from Operations and Operating Cash Flow for such periods and such Appraised Values.  In addition, the Compliance Certificate shall be accompanied by the stratification table report prepared by Borrower grouping its properties and loans by geographic region and concept in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit H-1 ;

 

(d)                                  simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, an Unencumbered Pool Certificate in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto (an “Unencumbered Pool Certificate”) pursuant to which the Borrower shall calculate the amount of the Unencumbered Pool Appraised Value Limit and the Unencumbered Pool Availability as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter;

 

(e)                                   simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsection (a) above, the statement of all contingent liabilities involving amounts of $5,000,000.00 or more of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries which are not reflected in such financial statements or referred to in the notes thereto (including, without limitation, all guaranties, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of the indebtedness of others, and obligations to reimburse the issuer in respect of any letters of credit);

 

(f)                                    simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, (i) the Unencumbered Pool Asset Schedule, which shall show the calculation of the covenant in §7.20(a)(xix), and (ii) the Unit-Level FCCR or Master Lease FCCR of each Unencumbered Pool Property together with a certification by the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the applicable Executive Vice President of the Borrower included within clause (e) of the definition of Change of Control, on its behalf, that the Borrower, subject to §8.1(e)(iv), has received the applicable financial statements from the Tenants sufficient to permit the calculation of Unit-Level FCCR and Master Lease FCCR, as applicable, and that the calculation of the Unit-Level FCCR or Master Lease FCCR of each Unencumbered Pool Property is true and correct based on statements provided by the Tenant of such Unencumbered Pool Property;

 

(g)                                   simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement listing the Real Estate owned by the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries (or in which the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries owns an interest) and stating the location (city and state) thereof, and the acquisition cost and the Appraised Value if an Appraisal is available or required under this Agreement;

 

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(h)                                  if a schedule of the information described in this subsection (h) reasonably acceptable to the Agent is not included in the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, then simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement listing the Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries (excluding Indebtedness of the type described in §8.2(b)-(e)), which statement shall include, without limitation, a statement of the original principal amount of such Indebtedness and the current amount outstanding, the original lender, the maturity date and any extension options, the interest rate, the collateral provided for such Indebtedness and whether such Indebtedness is Recourse Indebtedness or Non-Recourse Indebtedness;

 

(i)                                      simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above, quarterly portfolio performance data with respect to the Unencumbered Pool Assets and associated collateral, including, without limitation, outstanding principal balances, any outstanding delinquencies or defaults, amounts remaining to be funded with respect to Future Advance Properties and the estimated date of the completion, and Prepayments in whole or Prepayments in part;

 

(j)                                     promptly following Agent’s request, after they are filed with the Internal Revenue Service, copies of all annual federal income tax returns and amendments thereto of the Borrower and the Guarantors;

 

(k)                                  promptly upon the filing hereof, copies of any registration statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any registration statements on Form S-8 or its equivalent) and any annual, quarterly or monthly reports and other statements and reports which the Borrower shall file with the SEC, if any;

 

(l)                                      notice of any audits pending or threatened in writing where the amount involved exceeds $1,000,000 with respect to any tax returns filed by the Borrower or the Guarantors promptly following notice of such audit;

 

(m)                              promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of any and all notices of default under any loan document securing or evidencing a mortgage loan made to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries secured by a Lien on Real Estate, if such mortgage loan (i) constitutes Recourse Indebtedness, (ii) constitutes Indebtedness and individually or in the aggregate has an outstanding principal balance in excess of $5,000,000.00, or (iii) has been accelerated;

 

(n)                                  within five (5) Business Days of receipt, copies of any written claim made with respect to any Non-Recourse Exclusion; and

 

(o)                                  from time to time such other financial data and information in the possession of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries (including without limitation auditors’ management letters, status of litigation or investigations against the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries and any settlement discussions relating thereto (to the extent that disclosure of any such letters, litigation or investigation status or settlement discussions would not waive any applicable privilege), property inspection and environmental reports and information as to zoning and other legal and regulatory changes

 

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affecting the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries) as the Agent, or a Lender through the Agent, may reasonably request.

 

The Borrower shall cooperate with the Agent in connection with the publication of certain materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower.  Documents required to be delivered pursuant to the Loan Documents shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders (collectively, “Information Materials”) pursuant to this Article and the Borrower shall designate Information Materials (a) that are either available to the public or not material with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any of their respective securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws, as “Public Information” and (b) that are not Public Information as “Private Information.”  Any material to be delivered pursuant to this §7.1 may be delivered electronically directly to Agent and the Lenders provided that such material is in a format reasonably acceptable to Agent, and such material shall be deemed to have been delivered to Agent and the Lenders upon Agent’s receipt thereof.  Upon the request of Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies thereof to Agent and the Lenders.  The Borrower and the Guarantors authorize Agent and Arrangers to disseminate any such materials, including without limitation the Information Materials through the use of Intralinks, SyndTrak or any other electronic information dissemination system, and the Borrower and the Guarantors release Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders from any liability in connection therewith.  Certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities.  The Borrower hereby agrees that it will identify that portion of the Information Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (i) all such Information Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (ii) by marking Information Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Agent, the Lenders and the Arrangers to treat such Information Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, its Affiliates or their respective securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Information Materials constitute confidential information, they shall be treated as provided in §14.18); (iii) all Information Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of any electronic dissemination system designated “Public Investor” or a similar designation; and (iv) the Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Information Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of any electronic dissemination system not designated “Public Investor” or a similar designation.

 

§7.2                         Other Information .

 

(a)                                  Defaults .  The Borrower will promptly upon becoming aware of same notify the Agent in writing of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, which notice shall describe such occurrence with reasonable specificity and shall state that such notice is a “notice of default”.  If any Person shall give any notice of the existence of a claimed default or take any other action in respect of a claimed default (whether or not constituting an Event of Default) under this Agreement or under any note, evidence of indebtedness, indenture or other obligation to which or with respect to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their

 

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respective Subsidiaries is a party or obligor, whether as principal or surety, and such default would permit the holder of such note or obligation or other evidence of indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof, which acceleration would either cause a Default or have a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower shall forthwith give written notice thereof to the Agent and each of the Lenders, describing the notice or action and the nature of the claimed default.

 

(b)                                  Environmental Events .  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent within ten (10) Business Days of becoming aware of (i) any potential or known Release, or threat of Release, of any Hazardous Substances in violation of any applicable Environmental Law; (ii) any violation of any Environmental Law that the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries reports in writing or is reportable by such Person in writing (or for which any written report supplemental to any oral report is made) to any federal, state or local environmental agency or (iii) any inquiry, proceeding, investigation, or other action, including a written notice from any agency of potential environmental liability, of any federal, state or local environmental agency or board, that in any case involves (A) an Unencumbered Pool Property, or (B) any other Real Estate and could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   Notification of Claims Against Unencumbered Pool Assets .  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent in writing within ten (10) Business Days of becoming aware of any material setoff, claims, withholdings or other defenses to which any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans are subject.

 

(d)                                  Notice of Litigation and Judgments .  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent in writing within ten (10) Business Days of becoming aware of any litigation or proceedings threatened in writing or any pending litigation and proceedings affecting the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or to which the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries is or is to become a party involving an uninsured claim against the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries that could either reasonably be expected to cause a Default or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and stating the nature and status of such litigation or proceedings.  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent, in writing, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and each of the Lenders, within ten (10) days of any judgment not covered by insurance, whether final or otherwise, against the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of $5,000,000.00.

 

(e)                                   ERISA .  The Borrower will give notice to the Agent within ten (10) Business Days after the Borrower, any Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate (i) gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any “reportable event” (as defined in §4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Employee Benefit Plan, or knows that the plan administrator of any such plan has given or is required to give notice of any such reportable event; (ii) gives a copy of any notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA; or (iii) receives any notice from the PBGC under Title IV or ERISA of an intent to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any such plan.

 

(f)                                    Defaults; Prepayments; Material Adverse Effects .  Borrower shall give notice to the Agent (i) within ten (10) Business Days of Borrower or any Guarantor becoming aware of (A) any monetary default or delinquency related to any Unencumbered Pool Asset or

 

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Intercompany Loan (including any Tenant or borrower or maker with respect thereto), or (B) the occurrence of any Prepayment, and (ii) within ten (10) Business Days of Borrower becoming aware of any Material Adverse Effect or any event or change in circumstances which should reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(g)                                   Notification of Lenders .  Within five (5) Business Days after receiving any notice under this §7.2, the Agent will forward a copy thereof to each of the Lenders, together with copies of any certificates or other written information that accompanied such notice.

 

§7.3                         Punctual Payment .  The Borrower will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal and interest on the Loans and all interest and fees provided for in this Agreement, all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes, as well as all other sums owing pursuant to the Loan Documents.

 

§7.4                         Maintenance of Office .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will maintain their chief executive office at 8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190, Scottsdale, Arizona  85255, or at such other place in the United States of America as the Borrower or the Guarantors shall designate upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Agent and the Lenders, where notices, presentations and demands to or upon the Borrower and the Guarantors in respect of the Loan Documents may be given or made.

 

§7.5                         Records and Accounts .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will (a) keep, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep true and accurate records and books of account in which full, true and correct entries will be made in accordance with GAAP and (b) maintain adequate accounts and reserves for all taxes (including income taxes), depreciation and amortization of its properties and the properties of its Subsidiaries, contingencies and other reserves.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantors nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall, without the prior written consent of the Agent, (x) except as may be required by GAAP or other regulation or regulatory agency, make any material change to the accounting policies/principles used by such Person in preparing the financial statements and other information described in §6.5 or §7.1, or (y) change its fiscal year.  Agent and the Lenders acknowledge that Borrower’s fiscal year is a calendar year.

 

§7.6                         Existence; Maintenance of Properties .

 

(a)                                  Except as permitted by §8.6(iii), the Borrower and the Guarantors will, and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, preserve and keep in full force and effect their legal existence in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation.  The Borrower and the Guarantors will preserve and keep in full force all of their respective rights and franchises and those of their Subsidiaries, the preservation of which is necessary to the conduct of their business and the failure to have which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower shall at all times comply with all requirements and applicable laws and regulations necessary to maintain REIT Status and shall continue to receive REIT Status.  Following the IPO Event, Borrower shall at all times cause its common shares to be listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange or another national exchange reasonably approved by Agent.

 

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(b)                                  The Borrower and the Guarantors (i) will cause all of its properties and those of its Subsidiaries used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and (ii) will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, except in the case of either (i) and (ii) as they relate to properties that are not Unencumbered Pool Properties, where such failure would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

§7.7                         Insurance .  The Borrower and the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries will, at their expense, procure and maintain insurance covering the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries and the Real Estate in such amounts and against such risks and casualties as are customary for properties of similar character and location, due regard being given to the insurance maintained by the Tenant and the type of improvements on the properties, their construction, location, use and occupancy.

 

§7.8                         Taxes; Liens .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will, and will cause their respective Subsidiaries to, duly pay and discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges imposed upon them or upon the Unencumbered Pool Properties or the other Real Estate, sales and activities, or any part thereof, or upon the income or profits therefrom as well as all claims for labor, materials or supplies that if unpaid might by law become a lien or charge upon any of its property or other Liens affecting any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets or other property of the Borrower and the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries and all non-governmental assessments, levies, maintenance and other charges, whether resulting from covenants, conditions and restrictions or otherwise, water and sewer rents and charges assessments on any water stock, utility charges and assessments and owner association dues, fees and levies, provided that any such tax, assessment, charge or levy or claim need not be paid if the validity or amount thereof shall currently be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings which shall suspend the collection thereof with respect to such property and the Borrower, such Guarantor or applicable Subsidiary shall not be subject to any fine, suspension or loss of privileges or rights by reason of such proceeding, neither such property nor any portion thereof or interest therein would be in any danger of sale, forfeiture, loss or suspension of operation by reason of such proceeding and the Borrower, such Guarantor or any such Subsidiary shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP; and provided , further , that forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any lien that may have attached as security therefor, the Borrower, such Guarantor or any such Subsidiary either (i) will provide a bond issued by a surety reasonably acceptable to the Agent and sufficient to stay all such proceedings or (ii) if no such bond is provided, will pay each such tax, assessment, charge or levy.

 

§7.9                         Inspection of Properties and Books .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will, and will cause their respective Subsidiaries to, permit the Agent and the Lenders, at the Borrower’s expense (to the extent provided for below) and upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect any of the Unencumbered Pool Properties of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries (subject to the rights of tenants under their Leases), to examine the books of account of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries (and to make copies thereof and extracts therefrom) and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries with, and to be advised as to the same by, their

 

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respective officers, partners or members, all at such reasonable times and intervals as the Agent or any Lender may reasonably request, provided that so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall not be required to pay for such visits and inspections more often than once in any twelve (12) month period.  The Lenders shall use good faith efforts to coordinate such visits and inspections so as to minimize the interference with and disruption to the normal business operations of such Persons.

 

§7.10                  Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will, and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, comply in all respects with (i) all applicable laws and regulations now or hereafter in effect wherever its business is conducted, including all truth in lending, real estate settlement procedures and Environmental Laws, (ii) the provisions of its corporate charter, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or declaration of trust, as the case may be, and other charter documents and bylaws, (iii) all agreements and instruments to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, (iv) all applicable decrees, orders, and judgments, and (v) all licenses and permits required by applicable laws and regulations for the conduct of its business or the ownership, use or operation of its properties, except where failure so to comply with either clause (i) or (v) would not result in the material non-compliance with the items described in such clauses.  If any authorization, consent, approval, permit or license from any officer, agency or instrumentality of any government shall become necessary or required in order that the Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries may fulfill any of its obligations hereunder, the Borrower, the Guarantors or such Subsidiary will promptly take or cause to be taken all steps necessary to obtain such authorization, consent, approval, permit or license and furnish the Agent and the Lenders with evidence thereof.  The Borrower shall develop and implement such programs, policies and procedures as are necessary to comply with the Patriot Act and shall promptly advise Agent in writing in the event that the Borrower shall determine that any investors in the Borrower are in violation of such act.

 

§7.11                  Further Assurances .  The Borrower and the Guarantors will and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, cooperate with the Agent and the Lenders and execute such further instruments and documents as the Lenders or the Agent shall reasonably request to carry out to their satisfaction the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

§7.12                  More Restrictive Agreements .  Should the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries after the date hereof enter into or modify any agreements or documents pertaining to any existing or future Indebtedness or Equity Offering, which agreements or documents include covenants, whether affirmative or negative (or any other provision which may have the same practical effect as any of the foregoing), which are individually or in the aggregate more restrictive against the Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries than those set forth in Article VIII of this Agreement, the Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent and, if requested by the Majority Lenders, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Majority Lenders shall promptly amend this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to include some or all of such more restrictive provisions (for only such time as such Indebtedness or Equity Offering restrictions remain in place) as determined by the Majority Lenders in their sole discretion.  The Borrower agrees to deliver to the Agent copies of any agreements or documents (or modifications thereof) pertaining to existing or future

 

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Indebtedness or Equity Offering of the Borrower, any Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries as the Agent from time to time may request.

 

§7.13                  Business Operations .  The Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries shall operate their respective businesses in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields and lines of business as such business is now conducted and in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Loan Documents.  The Borrower and the Guarantors will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, engage in any line of business other than financing, acquiring, leasing, selling, servicing or exchanging interests in commercial real estate or interests in entities that own or operate commercial real estate.

 

§7.14                  Distributions of Income to Borrower .  The Borrower shall cause all of its Subsidiaries (subject to applicable law, the terms of any loan documents under which such Subsidiary is the borrower, and the terms of any organizational documents of a joint venture with a Person that is not an Affiliate of Borrower entered into in the ordinary course of business) to promptly distribute to the Borrower (but not less frequently than once each calendar quarter, unless otherwise approved by the Agent), whether in the form of dividends, distributions or otherwise, all profits, proceeds or other income relating to or arising from its Subsidiaries’ use, operation, financing, refinancing, sale or other disposition of their respective assets and properties after (a) the payment by each Subsidiary of its debt service, operating expenses, capital improvements and leasing commissions for such quarter and (b) the establishment of reasonable reserves for the payment of operating expenses not paid on at least a quarterly basis and capital improvements and tenant improvements to be made to such Subsidiary’s assets and properties approved by such Subsidiary in the course of its business consistent with its past practices.  Neither the Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall enter into any agreement that limits the ability of any Subsidiary to make a dividend or distribution payment to the Borrower or to otherwise transfer any property to the Borrower, provided, however , that this sentence shall not prohibit (a) any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Secured Debt permitted under §8.2(g) or (h) solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness or (b) limitations on dividends and distributions of the Borrower contained in any agreement evidencing Unsecured Debt of the Borrower permitted under this Agreement so long as such limitations are no more restrictive than those contained in §8.8 of this Agreement.

 

§7.15                  Plan Assets .  The Borrower, the Guarantors and each of their respective Subsidiaries will do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to ensure that none of its assets will be deemed to be Plan Assets at any time.

 

§7.16                  Servicing .  Borrower shall service and collect, or shall cause the Unencumbered Pool Assets and the Intercompany Loans, to be serviced and collected, in all material respects in a legal, proper, prudent and customary manner.  Neither Agent nor any Lender shall be responsible for the servicing, administration, enforcement or collection of any Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan.

 

§7.17                  Maintenance of Property; Insurance .  Borrower shall keep or cause the related operator of the Unencumbered Pool Properties to keep the related Unencumbered Pool Property

 

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in good working order and condition.  Borrower shall maintain or cause the related mortgagor under an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan or Tenant under a Lease as operator of the Unencumbered Pool Property to maintain the insurance in form and amount as required under the related Unencumbered Pool Documents or other documents evidencing or securing such Unencumbered Pool Asset, Intercompany Loan or Lease of such Unencumbered Pool Property and shall not reduce such coverage without the written consent of Agent, and shall also maintain or cause the Tenant under the terms of the Lease to maintain such insurance with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, and with respect to property and risks of a character usually maintained by entities engaged in the same or similar business similarly situated, against loss, damage and liability of the kinds and in the amounts customarily maintained by such entities.

 

§7.18                  Breach of Representations and Warranties .  Upon discovery by Borrower of any breach of any representation or warranty listed in Article VI (including those set forth in Schedules 6.29 , 6.30 , 6.31 or 6.32 ), the Borrower shall promptly give notice of such discovery to the Agent.

 

§7.19                  Use of Proceeds .  The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit solely (a) for the payment of closing costs in connection with this Agreement, (b) to finance capital expenditures and the repayment of Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (c) to provide for the general working capital needs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and for other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

§7.20                  Unencumbered Pool Asset Eligibility .

 

(a)                                  Borrower shall cause the Real Estate and related Hybrid Leases and Qualifying Note Receivables, as applicable, included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets and the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability and included as Unencumbered Pool Assets, and any related Intercompany Loans, to at all times satisfy all of the following conditions:

 

(i)                                      the Unencumbered Pool Property shall be:

 

(A)                                located within the 50 States of the United States or the District of Columbia, and improved by a completed and operating commercial income-producing property 100% leased to a single Tenant pursuant to a Triple Net Lease or a Double Net Lease (provided that a separate lease at such Real Estate for ancillary space such as a billboard or cellphone tower shall not cause such Real Estate to not be considered 100% leased to a single Tenant, provided further that any revenue from such ancillary lease shall not be included in Net Operating Income);

 

(B)                                owned one hundred percent (100%) in fee simple or leased under a Ground Lease by an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner that is either (1) the borrower under a Qualifying Note Receivable, and such borrower’s Real Estate is security for a Qualifying Note Receivable pursuant to the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents, (2) a Hybrid Lease Fee Owner and the Tenant which is the owner of the related Improvements and such Persons’ Real Estate (unless the Hybrid Lease Fee Owner is a Guarantor) and Improvements are security for a Hybrid Lease pursuant to the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents, (3) a Wholly

 

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Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower which is structured as a single purpose, bankruptcy remote entity and such Person’s Real Estate is security for an Intercompany Loan pursuant to the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents, or (4) a Guarantor if such Unencumbered Pool Property is not subject to an Intercompany Loan, a Qualifying Note Receivable or a Hybrid Lease; and

 

(C)                                the Borrower shall own, directly or indirectly, free of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, one hundred percent (100%) of the economic, voting and beneficial interest of each Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner and shall control all decisions of such Persons (other than (1) the Tenant that owns the Improvements under a Hybrid Mortgage and (2) a borrower under a Qualifying Note Receivable);

 

(ii)                                   such Unencumbered Pool Property shall be free and clear of all Liens other than the Liens permitted in §§8.3(i)(A) and (iv) and the applicable Intercompany Loan, Qualifying Note Receivable or Hybrid Lease, if any, and such Real Estate shall not have applicable to it any restriction on the sale, pledge, transfer, mortgage or assignment of such property (including any restrictions contained in any applicable organizational documents of the owner thereof);

 

(iii)                                none of the Unencumbered Pool Property shall have any material environmental, structural, title or other defects, and not be subject to any condemnation proceeding, that in any event would give rise to a materially adverse effect as to the value, use of, operation of or ability to sell or finance such property;

 

(iv)                               except pursuant to or with respect to a Future Advance Property permitted by this Agreement, such Unencumbered Pool Property is not subject to any ground-up construction or Material Renovation; provided that Real Estate that is undergoing capital improvements by the Tenant which is not being financed through a loan that is an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan (or otherwise directly or indirectly by Borrower or a Guarantor) which does not constitute ground-up construction or a Material Renovation and to which the Tenant assumes the role of primary builder and is liable for the cost thereof (including any cost overruns) shall be permitted;

 

(v)                                  each of the representations and warranties with respect to such Unencumbered Pool Asset and Intercompany Loan (including without limitation those set forth in Schedules 6.29 , 6.30 , 6.31 and 6.32 ) shall be true and correct;

 

(vi)                               no interest in any Unencumbered Pool Document shall have been pledged or assigned to any Person;

 

(vii)                            the Unencumbered Pool Documents shall be owned one hundred percent (100%) by the Borrower or a Guarantor free and clear of all participation interests, Liens or other interests, shall be held by the Borrower or Guarantor or a custodian acting solely on their behalf, as applicable, with respect to such Unencumbered Pool Documents and the Borrower or Guarantor shall be the sole beneficiary under the Unencumbered Pool Documents for such Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan;

 

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(viii)                         the Unencumbered Pool Documents for Intercompany Loans shall be Qualifying Intercompany Loan Documents, and for Qualifying Note Receivables and Hybrid Leases shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, and none of such documents shall secure any note or other indebtedness that is not included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets or that is not pursuant to an Intercompany Loan that is only secured by Unencumbered Pool Properties.  All advances under any master loan agreement included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets or that is pursuant to an Intercompany Loan that is secured by Unencumbered Pool Properties shall be made pursuant to the related master note (which is included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets or is such Intercompany Loan) and not pursuant to any other supplemental or separate note;

 

(ix)                               the Unencumbered Pool Asset and Intercompany Loan, as applicable, shall not be a Defaulted Loan or a Delinquent Loan;

 

(x)                                  the original principal balance of an Intercompany Loan and Hybrid Lease shall be for 100% of the Appraised Value of the underlying Real Estate, or if there is no Appraisal of such Real Estate, 100% of the undepreciated book value (or contract price if the book value is not yet available) of the applicable Real Estate (or if such Real Estate is owned by SIC, at least fifty percent (50%) of the Appraised Value of the underlying Real Estate (or if there is no Appraisal of such Real Estate, at least fifty percent (50%) of the undepreciated book value (or contract price if the book value is not yet available) of the applicable Real Estate)), and there shall have been no Prepayment in whole or in part of the related Intercompany Loan or Hybrid Lease;

 

(xi)                               the Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner that is a Subsidiary of Borrower shall have no Indebtedness other than the applicable Intercompany Loan, Qualifying Note Receivable or Hybrid Lease, other Indebtedness applicable to the Real Estate and permitted under §8.2(b), (c), or (e), and Indebtedness under the Intercompany Revolver provided that such Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner which is the borrower under the Intercompany Revolver is also a borrower under an Intercompany Loan and is not a Guarantor, and the aggregate Indebtedness under the Intercompany Loan and Intercompany Revolver does not exceed the acquisition cost and expenses of the Real Estate owned by such Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner;

 

(xii)                            if an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan is owned or leased by a Guarantor, (A) the only assets of such Guarantor (other than SCA) shall be Unencumbered Pool Assets included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability or such Intercompany Loan, and (B) the Borrower shall own, directly or indirectly, free of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, one hundred percent (100%) of the economic, voting and beneficial interest of such Guarantor and shall control, directly or indirectly, all decisions of such Guarantor;

 

(xiii)                         with respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property owned or leased by a Guarantor, no Person other than the Borrower has any direct or indirect ownership of any legal, equitable or beneficial interest in such Guarantor, and no direct or indirect ownership or other interests or rights in any such Guarantor shall be subject to any Lien;

 

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(xiv)                        with respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property owned or leased by a Guarantor, such Guarantor shall have no Indebtedness other than Indebtedness pursuant to the Loan Documents and other Indebtedness specifically permitted by §8.2;

 

(xv)                           the Unencumbered Pool Asset, Intercompany Loan and Unencumbered Pool Documents shall satisfy each other condition in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents applicable thereto;

 

(xvi)                        the Unencumbered Pool Availability attributable to Unencumbered Pool Properties subject to Qualifying Note Receivables shall not exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Total Commitment (notwithstanding the foregoing, a failure to satisfy the requirements of this clause (xvi) shall not result in any Unencumbered Pool Properties subject to Qualifying Note Receivables not being included in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability, but any such Unencumbered Pool Availability in excess of such limitation shall be excluded for purposes of calculating Unencumbered Pool Availability;

 

(xvii)                     such Unencumbered Pool Asset, has not been removed from the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability pursuant to §7.20(b), (c) or (d); and

 

(xviii)                  the aggregate amount to be funded under or with respect to the Future Advance Properties included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets (A) in which the applicable tenant continues normal business operations and which does not involve ground-up construction shall not at any time exceed an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Total Commitment, and (B) attributable to Unencumbered Pool Properties which involve ground-up construction at the Unencumbered Pool Property and the Tenant is not operating its business from such Unencumbered Pool Property but is still paying rent shall not exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Total Commitment; provided, however, that the aggregate amount to be funded under clauses (A) and (B) above shall in no event in the aggregate exceed an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Total Commitment;

 

(xix)                        the Unencumbered Pool Availability attributable to any Unencumbered Pool Assets occupied by any single tenant or any group of Affiliates thereof shall not exceed an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Total Commitment (the “Single Tenant Limitation”); provided that a single tenant may exceed the Single Tenant Limitation one time for a period not exceeding two (2) consecutive calendar quarters; provided further that a failure to satisfy the requirements of this clause (xv) shall not result in any Unencumbered Pool Asset not being included in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability, but any value or income or other payments accounting for more than the applicable Single Tenant Limitation shall be excluded for purposes of calculating Unencumbered Pool Availability, and the Appraised Value and book value of the related Unencumbered Pool Asset and the Operating Cash Flow corresponding thereto shall be similarly excluded;

 

(xx)                           the Unencumbered Pool Availability attributable to the Real Estate associated with any Unencumbered Pool Assets located in any single State of the United States or the District of Columbia shall not exceed an amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of the Total Commitment (notwithstanding the foregoing, a failure to satisfy the requirements of this clause (xvi) shall not result in any Unencumbered Pool Asset not being included in the calculation of

 

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Unencumbered Pool Availability, but any such Unencumbered Pool Availability in excess of such limitation shall be excluded for purposes of calculating Unencumbered Pool Availability, and the book value and Appraised Value of such Real Estate and the Operating Cash Flow corresponding thereto shall be similarly excluded);

 

(xxi)                        there shall be at all times at least twenty-five (25) Unencumbered Pool Properties included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability, and all the Unencumbered Pool Properties taken collectively will at all times have an aggregate Appraised Value or undepreciated book value (minus any writedowns or impairments), whichever is lower (provided that if no Appraisal is required under this Agreement with respect to such Unencumbered Pool Property, the book value shall be used), of not less than $150,000,000.00;

 

(xxii)                     the Unencumbered Pool Availability attributable to Unencumbered Pool Properties which have Tenants of the applicable real estate whose business is classified within the same NAICS Industry Group shall not exceed an amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of the Total Commitment; provided that the foregoing limit shall not apply to Tenants whose business is classified in NAICS Industry Group 7225 (Restaurants and Other Eating Places) (notwithstanding the foregoing, a failure to satisfy the requirements of this clause (xxii) shall not result in any Unencumbered Pool Asset not being included in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability, but any such Unencumbered Pool Availability in excess of such limitation shall be excluded for purposes of calculating Unencumbered Pool Availability, and the book value and Appraised Value of the Unencumbered Pool Property and the Operating Cash Flow corresponding thereto shall be similarly excluded);

 

(xxiii)                  Agent shall have received Appraisals of the Unencumbered Pool Properties contributing not less than seventy percent (70%) of the Unencumbered Pool Availability;

 

(xxiv)                 the Unencumbered Pool Availability attributable to Unencumbered Pool Assets owned by SIC that are subject to an Intercompany Loan or Hybrid Lease shall not exceed an amount equal to twenty (20%) of the Total Commitment (notwithstanding the foregoing, a failure to satisfy the requirements of this clause (xxiv) shall not result in any Unencumbered Pool Asset not being included in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability, but any such Unencumbered Pool Availability in excess of such limit shall be excluded for purposes of calculating Unencumbered Pool Availability, and the book value and Appraised Value of such Real Estate and the Operating Cash Flow corresponding thereto shall be similarly excluded); and

 

(xxv)                    The Borrower shall have delivered to the Agent an Unencumbered Pool Asset Schedule including the Unencumbered Pool Asset in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability and the following conditions precedent shall be satisfied:

 

(A)                                prior to or contemporaneously with such addition, Borrower shall have submitted to Agent an Unencumbered Pool Certificate, both adjusted to give effect to such addition (but as to the Compliance Certificate, with only the covenants in §8.1(a) and §8.1(e) prepared on a pro forma basis), shall certify that the Unencumbered  Pool Asset satisfies all conditions and requirements of this Agreement to be included in the calculation of

 

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Unencumbered Pool Availability, and shall certify that after giving effect to such addition, no Default or Event of Default shall exist (including, without limitation, with respect to the covenants in this §7.20 and in §8.1);

 

(B)                                the Borrower and Guarantors, as applicable, shall have executed and delivered to the Agent all Unencumbered Pool Qualification Documents, all of which instruments, documents or agreements shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent;

 

(C)                                after giving effect to the inclusion of such Unencumbered Pool Asset, each of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries contained in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be true in all material respects both as of the date as of which it was made and shall also be true as of the time of the addition of such Unencumbered Pool Asset in the Unencumbered Pool Assets, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time, except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions permitted by the Loan Documents (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date), and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (including, without limitation, any Default under §7.20, §8.1(a) or §8.1(e)), and the Agent shall have received a certificate of the Borrower to such effect; and

 

(D)                                with respect to Real Estate subject to a Qualifying Note Receivable, the Agent shall have approved such Qualifying Note Receivable for inclusion in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability.  The Agent may condition such approval on the execution and delivery by Borrower of such supplemental representations, warranties and covenants relating to such Qualifying Note Receivable as may be required by the Agent.

 

(b)                                  In the event that all or any material portion of any Unencumbered Pool Property included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability and not covered by adequate insurance shall be materially damaged or taken by condemnation, then such property shall no longer be included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability unless and until (i) any damage to such real estate is repaired or restored, such real estate becomes fully operational and the Agent shall receive evidence satisfactory to the Agent of the value of such real estate following such repair or restoration (both at such time and prospectively) or (ii) Agent shall receive evidence satisfactory to the Agent that the value of such real estate (both at such time and prospectively) shall not be materially adversely affected by such damage or condemnation or Agent shall approve a new value for such Real Estate to be used in the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability.

 

(c)                                   Upon any asset ceasing to qualify to be included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability, such asset shall no longer be included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability.  Within five (5) Business Days after any such disqualification, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent a certificate reflecting such disqualification, together with the identity of the disqualified asset, a statement as to whether any Default or Event of Default arises as a result of such disqualification, and a calculation of the Unencumbered Pool

 

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Availability attributable to such asset.  Simultaneously with the delivery of the items required pursuant above, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent a new Compliance Certificate and Unencumbered Pool Certificate demonstrating, after giving effect to such removal or disqualification, compliance with the covenants contained in §7.20, §8.1(a) and §8.1(e).

 

(d)                                  In addition, the Borrower may voluntarily remove any Unencumbered  Pool Asset from the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability provided that no Default or Event of Default then exists or would, upon the occurrence of such event or with passage of time, result from such removal, Borrower delivers to Agent notice of such removal no later than five (5) Business Days prior to date on which such removal is to be effected, together with a statement that no Default or Event of Default then exists or would, upon the occurrence of such event or with passage of time, result from such removal, the identity of the Unencumbered Pool Asset being removed, and a calculation of the value attributable to such Unencumbered Pool Asset.  Simultaneously with the delivery of the items required pursuant above, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent a pro forma Compliance Certificate and Unencumbered Pool Certificate demonstrating, after giving effect to such removal or disqualification, compliance with the covenants contained in §7.20, §§8.1(a), and 8.1(e) (but with only the covenants in §8.1(a) and §8.1(e) prepared on a pro forma basis).  As a condition to such removal, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders a release price, which payment shall be applied to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Loans as provided in §2.4(d), in an amount equal to the amount necessary to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities so that no violation of the covenant set forth in §8.1(a) or §8.1(e) shall occur.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Borrower may not remove any Unencumbered Pool Document  or Intercompany Loan (such as a master loan agreement or a note issued pursuant thereto) from the calculation of Unencumbered Pool Availability if such document relates to any other Unencumbered Pool Asset.

 

§7.21                  IPO Event .  Borrower agrees as follows with respect to the IPO Event:

 

(a)                                  all matters relating to the IPO Event, including, without limitation, the organizational structure and management of Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries following the occurrence of the IPO Event, shall be substantially as described in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 for STORE Capital Corporation, as filed with the SEC on August 29, 2014;

 

(b)                                  simultaneously with the occurrence of the IPO Event (i) Borrower shall remain a real estate investment trust entitled to REIT Status, and (ii) the structure of the transaction shall be such that the financial results of Borrower and its Subsidiaries would be Consolidated with the accounts of Borrower; and

 

(c)                                   the Borrower and the Agent shall enter into such amendments to the Loan Documents or other agreements as the Agent may reasonably require to reflect the IPO Event.

 

§7.22                  Future Advance Properties .  Borrower and Guarantors shall perform all of their obligations under or with respect to each Future Advance Property (including any funding agreement) relating thereto.  Borrower shall not permit any failure to fund under or with respect to a Future Advance Property or any related agreement (including any funding agreement) to

 

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cause a default under a Lease or permit the Tenant to exercise any remedies (including, without limitation, any abatement, setoff or other reduction of rent) thereunder.

 

§7.23                  UPREIT .  For the purposes of this Agreement, “UPREIT” means any entity which would be consolidated with Borrower in accordance with GAAP which (i) is organized as a limited partnership, (ii) is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes pursuant to the provisions of the Code, (iii) more than ten percent of the Equity Interests of such entity are owned by Persons not Affiliated with the Borrower, (iv) has Borrower as the sole general partner, and (v) not less than a majority of the interests in such entity are owned by Borrower.  Borrower shall not organize an UPREIT without the prior written approval of the Majority Lenders and which approval may be conditioned upon, among other things, such UPREIT becoming a co-borrower or guarantor with respect to the Obligations and such changes and additional covenants to the Loan Documents as the Majority Lenders may require as a condition to the organization of the UPREIT by the Borrower.

 

§7.24                  Sanctions Laws and Regulations .  The Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Loans or any Letter of Credit or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, Unconsolidated Affiliate or other Person (i) to fund any activities or business of or with any Designated Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of such funding is itself the subject of territorial sanctions under applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations, (ii) in any manner that would result in a violation of applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations by any party to this Agreement, or (iii) in any manner that would cause the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to violate the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  None of the funds or assets of the Borrower that are used to pay any amount due pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute funds obtained from transactions with or relating to Designated Persons or countries which are themselves the subject of territorial sanctions under applicable Sanctions Laws and Regulations.  Borrower shall maintain policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve compliance with Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

 

ARTICLE VIII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

The Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any Loan, Note or Letter of Credit is outstanding or any of the Lenders has any obligation to make any Loans or issue any Letter of Credit:

 

§8.1                         Financial Covenants .

 

(a)                                  Unencumbered Pool Availability .  The Borrower shall not at any time permit the sum of the Outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Outstanding Swing Loans, plus the amount of Letter of Credit Liabilities, plus the outstanding principal balance of the Unsecured Debt, to be greater than the Unencumbered Pool Availability.

 

(b)                                  Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value .  The Borrower will not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value (expressed as a percentage) to exceed sixty-five percent (65.0%).

 

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(c)                                   Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Fixed Charges .  The Borrower will not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA determined for the most recently ended four (4) calendar quarters to Consolidated Fixed Charges for the most recently ended four (4) calendar quarters, to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

 

(d)                                  Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth .  The Borrower will not at any time permit Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be less than the sum of (i) $600,000,000.00, plus (ii) seventy-five percent (75%) of the sum of any additional Net Offering Proceeds after the date of this Agreement.

 

(e)                                   FCCR Coverage .

 

(i)                                      At all times the aggregate Weighted Average Aggregate FCCR of the Unencumbered Pool Properties for the most recently ended four (4) calendar quarters (subject to §8.1(e)(iii)) shall be greater than 1.50 to 1.00.

 

(ii)                                   For purposes of the calculation of Unit-Level FCCR and Master Lease FCCR only, when calculating Unit-Level FCCR and Master Lease FCCR for any Tenant that has not leased an Unencumbered Pool Property for four (4) full calendar quarters, the operating results and rent expense of such Tenant attributable to such Unencumbered Pool Property shall be calculated on an annualized basis using the sum of (i) the actual historical operating results and rent expense for the period that such Unencumbered Pool Property was leased by such Tenant and (ii) the projected operating results and rent expense based on contract rent for such Tenant and the expected future operating results at such Unencumbered Pool Property determined by Borrower, and as approved by the Agent, for the future period necessary to achieve four (4) calendar quarters of results.

 

(iii)                                Notwithstanding the four (4) quarter test period specified in §8.1(e)(i), in the event that the Tenant has leased an Unencumbered Pool Property for four (4) full calendar quarters, such covenants shall be calculated for the most recently ended four (4) calendar quarter period to the extent financial information for such Tenant for such period is available.  If such information is not available, such covenant shall be calculated based on if operating results are not available for four (4) full calendar quarters, the most recent financial information available for a period of not less than eight (8) months nor more than twelve (12) months.

 

(iv)                               Any Tenants whose Leases as of the date of the making of the applicable Intercompany Loan, Hybrid Lease or Qualifying Note Receivable (or with respect to an Unencumbered Pool Property that is not subject to an Intercompany Loan, Hybrid Lease or Qualifying Note Receivable, the date of acquisition of the applicable Real Estate), do not require such Tenant to report information adequate to permit the calculation of the covenant pursuant to this §8.1(e) shall be excluded from such calculation, provided that Borrower shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to require all Tenants to provide such information pursuant to the applicable Lease.

 

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§8.2                         Restrictions on Indebtedness .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness other than:

 

(a)                                  Indebtedness to the Lenders arising under any of the Loan Documents;

 

(b)                                  current liabilities of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business but not incurred through (i) the borrowing of money, or (ii) the obtaining of credit except for credit on an open account basis customarily extended and in fact extended in connection with normal purchases of goods and services;

 

(c)                                   Indebtedness in respect of taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies and claims for labor, materials and supplies to the extent that payment therefor shall not at the time be required to be made in accordance with the provisions of §7.8;

 

(d)                                  Indebtedness in respect of judgments only to the extent, for the period and for an amount not resulting in an Event of Default;

 

(e)                                   endorsements for collection, deposit or negotiation and warranties of products or services, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(f)                                    subject to the provisions of §8.1, Indebtedness of Borrower in respect of Derivatives Contracts that are entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

 

(g)                                   subject to the provisions of §8.1, Non-Recourse Indebtedness of Subsidiaries of Borrower (other than any Guarantor) that is secured by Real Estate and related assets; and

 

(h)                                  subject to the provisions of §8.1, Secured Debt or Unsecured Debt of Borrower that is Recourse Indebtedness and which Unsecured Debt may be guaranteed by Guarantors, provided no Unsecured Debt (other than the Permitted Unsecured Debt) shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders; and provided further that the aggregate amount of all such Recourse Indebtedness (exclusive of the Obligations) shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (w) no Subsidiary of Borrower which directly or indirectly owns an Unencumbered Pool Asset  or Intercompany Loan shall create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently, with respect to any Indebtedness other than Indebtedness under the applicable Intercompany Loan, subject to the terms of §7.20(a)(xi), Intercompany Revolver, Hybrid Lease or Qualifying Note Receivable permitted by this Agreement and the Indebtedness permitted under §8.2(b), (c) and (e), provided that if such Subsidiary is also a Guarantor, such Guarantor shall have no Indebtedness other than Indebtedness under §8.2(a) and (h) (to the extent permitted in clause (h)), (x) no Indebtedness which is a warehouse facility, repurchase agreement (except as permitted by §8.4(f)) or similar Indebtedness shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, (y) except as permitted by clause (z) below, no Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) shall have any Unencumbered Pool Asset, Intercompany Loan or direct or indirect ownership interest

 

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in any Unencumbered Pool Asset, Intercompany Loan, Borrower, Hybrid Lease Fee Owner or Guarantor as collateral, a borrowing base, unencumbered asset pool or similar form of credit support for such Indebtedness, and (z) the Permitted Unsecured Debt and other Unsecured Debt of Borrower approved pursuant to §8.2(h) may have the Unencumbered Pool Assets as an unencumbered borrowing base for such Indebtedness.

 

§8.3                         Restrictions on Liens, Etc.   The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any lien, security title, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, pledge, negative pledge, charge, restriction or other security interest of any kind upon any of their respective property or assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the income or profits therefrom; (b) transfer any of their property or assets or the income or profits therefrom for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to payment of its general creditors; (c) acquire, or agree or have an option to acquire, any property or assets upon conditional sale or other title retention or purchase money security agreement, device or arrangement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing); (d) suffer to exist for a period of more than thirty (30) days after the same shall have been incurred any Indebtedness or claim or demand against any of them that if unpaid would by law or upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever over any of their general creditors; (e) sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any accounts, contract rights, general intangibles, chattel paper or instruments, with or without recourse; (f) in the case of securities, create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred any purchase option, call or similar right with respect to such securities; or (g) incur or maintain any obligation to any holder of Indebtedness of any of such Persons which prohibits the creation or maintenance of any lien securing the Obligations (collectively, “Liens”); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary may create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist:

 

(i)                                      (A) Liens on properties to secure taxes, assessments and other governmental charges (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA or pursuant to any Environmental Laws) or claims for labor, material or supplies incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations not then delinquent or not otherwise required to be paid or discharged under the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and (B) Liens on assets, other than (I) Unencumbered Pool Assets, Intercompany Loan and Unencumbered Pool Documents and (II) any direct or indirect interest of the Borrower, any Guarantor and any of their respective Subsidiaries in any Guarantor, Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or Hybrid Lease Fee Owner, in respect of judgments permitted by §8.2(d);

 

(ii)                                   deposits or pledges made in connection with, or to secure payment of, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security obligations;

 

(iii)                                Liens consisting of mortgage liens on Real Estate, other than Real Estate that constitutes an Unencumbered Pool Property or any interest therein (including the rents, issues and profits therefrom), and related personal property securing Indebtedness which is permitted by §8.2(g) or (h);

 

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(iv)                               encumbrances on Real Estate consisting of easements, tenant leases, rights of way, zoning restrictions, restrictions on the use of real property and defects and irregularities in the title thereto, landlord’s or lessor’s liens under leases to which the Borrower or any such Subsidiary is a party, and other non-monetary liens or encumbrances, which do not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(v)                                  cash deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for Indebtedness), purchase contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vi)                               rights of setoff or bankers’ liens upon deposits of cash in favor of banks or other depository institutions, solely to the extent incurred in connection with the maintenance of such deposit accounts in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vii)                            Liens in favor of the Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Documents to secure the Obligations; and

 

(viii)                         Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted pursuant to §8.2(g) and (h).

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) no Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or Hybrid Lease Fee Owner shall, while its Real Estate is included as an Unencumbered Pool Asset, create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any Lien other than Liens contemplated in §§8.3(i)(A) and (iv) and the Lien created by the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents, and (b) no Guarantor shall create or incur, or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist, any Lien other than Liens described in §8.3(i)(A), (ii), (iv) (to the extent and with respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property owned by such Guarantor), (v) and (vi).

 

§8.4                         Restrictions on Investments .  Neither the Borrower will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make or permit to exist or to remain outstanding any Investment except Investments in:

 

(a)                                  marketable direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States of America that mature within one (1) year from the date of purchase by Borrower or such Subsidiary;

 

(b)                                  marketable direct obligations of any of the following: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Student Loan Marketing Association, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association, Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Financing Banks, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Land Banks, or any other agency or instrumentality of the United States of America;

 

(c)                                   demand deposits, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and time deposits of United States banks having total assets in excess of $100,000,000;

 

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(d)                                  commercial paper assigned the highest rating by two or more national credit rating agencies and maturing not more than ninety (90) days from the date of creation thereof;

 

(e)                                   bonds or other obligations having a short term unsecured debt rating of not less than A-1+ by S&P and P-1+ by Moody’s and having a long term debt rating of not less than A by S&P and A1 by Moody’s issued by or by authority of any state of the United States, any territory or possession of the United States, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and agencies thereof, or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing;

 

(f)                                    repurchase agreements having a term not greater than ninety (90) days and fully secured by securities described in the foregoing subsection (a), (b) or (c) with banks described in the foregoing subsection (c) or with financial institutions or other corporations having total assets in excess of $500,000,000; and

 

(g)                                   shares of so-called “money market funds” registered with the SEC under any mutual fund or other registered investment company that qualifies as a “money market fund” under Rule 2a-7 of the SEC, or any successor thereto which have total assets in excess of $50,000,000.

 

(h)                                  Investments in Land Assets and Development Property;

 

(i)                                      Investments by Borrower in non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Unconsolidated Affiliates;

 

(j)                                     Investments in Mortgage Note Receivables secured by completed commercial single tenant income producing properties and other secured or unsecured note receivables relating to loans with customers.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the aggregate value of the holdings of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the Investments described in §8.4(h), (i) and (j) exceed twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value at any time.

 

For the purposes of this §8.4, the Investment of Borrower or its Subsidiaries in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Unconsolidated Affiliates will equal (without duplication) the sum of such Person’s pro rata share of any Investments valued at the GAAP book value.

 

§8.5                         Limiting Agreements .

 

(a)                                  Although neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is required by this Agreement to pledge any assets as collateral for the Obligations, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall enter into, any agreement, instrument or transaction which has or may have the effect of prohibiting or limiting Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s ability to pledge to Agent any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets  or Intercompany Loans as security for the Obligations (provided that the requirement to maintain the Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans unencumbered to support the Permitted Unsecured Debt and other Unsecured Debt approved pursuant to §8.2(h) shall not violate the foregoing covenant).  Borrower shall take, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to take, such actions as are necessary to preserve the right and ability of

 

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Borrower and Guarantors to pledge such assets as security for the Obligations without any such pledge after the date hereof causing or permitting the acceleration (after the giving of notice or the passage of time, or otherwise) of any other Indebtedness of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this §8.5, the provisions of this §8.5 shall not apply to any agreement evidencing Permitted Unsecured Debt and other Unsecured Debt of the Borrower approved pursuant to §8.2(h) which requires the use of the Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans as a borrowing base for such permitted the Unsecured Debt or which contains financial covenants of a similar type to those in §8.1(a) of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Borrower shall, upon demand, provide to the Agent such evidence as the Agent may reasonably require to evidence compliance with this §8.5, which evidence shall include, without limitation, copies of any agreements or instruments which would in any way restrict or limit the Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s ability to pledge the Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans as security for Indebtedness, or which provide for the occurrence of a default (after the giving of notice or the passage of time, or otherwise) if any of the Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans are pledged in the future as security for Indebtedness of the Borrower.

 

§8.6                         Merger, Consolidation .  Other than with respect to or in connection with any disposition permitted under §8.9, the Borrower will not, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, become a party to any dissolution, liquidation, disposition of all or substantially all of its assets or business, merger, reorganization, consolidation or other business combination or agree to effect any asset acquisition, stock acquisition or other acquisition individually or in a series of transactions which may have a similar effect as any of the foregoing, in each case without the prior written consent of the Agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing immediately before and after giving effect thereto, the following shall be permitted without the consent of the Agent or any Lender:  (i) the merger or consolidation of one or more of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower with and into the Borrower (it being understood and agreed that in any such event the Borrower will be the surviving Person), (ii) the merger or consolidation of two or more Subsidiaries of the Borrower(provided that no such merger or consolidation shall involve a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is the surviving entity), and (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of any Subsidiary of the Borrower (but specifically excluding any Guarantor) that does not own any assets so long as such Subsidiary is not the owner of an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan.

 

§8.7                         Sale and Leaseback .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit its Subsidiaries, to enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby the Borrower or any such Subsidiary shall sell or transfer any Real Estate owned by it in order that then or thereafter the Borrower or any such Subsidiary shall lease back such Real Estate without the prior written consent of Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

§8.8                         Distributions .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower shall not pay any Distribution to the partners, members or other owners of the Borrower, during any period of four (4) consecutive calendar quarters to the extent that such Distribution would cause the aggregate Distributions paid or declared during such period to exceed ninety-five percent (95%) of Borrower’s Funds from Operations for such

 

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period; and provided that the limitations contained in this §8.8(a) shall not preclude the Borrower from making Distributions in an amount equal to the minimum distributions required under the Code to maintain the REIT Status of Borrower, or to avoid the payment of taxes imposed under Code Section 857(b)(i) as evidenced by a certification of the principal financial or accounting officer of Borrower containing calculations in detail reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

 

(b)                                  If a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall make no Distributions to its partners, members or other owners, other than Distributions in an amount equal to the minimum distributions required under the Code to maintain the REIT Status of Borrower, as evidenced by a certification of the principal financial or accounting officer of Borrower containing calculations in detail reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when an Event of Default under §10.1(a) or (b) shall have occurred, an Event of Default under §10.1(f) or (g) shall have occurred, or the maturity of the Obligations has been accelerated, the Borrower shall not make any Distributions whatsoever, directly or indirectly.

 

§8.9                         Asset Sales .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit its Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any material asset other than pursuant to a bona fide arm’s length transaction.  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof shall in the aggregate sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Real Estate or other assets in one transaction or a series of transactions during any four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters in excess of an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value as at the beginning of such four (4) quarter period, except as the result of a condemnation or casualty, without the prior written consent of Agent and the Majority Lenders .

 

§8.10                  Restriction on Prepayment of Indebtedness .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit its Subsidiaries to, (a) during the existence of any Default or Event of Default, prepay, redeem, defease, purchase or otherwise retire (except for regularly scheduled installments of principal) the principal amount, in whole or in part, of any Indebtedness other than the Obligations; provided , that the foregoing shall not prohibit (x) the prepayment of Indebtedness which is financed solely from the proceeds of a new loan which would otherwise be permitted by the terms of §8.2; and (y) the prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other retirement of the principal of Indebtedness secured by Real Estate which is satisfied solely from the proceeds of a sale of the Real Estate securing such Indebtedness or proceeds resulting from a casualty or condemnation relating to such Real Estate (and such insurance or condemnation proceeds are not otherwise required by the terms of any applicable loan documents to be applied to the restoration or rebuilding of such Real Estate); or (b) modify any document evidencing any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) to accelerate the maturity date or required payments of principal of such Indebtedness during the existence of an Event of Default.

 

§8.11                  Derivatives Contracts .  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall contract, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Derivatives Contracts except for interest rate swap, collar, cap or similar agreements providing interest rate protection and currency swaps and

 

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currency options made in the ordinary course of business and permitted pursuant to §8.1 and §8.2.

 

§8.12                  Transactions with Affiliates .  The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, permit to exist or enter into, any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate (but not including any Subsidiary of the Borrower), except transactions pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the business of such Person and upon fair and reasonable terms which are no less favorable to such Person than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate.

 

§8.13                  Equity Pledges .  Borrower and the Guarantors will not create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred any Lien on any of its direct or indirect legal, equitable or beneficial interest in the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Subsidiary of Borrower or any Guarantor that is an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or Hybrid Lease Fee Owner or owns an Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan, including, without limitation, any Distributions or rights to Distributions on account thereof.

 

§8.14                  Amendment of Unencumbered Pool Assets .

 

(a)                                  With respect to any Unencumbered Pool Property, the Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner shall comply with all obligations as landlord under the applicable Lease as and when required thereunder.  Neither the Borrower, the Guarantors nor any of their Subsidiaries shall have any obligation to fund money to a Tenant under a Lease or any other agreement related to an Unencumbered Pool Property, except as permitted by this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Guarantor, any servicer or any other Person to, abandon, alter, amend, cancel, modify, release, relinquish, supplement, terminate or waive, or enter into or give any agreement, approval or consent with respect to any of the Unencumbered Pool Documents or any part thereof or any interest therein or any collateral for the obligations evidenced by the Unencumbered Pool Documents, and any attempt to do so without the prior written consent of Agent shall be void and ineffective.  Borrower and Guarantors shall comply with all obligations of Borrower and Guarantors under the Unencumbered Pool Documents as and when required thereunder.  The Borrower and the Guarantors acknowledge and agree that any failure of the Unencumbered Pool Documents to require an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or Hybrid Lease Fee Owner to perform an obligation thereunder shall not limit, alter or impair the obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors hereunder.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Borrower, Guarantors or a servicer acting on their behalf may without the approval of Agent (i) grant approvals or consents with respect to administrative matters under the Unencumbered Pool Documents, (ii) approve requests for advances under any escrows or reserves established under the Unencumbered Pool Documents, fund advances pursuant to or with respect to Future Advance Properties and fund such items in accordance with the terms of the applicable Unencumbered Pool Documents and prudent lending practices, (iii) enter into or consent to modifications of the Unencumbered Pool Documents that are entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with prudent lending practices, provided that such modifications are not “Material Modifications” (as hereinafter defined), and (iv) grant waivers or forbear from exercising its

 

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rights under the Unencumbered Pool Documents in the ordinary course of business consistent with prudent lending practices, provided that such waivers or forbearances do not constitute a waiver of recurring future compliance with a provision of the Unencumbered Pool Documents or are not tantamount to an amendment of the Unencumbered Pool Documents (except to the extent permitted in clause (iii) above) and such waiver or forbearance would not affect or have an adverse impact on the Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan or the collectability or value thereof or the rights and benefits afforded to the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the Loan Documents or affect or have an adverse impact on the business, properties or operations of the Borrower or such Guarantor (each such waiver or forbearance pursuant to this clause (iv) a “Permitted Waiver or Forbearance”).  For the purposes hereof, a “Material Modification” shall be any of the following: (A) any forgiveness, reduction, waiver or forbearance from collection of any principal under any Unencumbered Pool Document, or any interest thereon or fee payable with respect thereto (or any amounts attributable thereto); (B) any reduction in, waiver of or forbearance from collection of the rate of interest payable under any Unencumbered Pool Document; (C) any extension of a maturity date or postponement or extension of any date fixed for any payment of principal or interest; (D) any release of an Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner or Hybrid Lease Fee Owner or any other obligor thereunder with respect to an Unencumbered Pool Document or of any real property or other collateral encumbered by an Unencumbered Pool Document; (E) the modification of or forbearance from exercising rights under any release provisions contained in any Unencumbered Pool Documents; (F) the consent to the transfer to a party other than the Borrower or one of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (which Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor if required by §5.10 or §7.20) or encumbrance of any Unencumbered Pool Property, or to a transfer or encumbrance of any direct or indirect ownership interest in any Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner, Hybrid Lease Fee Owner or any other obligor thereunder or waiver of or forbearance from exercising rights under any provision restricting transfer or encumbrance of any Unencumbered Pool Property, any direct or indirect interest in any Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner, Hybrid Lease Fee Owner or any other obligor thereunder; (G) any modification of, waiver of, or forbearance from exercising rights with respect to defaults, events of defaults, grace periods, cure periods, or any financial covenants contained in any Unencumbered Pool Document other than a Permitted Waiver or Forbearance; (H) any waiver of or forbearance from exercising rights with respect to a monetary default involving an amount under any Unencumbered Pool Documents or event of default or failure to comply with a financial covenant; (I) any material modifications to the Unencumbered Pool Property; (J) any consent or approval of any modification, waiver, termination, cancellation, acceptance of surrender or assignment of a Lease or Hybrid Lease, (K) any modification or waiver relating to any provision cross-defaulting an Intercompany Loan to the Loan Documents, or (L) any other modification, amendment, waiver, forbearance, approval or consent that may materially increase the obligations of the holder of such Unencumbered Pool Documents, materially reduce the rights or benefits afforded to such holder thereby, or affect or have an adverse impact on the Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan or the collectability or value thereof or the rights and benefits afforded to the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the Loan Documents, or have an adverse impact on the business, properties or operations of the Borrower or such Guarantor.

 

§8.15                  Partial Prepayments .  Neither Borrower, any Guarantor nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall, or shall permit to occur, any partial Prepayment of an Intercompany Loan or Hybrid Lease.

 

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ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

§9.1                         Initial Conditions Precedent .  The obligation of the Lenders to make the Loans or issue any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following initial conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                  Loan Documents .  Each of the Loan Documents, including this Agreement, shall have been duly executed and delivered by the respective parties thereto and shall be in full force and effect.  The Agent shall have received a fully executed counterpart of each such document.

 

(b)                                  Certified Copies of Organizational Documents .  The Agent shall have received from the Borrower and the Guarantors a copy, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate officer of each State in which such Person is organized and a duly authorized officer, partner or member of such Person, as applicable, to be true and complete, of the partnership agreement, corporate charter or operating agreement and/or other organizational agreements of the Borrower and the Guarantors and its qualification to do business, as applicable, as in effect on such date of certification.

 

(c)                                   Resolutions .  All action on the part of the Borrower and the Guarantors, as applicable, necessary for the valid execution, delivery and performance by such Person of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Person is or is to become a party shall have been duly and effectively taken, and evidence thereof reasonably satisfactory to the Agent shall have been provided to the Agent.

 

(d)                                  Incumbency Certificate; Authorized Signers .  The Agent shall have received from the Borrower and the Guarantors an incumbency certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of such Person and giving the name and bearing a specimen signature of each individual who shall be authorized to sign, in the name and on behalf of such Person, each of the Loan Documents to which such Person is or is to become a party.  The Agent shall have also received from the Borrower a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized representative of the Borrower and giving the name and specimen signature of each Authorized Officer who shall be authorized to make Loan Requests, Letter of Credit Requests and Conversion/Continuation Requests and to give notices and to take other action on behalf of the Borrower under the Loan Documents.

 

(e)                                   Opinion of Counsel .  The Agent shall have received an opinion addressed to the Lenders and the Agent and dated as of the Closing Date from counsel to the Borrower and the Guarantors in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

(f)                                    Payment of Fees .  The Borrower shall have paid to the Agent the fees payable pursuant to §2.6.

 

(g)                                   Performance; No Default .  The Borrower and the Guarantors shall have performed and complied with all terms and conditions herein required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, and on the Closing Date there shall exist no Default or Event of Default.

 

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(h)                                  Representations and Warranties .  The representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors in the Loan Documents or otherwise made by or on behalf of the Borrower, Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries in connection therewith or after the date thereof shall have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall also be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date.

 

(i)                                      Proceedings and Documents .  All proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Agent’s counsel in form and substance, and the Agent shall have received all information and such counterpart originals or certified copies of such documents and such other certificates, opinions, assurances, consents, approvals or documents as the Agent and the Agent’s counsel may reasonably require.

 

(j)                                     Unencumbered Pool Qualification Documents .  The Unencumbered Pool Qualification Documents for each Unencumbered Pool Asset included in the Unencumbered Pool Assets as of the Closing Date shall have been delivered to the Agent at the Borrower’s expense and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

(k)                                  Compliance Certificate and Unencumbered Pool Certificate .  The Agent shall have received a Compliance Certificate and an Unencumbered Pool Certificate dated as of the date of the Closing Date demonstrating compliance with each of the covenants calculated therein as of the most recent calendar quarter for which Borrower has provided financial statements under §6.5 adjusted in the best good faith estimate of Borrower as of the Closing Date.

 

(l)                                      Appraisals .  The Agent shall have received Appraisals of each of the Unencumbered Pool Properties to the extent required by §7.20(a)(xxiii) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

(m)                              Consents .  The Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Agent that all necessary stockholder, partner, member or other consents required in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been obtained.

 

(n)                                  Existing Credit Agreements .  The Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that all obligations of Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries under the Existing Credit Agreements have been satisfied, that the Existing Credit Agreements shall be terminated as of the effectiveness of this Agreement, and that all assets subject to such Existing Credit Agreements have been transferred to Borrower or a Subsidiary of Borrower free and clear of all Liens.

 

(o)                                  Commitments .  The Agent shall have received Commitments from Lenders in an aggregate amount of not less than $300,000,000.00.

 

(p)                                  Other .  The Agent shall have reviewed such other documents, instruments, certificates, opinions, assurances, consents and approvals as the Agent or the Agent’s Special Counsel may reasonably have requested.

 

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§9.2                         Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit .  The obligations of the Lenders to make any Loan or issue any Letter of Credit, whether on or after the Closing Date, shall also be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                  Prior Conditions Satisfied .  All conditions set forth in §9.1 shall continue to be satisfied.

 

(b)                                  Representations True; No Default .  Each of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries contained in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects both as of the date as of which they were made and shall also be true and correct in all material respects as of the time of the making of such Loan, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time, except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions permitted by the Loan Documents (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date), and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(c)                                   Borrowing Documents .  The Agent shall have received a fully completed Loan Request for such Loan and the other documents and information as required by §2.1(c), or a fully completed Letter of Credit Request and the other documents and information required by §3.1, as applicable.

 

(d)                                  Compliance .  All parties (other than Agent) to the Loan Documents are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents.

 

(e)                                   Market Disruption .  No event or events shall have been reasonably determined by Agent to have occurred resulting a material disruption of financial or capital markets that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents.

 

ARTICLE X
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC.

 

§10.1                  Events of Default .  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default (“Events of Default” or, if the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both is required, then, prior to such notice or lapse of time, “Defaults”):

 

(a)                                  Default in Principal Payments .  The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of the Loans or any reimbursement obligations with respect to the Letters of Credit when the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for payment;

 

(b)                                  Default in Interest Payments .  The Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on the Loans or any fees or other sums due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents when the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for payment;

 

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(c)                                   Default in Performance .

 

(i)                                      The Borrower shall fail to comply with the covenant contained in §8.1(a) and such failure shall continue for five (5) Business Days after such occurrence;

 

(ii)                                   The Borrower shall fail to perform any other term, covenant or agreement contained in §8.1(b)-(e), and such failure, with respect to §8.1(e) only, shall continue for ten (10) Business Days after such occurrence;

 

(iii)                                The Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall fail to perform any other term, covenant or agreement contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents which they are required to perform (other than those specified in the other subsections or subclauses of this §10.1 or in the other Loan Documents);

 

(d)                                  Misrepresentations .  Any representation or warranty made by or on behalf of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any report, certificate, financial statement, request for a Loan, Letter of Credit Request, or in any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, any advance of a Loan, the issuance of a Letter of Credit or any of the other Loan Documents shall prove to have been false in any material respect upon the date when made or deemed to have been made or repeated;

 

(e)                                   Debt Cross-Defaults .  The Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall fail to pay when due (including, without limitation, at maturity), or within any applicable period of grace, any principal, interest or other amount on account of any obligation for borrowed money or credit received or other Indebtedness (other than the Loans, but including under any Derivatives Contract), or shall fail to observe or perform any term, covenant or agreement contained in any agreement by which it is bound, evidencing or securing any obligation for borrowed money or credit received or other Indebtedness (including under any Derivatives Contract) for such period of time as would permit (assuming the giving of appropriate notice if required) the holder or holders thereof or of any obligations issued thereunder to accelerate the maturity thereof or require the termination or other settlement of such obligation or require the repurchase of any assets; provided that the events described in §10.1(e) shall not constitute an Event of Default unless such failure to perform, together with other failures to perform as described in §10.1(e), involve Non-Recourse Indebtedness in the aggregate in excess of $50,000,000.00, or Recourse Indebtedness in the aggregate in excess of $5,000,000.00;

 

(f)                                    Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceedings .  The Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, (i) shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admit in writing its general inability to pay or generally fail to pay its debts as they mature or become due, or shall petition or apply for the appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver for it or any substantial part of its assets, (ii) shall commence any case or other proceeding relating to it under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter in effect, or (iii) shall take any action to authorize or in furtherance of any of the foregoing.

 

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(g)                                   Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceedings .  (i) A petition or application shall be filed for the appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any substantial part of the assets of any thereof, or a case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any such Person under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter in effect, and any such Person shall indicate its approval thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein or such petition, application, case or proceeding shall not have been dismissed within ninety (90) days following the filing or commencement thereof; or (ii) a decree or order is entered appointing a trustee, custodian, liquidator or receiver for the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or adjudicating any such Person, bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition in any such case or other proceeding, or a decree or order for relief is entered in respect of any such Person in an involuntary case under federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter constituted provided that the events described in this §10.1(g) as to any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor or Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner shall not constitute an Event of Default unless the value of the assets of any such Subsidiary or Subsidiaries that is not a Guarantor or Unencumbered Pool Asset Owner (calculated, to the extent applicable, consistent with the calculation of Consolidated Total Adjusted Asset Value) subject to an event or events described in §10.1(g) exceeds $35,000,000.00 individually or in the aggregate;

 

(h)                                  Judgments .  There shall remain in force, undischarged, unsatisfied and unstayed, for more than fifteen (15) days during any calendar year, whether or not consecutive, one or more uninsured or unbonded final judgments against the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries that, either individually or in the aggregate, exceed $10,000,000.00;

 

(i)                                      Revocation of Loan Documents .  Any of the Loan Documents or the Contribution Agreement shall be canceled, terminated, revoked or rescinded otherwise than in accordance with the terms thereof or the express prior written agreement, consent or approval of the Lenders, or any action at law, suit in equity or other legal proceeding to cancel, revoke or rescind any of the Loan Documents or the Contribution Agreement shall be commenced by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Guarantor, or any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or agency of competent jurisdiction shall make a determination, or issue a judgment, order, decree or ruling, to the effect that any one or more of the Loan Documents or the Contribution Agreement is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with the terms thereof;

 

(j)                                     Mergers, Liquidations, Sale of Assets, Etc.   Any dissolution, termination, partial or complete liquidation, merger or consolidation of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall occur or any sale, transfer or other disposition of the assets of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries shall occur, in each case, other than as permitted under the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

(k)                                  ERISA . With respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan, an ERISA Reportable Event shall have occurred and the Majority Lenders shall have determined in their reasonable discretion that such event reasonably could be expected to result in liability of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries to the PBGC or such Guaranteed Pension Plan in an aggregate amount exceeding $10,000,000.00 and (x) such event in the

 

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circumstances occurring reasonably could constitute grounds for the termination of such Guaranteed Pension Plan by the PBGC or for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to administer such Guaranteed Pension Plan; or (y) a trustee shall have been appointed by the United States District Court to administer such Plan; or (z) the PBGC shall have instituted proceedings to terminate such Guaranteed Pension Plan;

 

(l)                                      Forfeiture of Assets Due to Criminal Activities .  The Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any shareholder, officer, director, partner or member of any of them shall be indicted for a federal crime, a punishment for which could include the forfeiture of (i) any assets of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries which in the good faith judgment of the Majority Lenders could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) any Unencumbered Pool Asset or Intercompany Loan;

 

(m)                              Change of Control .  A Change of Control shall occur; or

 

(n)                                  Loan Document Default .  An Event of Default under any of the other Loan Documents shall occur by Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries.

 

§10.2                  Remedies Upon Event of Default .  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                  Acceleration .  The Agent may, and, upon the request of the Majority Lenders, shall by notice in writing to the Borrower declare all amounts owing with respect to this Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit and the other Loan Documents to be, and they shall thereupon forthwith become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; provided that in the event of any Event of Default specified in §10.1(f) or §10.1(g), all such amounts shall become immediately due and payable automatically and without any requirement of presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind from any of the Lenders or the Agent, Borrower hereby expressly waiving any right to notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration.  Upon demand by the Agent, Issuing Lender or the Majority Lenders in their absolute and sole discretion after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and regardless of whether the conditions precedent in this Agreement for a Revolving Credit Loan have been satisfied, the Lenders will cause a Revolving Credit Loan to be made in the undrawn amount of all Letters of Credit.  The proceeds of any such Revolving Credit Loan will be pledged to and held by Agent as security for any amounts that become payable under the Letters of Credit and all other Obligations.  In the alternative, if demanded by Agent or the Issuing Lender in its absolute and sole discretion after the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Letter of Credit Liabilities shall become due and payable and the Borrower will deposit into the Collateral Account cash in an amount equal to the amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities.  Such amounts will be pledged to and held by Agent for the benefit of the Lenders as security for any amounts that become payable under the Letters of Credit and all other Obligations.  Upon any draws under Letters of Credit, at Agent’s sole discretion, Agent may apply any such amounts to the repayment of amounts drawn thereunder and upon the expiration of the Letters of Credit any remaining amounts will be applied to the payment of all other Obligations or if there are no outstanding Obligations and Lenders have no further obligation to make Loans or issue Letters of

 

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Credit or if such excess no longer exists, such proceeds deposited by the Borrower will be released to the Borrower.

 

(b)                                  Certain Cure Periods; Limitation of Cure Periods .  Notwithstanding anything contained in §10.1 to the contrary, (i) no Event of Default shall exist hereunder upon the occurrence of any failure described in §10.1(b) in the event that the Borrower cures such Default within five (5) Business Days after the date such payment is due, provided , however , that Borrower shall not be entitled to receive more than two (2) grace or cure periods in the aggregate pursuant to this clause (i) in any period of 365 days ending on the date of any such occurrence of Default, and provided further, that no such cure period shall apply to any payments due upon the maturity of the Notes, (ii) no Event of Default shall exist hereunder upon the occurrence of any failure described in §10.1(c)(iii) in the event that the Borrower cures (or causes to be cured) such Default within thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice of such default, provided that the provisions of this clause (ii) shall not pertain to defaults consisting of, to any default (whether of Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof) consisting of a failure to comply with §7.1(c), §7.1(d), §7.13, §7.20 (except as provided in §10.2(b)(iii) below), §7.21, §7.22, §8.2, §8.3, §8.5, §8.6, §8.8, §8.9, §8.10, §8.13, §8.14, §8.15, or to any Default excluded from any provision of cure of defaults contained in any other of the Loan Documents, and (iii) no Event of Default shall exist hereunder upon the failure of Borrower to comply with §7.20(a)(xxiii) in the event that Borrower cures such Default within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of such Default.  In the event that there shall occur any Default under §7.20 that affects only certain Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans or the owner(s) thereof, then the Borrower may elect to cure such Default (so long as no other Default or Event of Default would arise as a result) by electing to have the Agent remove such Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans from the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability and by reducing the outstanding Loans and Letters of Credit so that no Default exists under this Agreement, in which event such removal and reduction shall be completed within five (5) Business Days of the occurrence of such Default.

 

(c)                                   Termination of Commitments .  If any one or more Events of Default specified in §10.1(f) or §10.1(g) shall occur, then immediately and without any action on the part of the Agent or any Lender any unused portion of the credit hereunder shall terminate and the Lenders shall be relieved of all obligations to make Loans or issue Letters of Credit to the Borrower.  If any other Event of Default shall have occurred, the Agent may, and upon the election of the Majority Lenders, shall by notice to the Borrower terminate the obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans and issue Letters of Credit to the Borrower.  No termination under this §10.2(c) shall relieve the Borrower or the Guarantors of their obligations to the Lenders arising under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

(d)                                  Remedies .  In case any one or more Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and whether or not the Lenders shall have accelerated the maturity of the Loans pursuant to §10.2, the Agent, on behalf of the Lenders may, and upon the direction of the Majority Lenders, shall proceed to protect and enforce their rights and remedies under this Agreement, the Notes and/or any of the other Loan Documents by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, including to the full extent permitted by applicable law the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the obtaining of the ex parte appointment of a receiver, and, if any amount shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, the enforcement of the payment thereof.  No

 

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remedy herein conferred upon the Agent or the holder of any Note is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or any other provision of law.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement providing that the Loans may be evidenced by multiple Notes in favor of the Lenders, the Lenders acknowledge and agree that only the Agent may exercise any remedies arising by reason of a Default or Event of Default.  If the Borrower or the Guarantors fail to perform any agreement or covenant contained in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents beyond any applicable period for notice and cure, Agent may itself perform, or cause to be performed, any agreement or covenant of such Person contained in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents which such Person shall fail to perform, and the out-of-pocket costs of such performance, together with any reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees actually incurred (including attorneys’ fees incurred in any appeal) by Agent in connection therewith, shall be payable by the Borrower and/or the Guarantors upon demand and shall constitute a part of the Obligations and shall if not paid within five (5) days after demand bear interest at the Default Rate.  In the event that all or any portion of the Obligations is collected by or through an attorney-at-law, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall pay all costs of collection including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees.

 

§10.3                  Allocation and Distribution of Proceeds .  In the event that, following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, any monies are received in connection with the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or otherwise with respect to the realization upon any of the assets of the Borrower or the Guarantors, such monies shall be distributed for application as follows:

 

(a)                                  First, to the payment of, or (as the case may be) the reimbursement of the Agent for or in respect of, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses, disbursements and losses which shall have been paid or incurred or sustained by the Agent in connection with the collection of such monies by the Agent, for the exercise, protection or enforcement by the Agent of all or any of the rights, remedies, powers and privileges of the Agent or the Lenders under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in support of any provision of adequate indemnity to the Agent against any taxes or liens which by law shall have, or may have, priority over the rights of the Agent or the Lenders to such monies;

 

(b)                                  Second, to all other Obligations (including any interest, expenses or other obligations incurred after the commencement of a bankruptcy) in such order or preference as the Majority Lenders shall determine; provided , that (i) Swing Loans shall be repaid first, (ii) distributions in respect of such other Obligations shall include, on a pari passu basis, any Agent’s fee payable pursuant to §2.6; (iii) in the event that any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, payments to such Lender shall be governed by §5.7, and (iv) except as otherwise provided in clause (iii), Obligations owing to the Lenders with respect to each type of Obligation such as interest, principal, fees and expenses (but excluding the Swing Loans) shall be made among the Lenders, pro rata; and provided , further that the Majority Lenders may in their discretion make proper allowance to take into account any Obligations not then due and payable; and

 

(c)                                   Third, the excess, if any, shall be returned to the Borrower or to such other Persons as are entitled thereto.

 

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§10.4                  Rescission of Acceleration by Requisite Lenders .  If at any time after acceleration of the maturity of the Loans and the other Obligations, the Borrower shall pay all arrears of interest and all payments on account of principal of the Obligations which shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest on principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue interest, at the rates specified in this Agreement) and all Events of Default and Defaults (other than nonpayment of principal of and accrued interest on the Obligations due and payable solely by virtue of acceleration) shall become remedied or waived to the satisfaction of the Required Lenders, then by written notice to the Borrower, the Required Lenders may elect, in the sole and absolute discretion of such Required Lenders, to rescind and annul the acceleration and its consequences provided that such rescission or annulment does not relate to a matter requiring the approval of each affected Lender under §14.9.  The provisions of the preceding sentence are intended merely to bind all of the Lenders to a decision which may be made at the election of the Required Lenders, and are not intended to benefit the Borrower and do not give the Borrower the right to require the Lenders to rescind or annul any acceleration hereunder, even if the conditions set forth herein are satisfied.

 

ARTICLE XI
SETOFF

 

§11.1                  Setoff .  In addition to any rights of the Lenders under applicable law, during the continuance of any Event of Default, any deposits (general or specific, time or demand, provisional or final, regardless of currency, maturity, or the branch where such deposits are held) or other sums credited by or due from any Lender to the Borrower or any Guarantor and any securities or other property of the Borrower or any Guarantor in the possession of such Lender may, without notice to the Borrower or the Guarantors (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower and the Guarantors) but with the prior written approval of Agent, be applied to or set off against the payment of Obligations and any and all other liabilities, direct, or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, of the Borrower or any Guarantor to such Lender under the Loan Documents; provided that with respect to Borrower’s commercial banking accounts with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association shall not exercise such right pursuant to this Agreement unless an Event of Default under §10.1(a), (b), (f) or (g) shall have occurred or the maturity of the Obligations has been accelerated.  Each of the Lenders agree with each other Lender that if such Lender shall receive from the Borrower or a Guarantor, whether by voluntary payment, exercise of the right of setoff, or otherwise, and shall retain and apply to the payment of the Note or Notes held by such Lender (but excluding the Swing Loan Note) any amount in excess of its ratable portion of the payments received by all of the Lenders with respect to the Notes held by all of the Lenders, such Lender will make such disposition and arrangements with the other Lenders with respect to such excess, either by way of distribution, pro tanto assignment of claims, subrogation or otherwise as shall result in each Lender receiving in respect of the Notes held by it its proportionate payment as contemplated by this Agreement; provided that if all or any part of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such Lender, such disposition and arrangements shall be rescinded and the amount restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.  In the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (a) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the

 

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benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, and (b) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff.

 

ARTICLE XII
THE AGENT

 

§12.1                  Authorization .  The Agent is authorized to take such action on behalf of each of the Lenders and to exercise all such powers as are hereunder and under any of the other Loan Documents and any related documents delegated to the Agent, together with such powers as are reasonably incident thereto, provided that no duties or responsibilities not expressly assumed herein or therein shall be implied to have been assumed by the Agent.  The obligations of the Agent hereunder are primarily administrative in nature, and nothing contained in this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall be construed to constitute the Agent as a trustee for any Lender or to create an agency or fiduciary relationship.  Agent shall act as the contractual representative of the Lenders hereunder, and notwithstanding the use of the term “Agent”, it is understood and agreed that Agent shall not have any fiduciary duties or responsibilities to any Lender by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan Document and is acting as an independent contractor, the duties and responsibilities of which are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  The Borrower and any other Person shall be entitled to conclusively rely on a statement from the Agent that it has the authority to act for and bind the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

§12.2                  Employees and Agents .  The Agent may exercise its powers and execute its duties by or through employees or agents and shall be entitled to take, and to rely on, advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to its rights and duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  The Agent may utilize the services of such Persons as the Agent may reasonably determine, and all reasonable fees and expenses of any such Persons shall be paid by the Borrower.

 

§12.3                  No Liability .  Neither the Agent nor any of its shareholders, directors, officers or employees nor any other Person assisting them in their duties nor any agent, or employee thereof, shall be liable for (a) any waiver, consent or approval given or any action taken, or omitted to be taken, in good faith by it or them hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, or in connection herewith or therewith, or be responsible for the consequences of any oversight or error of judgment whatsoever, except that the Agent or such other Person, as the case may be, shall be liable for losses due to its willful misconduct or gross negligence as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the expiration of all applicable appeal periods or (b) any action taken or not taken by Agent with the consent or at the request of the Majority Lenders or Required Lenders, as applicable.  The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless the Agent has received notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to the Loan Documents and describing with reasonable specificity such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”.

 

§12.4                  No Representations .  The Agent shall not be responsible for the execution or validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents or

 

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any instrument at any time constituting, or intended to constitute, collateral security for the Notes, or for the value of any such collateral security or for the validity, enforceability or collectability of any such amounts owing with respect to the Notes, or for any recitals or statements, warranties or representations made herein, or any agreement, instrument or certificate delivered in connection therewith or in any of the other Loan Documents or in any certificate or instrument hereafter furnished to it by or on behalf of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, covenants or agreements herein or in any of the other Loan Documents.  The Agent shall not be bound to ascertain whether any notice, consent, waiver or request delivered to it by the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any holder of any of the Notes shall have been duly authorized or is true, accurate and complete.  The Agent has not made nor does it now make any representations or warranties, express or implied, nor does it assume any liability to the Lenders, with respect to the creditworthiness or financial condition of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or the value of any collateral or any other assets of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries.  Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender, and based upon such information and documents as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender, based upon such information and documents as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  Agent’s Special Counsel has only represented Agent and KeyBank in connection with the Loan Documents and the only attorney client relationship or duty of care is between Agent’s Special Counsel and Agent or KeyBank.  Each Lender has been independently represented by separate counsel on all matters regarding the Loan Documents.

 

§12.5                  Payments .

 

(a)                                  A payment by the Borrower or the Guarantors to the Agent hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents for the account of any Lender shall constitute a payment to such Lender.  The Agent agrees to distribute to each Lender not later than one Business Day after the Agent’s receipt of good funds, determined in accordance with the Agent’s customary practices, such Lender’s pro rata share of payments received by the Agent for the account of the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any of the other Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, each payment by the Borrower hereunder shall be applied in accordance with §5.7(d).

 

(b)                                  If in the opinion of the Agent the distribution of any amount received by it in such capacity hereunder, under the Notes or under any of the other Loan Documents might involve it in liability, it may refrain from making such distribution until its right to make such distribution shall have been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction.  If a court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge that any amount received and distributed by the Agent is to be repaid, each Person to whom any such distribution shall have been made shall either repay to the Agent its proportionate share of the amount so adjudged to be repaid or shall pay over the same in such manner and to such Persons as shall be determined by such court.  In the event that the Agent shall refrain from making any distribution of any amount received by it as provided in

 

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this §12.5(b), the Agent shall endeavor to hold such amounts in an interest bearing account and at such time as such amounts may be distributed to the Lenders, the Agent shall distribute to each Lender, based on their respective Commitment Percentages, its pro rata share of the interest or other earnings from such deposited amount.

 

§12.6                  Holders of Notes .  Subject to the terms of Article XIII, the Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the absolute owner or purchaser thereof for all purposes hereof until it shall have been furnished in writing with a different name by such payee or by a subsequent holder, assignee or transferee.

 

§12.7                  Indemnity .  The Lenders ratably agree hereby to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so) from and against any and all claims, actions and suits (whether groundless or otherwise), losses, damages, costs, expenses (including any expenses for which the Agent has not been reimbursed by the Borrower as required by §14.15), and liabilities of every nature and character arising out of or related to this Agreement, the Notes, or any of the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated or evidenced hereby or thereby, or the Agent’s actions taken hereunder or thereunder, except to the extent that any of the same shall be directly caused by the Agent’s willful misconduct or gross negligence as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the expiration of all applicable appeal periods.  The agreements in this §12.7 shall survive the payment of all amounts payable under the Loan Documents.

 

§12.8                  Agent as Lender .  In its individual capacity, KeyBank shall have the same obligations and the same rights, powers and privileges in respect to its Commitment and the Loans made by it, and as the holder of any of the Notes as it would have were it not also the Agent.

 

§12.9                  Resignation .  The Agent may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) calendar days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower.  Any such resignation may at Agent’s option also constitute Agent’s resignation as Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender.  Upon any such resignation, the Majority Lenders, subject to the terms of §13.1, shall have the right to appoint as a successor Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, any Lender or any bank whose senior debt obligations are rated not less than “A3” or its equivalent by Moody’s or not less than “A-” or its equivalent by S&P and which has a net worth of not less than $500,000,000.00.  Unless a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such successor Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, shall be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.  If no successor Agent shall have been appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within ten (10) days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be any Lender or any financial institution whose senior debt obligations are rated not less than “A2” or its equivalent by Moody’s or not less than “A” or its equivalent by S&P and which has a net worth of not less than $500,000,000.00.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, hereunder by a successor Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, such successor Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, and the retiring Agent

 

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and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender, shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder as Agent and, if applicable, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender.  After any retiring Agent’s resignation, the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Agent, Swing Loan Lender and Issuing Lender.  If the resigning Agent shall also resign as the Issuing Lender, such successor Agent shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or shall make other arrangements satisfactory to the current Issuing Lender, in either case, to assume effectively the obligations of the current Issuing Lender with respect to such Letters of Credit.  Upon any change in the Agent under this Agreement, the resigning Agent shall execute such assignments of and amendments to the Loan Documents as may be necessary to substitute the successor Agent for the resigning Agent.

 

§12.10           Duties in the Case of Enforcement .  In case one or more Events of Default have occurred and shall be continuing, and whether or not acceleration of the Obligations shall have occurred, the Agent may and, if (a) so requested by the Majority Lenders and (b) the Lenders have provided to the Agent such additional indemnities and assurances in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages against expenses and liabilities as the Agent may reasonably request, shall proceed to exercise all or any legal and equitable and other rights or remedies as it may have; provided , however , that unless and until the Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem to be in the best interests of the Lenders.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if Agent reasonably determines payment is in the best interest of all the Lenders, Agent may without the approval of the Lenders pay taxes and insurance premiums and spend money for maintenance, repairs or other expenses which may be necessary to be incurred, and Agent shall promptly thereafter notify the Lenders of such action.  Each Lender shall, within thirty (30) days of request therefor, pay to the Agent its Commitment Percentage of the reasonable costs incurred by the Agent in taking any such actions hereunder to the extent that such costs shall not be promptly reimbursed to the Agent by the Borrower within such period.  The Majority Lenders may direct the Agent in writing as to the method and the extent of any such exercise, the Lenders hereby agreeing to indemnify and hold the Agent harmless in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages from all liabilities incurred in respect of all actions taken or omitted in accordance with such directions, except to the extent that any of the same shall be directly caused by the Agent’s willful misconduct or gross negligence as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the expiration of all applicable appeal periods, provided that the Agent need not comply with any such direction to the extent that the Agent reasonably believes the Agent’s compliance with such direction to be unlawful in any applicable jurisdiction or commercially unreasonable under the UCC as enacted in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

§12.11           Agent May File Proofs of Claim .  In the event a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding is commenced by or against Borrower or the Guarantors, the Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right to file and pursue a joint proof claim on behalf of all Lenders.  Any votes with respect to such claims or otherwise with respect to such proceedings shall be subject to the vote of the Majority Lenders, Required Lenders or all of the Lenders as required by this Agreement.  Each Lender irrevocably waives its right to file or pursue a separate proof of claim

 

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in any such proceedings unless Agent fails to file such claim within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Majority Lenders requesting that Agent file such proof of claim.

 

§12.12           Reliance by Agent .  The Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by an Authorized Officer.  The Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Agent (or Issuing Lender, as applicable) may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Agent (or Issuing Lender, as applicable) shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan (or issuance of such Letter of Credit).  The Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower and/or the Guarantors), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

§12.13           Approvals .

 

(a)                                  If consent is required for some action under this Agreement, or except as otherwise provided herein an approval of the affected Lenders, all Lenders, the Majority Lenders or Required Lenders is required or permitted under this Agreement, each Lender agrees to give the Agent, within ten (10) days of receipt of the written request for action together with all reasonably requested information related thereto requested by such Lender (or such lesser period of time required by the terms of the Loan Documents), notice in writing of  approval or disapproval (collectively “Directions”) in respect of any action requested or proposed in writing pursuant to the terms hereof.  To the extent that any Lender does not approve any recommendation of Agent, such Lender shall in such notice to Agent describe the actions that would be acceptable to such Lender.  If the Agent submits to the Lenders a written request for consent with respect to this Agreement and any Lender fails to provide Directions within ten (10) days after such Lender receives from the Agent such initial request for Directions together with all reasonably requested information related thereto, then Agent shall make a second request for approval, which approval shall include the following in all capital, bolded, block letters on the first page thereof:

 

“THE FOLLOWING REQUEST REQUIRES A RESPONSE WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS OF RECEIPT.  FAILURE TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED AN APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST.”

 

If the Agent submits to such Lender a second written request to approve or disapprove such action, and a Lender fails to provide Directions within five (5) Business Days after the Lender receives from the Agent such second request, then any Lender’s failure to respond to a request for Directions within the required time period shall be deemed to constitute a Direction to take such requested action.

 

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(b)                                  In the event that any recommendation is not approved by the requisite number of Lenders and a subsequent approval on the same subject matter is requested by Agent (a “Subsequent Approval Request”), then for the purposes of this paragraph each Lender shall be required to respond to a Subsequent Approval Request within five (5) Business Days of receipt of such request.

 

If the Agent submits to the Lenders a Subsequent Approval Request and any Lender fails to provide Directions within five (5) Business Days after such Lender receives from the Agent the Subsequent Approval Request, then Agent shall make a second request for approval, which approval shall include the following in all capital, bolded, block letters on the first page thereof:

 

“THE FOLLOWING REQUEST REQUIRES A RESPONSE WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS OF RECEIPT.  FAILURE TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED AN APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST.”

 

If the Agent submits to such Lender a second written request to approve or disapprove the Subsequent Approval Request, and the Lender fails to approve or disapprove such Subsequent Approval Request within five (5) Business Days after the Lender receives from the Agent such second request, then any Lender’s failure to respond to a request for Directions within the required time period shall be deemed to constitute a Direction to take such requested action.

 

(c)                                   Each request by Agent for a Direction shall include Agent’s recommended course of action or determination.  Notices given by Agent pursuant to this §12.13 may be given through the use of Intralinks, Syndtrak or another electronic information dissemination system.  Agent and each Lender shall be entitled to assume that any officer of the other Lenders delivering any notice, consent, certificate or other writing is authorized to give such notice, consent, certificate or other writing unless Agent and such other Lenders have otherwise been notified in writing.  Notwithstanding anything in this §12.13 to the contrary, any matter requiring all Lenders’ or each affected Lender’s approval or consent shall not be deemed given by a Lender as a result of such Lender’s failure to respond to any approval or consent request within any applicable reply period. .

 

§12.14           Borrower Not Beneficiary .  Except for the provisions of §12.9 relating to the appointment of a successor Agent, the provisions of this Article XII are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, may not be enforced by the Borrower, and except for the provisions of §12.9, may be modified or waived without the approval or consent of the Borrower.

 

ARTICLE XIII
ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATION

 

§13.1                  Conditions to Assignment by Lenders .  Except as provided herein, each Lender may assign to one or more banks or other entities (but not to any natural person) all or a portion of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment Percentage and Commitment and the same portion of the Loans at the time owing to it and the Notes held by it); provided that (a) the Agent and, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists hereunder, the Borrower shall have each given its prior written consent to such assignment, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and if the Borrower

 

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does not respond to any such request for consent within five (5) Business Days, Borrower shall be deemed to have consented (provided that such consent shall not be required for any assignment to another Lender, to a Related Fund, to a lender or an Affiliate of a Lender which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the assigning Lender or to a wholly-owned Subsidiary of such Lender), (b) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Commitment in the event an interest in the Revolving Credit Loans is assigned, (c) the parties to such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for recording in the Register (as hereinafter defined) an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto, together with any Notes subject to such assignment, (d) in no event shall any assignment be to any Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or which is not otherwise free from influence or control by the Borrower or the Guarantors or be to a Defaulting Lender or an Affiliate of a Defaulting Lender, (e) such assignee of a portion of the Revolving Credit Loans shall have a net worth as of the date of such assignment of not less than $100,000,000.00 (unless otherwise approved by Agent and, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists hereunder, the Borrower), and (f) such assignee shall acquire an interest in the Loans of not less than $5,000,000.00 and integral multiples of $1,000,000.00 in excess thereof (or if less, the remaining Loans of the assignor), unless waived by the Agent, and so long as no Default or Event of Default exists hereunder, the Borrower.  Upon execution, delivery, acceptance and recording of such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (i) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and all other Loan Documents executed by the Lenders and, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder, (ii) the assigning Lender shall, upon payment to the Agent of the registration fee referred to in §13.2, be released from its obligations under this Agreement arising after the effective date of such assignment with respect to the assigned portion of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement, and (iii) the Agent may unilaterally amend Schedule 1.1 to reflect such assignment.  In connection with each assignment, the assignee shall represent and warrant to the Agent, the assignor and each other Lender as to whether such assignee is controlling, controlled by, under common control with or is not otherwise free from influence or control by, the Borrower and the Guarantors and whether such assignee is a Defaulting Lender or an Affiliate of a Defaulting Lender.  In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit in accordance with its Commitment Percentage.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement

 

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until such compliance occurs.  Any assignment by a Lender that does not comply with the terms of this §13.1 shall be given the effect of a participation pursuant to §13.4.

 

§13.2                  Register .  The Agent shall maintain on behalf of the Borrower a copy of each assignment delivered to it and a register or similar list (the “Register”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment Percentages of and principal amount of the Loans owing to the Lenders from time to time.  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and the Lenders at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.  Upon each such recordation, the assigning Lender agrees to pay to the Agent a registration fee in the sum of $3,500.00.

 

§13.3                  New Notes .  Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement executed by the parties to such assignment, together with each Note subject to such assignment, the Agent shall record the information contained therein in the Register.  Within five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice of such assignment from Agent, the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and deliver to the Agent, in exchange for each surrendered Note, a new Note to the order of such assignee in an amount equal to the amount assigned to such assignee pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement and, if the assigning Lender has retained some portion of its obligations hereunder, a new Note to the order of the assigning Lender in an amount equal to the amount retained by it hereunder.  Such new Notes shall provide that they are replacements for the surrendered Notes, shall be in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the surrendered Notes, shall be dated the effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of the assigned Notes.  The surrendered Notes shall be canceled and returned to the Borrower.

 

§13.4                  Participations .  Each Lender may sell participations to one or more Lenders or other entities (but not to any natural person) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that (a) any such sale or participation shall not affect the rights and duties of the selling Lender hereunder, (b) such participation shall not entitle such participant to any rights or privileges under this Agreement or any Loan Documents, including without limitation, rights granted to the Lenders under §4.1, §4.2, §4.5 and Article XI, (c) such participation shall not entitle the participant to the right to approve waivers, amendments or modifications, (d) such participant shall have no direct rights against the Borrower or the Guarantors, (e) such sale is effected in accordance with all applicable laws, and (f) such participant shall not be a Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with, or which is not otherwise free from influence or control by the Borrower or the Guarantors and shall not be a Defaulting Lender or an Affiliate of a Defaulting Lender; provided , however , such Lender may agree with the participant that it will not, without the consent of the participant, agree to (i) increase, or extend the term or extend the time or waive any requirement for the reduction or termination of, such Lender’s Commitment, (ii) extend the date fixed for the payment of principal of or interest on the Loans or portions thereof owing to such Lender (other than pursuant to an extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to §2.9), (iii) reduce the amount of any such payment of principal, (iv) reduce the rate at which interest is payable thereon, or

 

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(v) release a Guarantors (except as provided in this Agreement).  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Documents) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Agent (in its capacity as Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

§13.5                  Pledge by Lender .  Any Lender may at any time pledge all or any portion of its interest and rights under this Agreement (including all or any portion of its Note) to any of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks organized under §4 of the Federal Reserve Act, 12 U.S.C. §341 or to such other Person as the Agent may approve to secure obligations of such Lenders.  No such pledge or the enforcement thereof shall release the pledgor Lender from its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents.

 

§13.6                  No Assignment by Borrower or the Guarantors .  Neither the Borrower nor the Guarantors shall assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents without the prior written consent of each of the Lenders.

 

§13.7                  Mandatory Assignment .  In the event the Borrower requests that certain amendments, modifications or waivers be made to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents which request requires approval of all of the Lenders or all of the Lenders directly affected thereby and is approved by the Majority Lenders, but is not approved by one or more of the Lenders (any such non-consenting Lender shall hereafter be referred to as the “Non-Consenting Lender”), then, within thirty (30) Business Days after the Borrower’s receipt of notice of such disapproval by such Non-Consenting Lender, the Borrower shall have the right as to such Non-Consenting Lender, to be exercised by delivery of written notice delivered to the Agent and the Non-Consenting Lender within thirty (30) Business Days of receipt of such notice, to elect to cause the Non-Consenting Lender to transfer its Commitment.  The Agent shall promptly notify the remaining Lenders that each of such Lenders shall have the right, but not the obligation, to acquire a portion of the Commitment, pro rata based upon their relevant Commitment Percentages, of the Non-Consenting Lender (or if any of such Lenders does not elect to purchase its pro rata share, then to such remaining Lenders in such proportion as approved by the Agent).  In the event that the Lenders do not elect to acquire all of the Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment, then the Agent shall endeavor to find a new Lender or Lenders to acquire such remaining Commitment.  Upon any such purchase of the Commitment of the Non-Consenting Lender, the Non-Consenting Lender’s interests in the Obligations and its rights hereunder and under the Loan Documents shall terminate at the date of purchase, and the Non-Consenting Lender shall promptly execute and deliver any and all documents reasonably

 

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requested by Agent to surrender and transfer such interest, including, without limitation, an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G and such Non-Consenting Lender’s original Note.  The purchase price for the Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment shall equal any and all amounts outstanding and owed by Borrower to the Non-Consenting Lender, including principal and all accrued and unpaid interest or fees, plus any applicable amounts payable pursuant to §2.3(c) which would be owed to such Non-Consenting Lender if the Loans were to be repaid in full on the date of such purchase of the Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment (provided that the Borrower may pay to such Non-Consenting Lender any interest, fees or other amounts (other than principal) owing to such Non-Consenting Lender).

 

§13.8                  Amendments to Loan Documents .  Upon any such assignment, the Borrower and the Guarantors shall, upon the request of the Agent, enter into such documents as may be reasonably required by the Agent to modify the Loan Documents to reflect such assignment.

 

§13.9                  Titled Agents.   The Titled Agents shall not have any additional rights or obligations under the Loan Documents, except for those rights, if any, as a Lender.

 

§13.10           No Registration .  Each Lender agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Agent, it will not make any assignment hereunder in any manner under any circumstances that would require registration or qualification of, or filings in respect of, any Loan or Note under the Securities Act or any other securities laws of the United States of America or any other jurisdiction.

 

ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS

 

§14.1                  Notices .  Each notice, demand, election or request provided for or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement (hereinafter in this Article XIV referred to as “Notice”) must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given or served by personal delivery or by sending same by overnight courier or by depositing same in the United States Mail, postpaid and registered or certified, return receipt requested, or as expressly permitted herein, by telegraph, telecopy, telefax or telex, and addressed as follows:

 

If to the Agent or KeyBank:

 

KeyBank National Association
4910 Tiedeman Road, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, Ohio  44144
Attn:  Real Estate Capital Services

 

With a copy to:

 

KeyBank National Association
1200 Abernathy Road, N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia  30328
Attn:  James Komperda
Telecopy No.:  (770) 510-2195

 

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and

 

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
Suite 5300, 303 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia  30308
Attn:  William F. Timmons, Esq.
Telecopy No.:  (404) 527-4198

 

If to the Borrower:

 

STORE Capital Corporation
8501 E. Princess Drive, Suite 190
Scottsdale, Arizona  85255
Attn:  Michael T. Bennett
Telecopy No.:  (480) 256-1101

 

With a copy to:

 

Kutak Rock LLP
1801 California Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado  80202
Attn:  Brian V. Caid, Esq.
Telecopy No.:  (303) 292-7799

 

to any other Lender which is a party hereto, at the address for such Lender set forth on its signature page hereto, and to any Lender which may hereafter become a party to this Agreement, at such address as may be designated by such Lender.  Each Notice shall be effective upon being personally delivered or upon being sent by overnight courier or upon being deposited in the United States Mail as aforesaid, or if transmitted by telegraph, telecopy, telefax or telex is permitted, upon being sent and confirmation of receipt.  The time period in which a response to such Notice must be given or any action taken with respect thereto (if any), however, shall commence to run from the date of receipt if personally delivered or sent by overnight courier, or if so deposited in the United States Mail, the earlier of three (3) Business Days following such deposit or the date of receipt as disclosed on the return receipt.  Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address for which no notice was given shall be deemed to be receipt of the Notice sent.  By giving at least fifteen (15) days prior Notice thereof, the Borrower, a Lender or Agent shall have the right from time to time and at any time during the term of this Agreement to change their respective addresses and each shall have the right to specify as its address any other address within the United States of America.

 

§14.2                  Relationship .  Neither the Agent nor any Lender has any fiduciary relationship with or fiduciary duty to the Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereunder and thereunder, and the relationship between each Lender and Agent, and the Borrower is solely that of a lender and borrower, and nothing contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents shall in any manner be construed as making the parties hereto partners, joint venturers or any other relationship other than lender and borrower.  Agent, each

 

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Lender, and their Affiliates may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Borrower, the Guarantors, their stockholders and/or their Affiliates.

 

§14.3                  Governing Law, Consent to Jurisdiction and Service THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED HEREIN OR THEREIN, SHALL, PURSUANT TO NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW SECTION 5-1401, BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  THE BORROWER AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN).  THE BORROWER FURTHER ACCEPTS, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND ANY RELATED APPELLATE COURT AND IRREVOCABLY (i) AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND (ii) WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH A COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.  THE BORROWER FURTHER AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT MAY BE MADE UPON THE BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN §14.1 HEREOF.  IN ADDITION TO THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN, THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER MAY BRING ACTION(S) FOR ENFORCEMENT ON A NONEXCLUSIVE BASIS WHERE ANY ASSETS OF THE BORROWER OR THE GUARANTOR EXIST AND THE BORROWER CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND THE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BEING MADE UPON THE BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN §14.9 HEREOF.

 

§14.4                  Headings .  The captions and headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof.

 

§14.5                  Counterparts .  This Agreement and any amendment hereof may be executed in several counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.  In proving this Agreement it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.  Counterparts may with the consent of Agent be delivered by facsimile, in portable document format (“PDF”) or other similar electronic means.

 

§14.6                  Entire Agreement, Etc.   This Agreement and the Loan Documents is intended by the parties as the final, complete and exclusive statement of the transactions evidenced by this Agreement and the Loan Documents.  All prior or contemporaneous promises, agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, are deemed to be superseded by this Agreement and the Loan Documents, and no party is relying on any promise, agreement or understanding not set

 

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forth in this Agreement and the Loan Documents.  Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated, except as provided in §14.9.

 

§14.7                  Waiver of Jury Trial and Certain Damage Claims EACH OF THE BORROWER, THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF ANY DISPUTE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY NOTE OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR THE PERFORMANCE OF SUCH RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.  THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PUNITIVE OR ANY DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES.  THE BORROWER (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY LENDER OR THE AGENT HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH LENDER OR THE AGENT WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS TO WHICH THEY ARE PARTIES BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS §14.7.  THE BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THIS §14.7 WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT THE BORROWER AGREES TO THE FOREGOING AS ITS FREE, KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY ACT.

 

§14.8                  Dealings with the Borrower and the Guarantors .  The Agent, the Lenders and their affiliates may accept deposits from, extend credit to, invest in, act as trustee under indentures of, serve as financial advisor of, and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates regardless of the capacity of the Agent or the Lender hereunder.  The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, KeyBank or its Affiliates may receive information regarding such Persons (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Person) and acknowledge that the Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them.

 

§14.9                  Consents, Amendments, Waivers, Etc.   Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any consent or approval required or permitted by this Agreement may be given, and any term of this Agreement or of any other instrument related hereto or mentioned herein may be amended, and the performance or observance by the Borrower or the Guarantors of any terms of this Agreement or such other instrument or the continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with, but only with, the written consent of the Majority Lenders.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following may occur without the written consent of the Required Lenders , a modification or waiver of the definition of Unencumbered Pool Availability or any of the covenants set forth in, §8.1 or §8.8.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following may occur without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby:  (a) a reduction in the rate of interest on the Notes (other than a reduction or waiver of default interest); (b) an

 

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increase in the amount of the Commitments of the Lenders (except as provided in §2.8 and §13.1); (c) a forgiveness, reduction or waiver of the principal of any unpaid Loan or any interest thereon (other than a reduction or waiver of default interest) or fee payable under the Loan Documents; (d) a change in the amount of any fee payable to a Lender hereunder; (e) the postponement of any date fixed for any payment of principal of or interest on the Loan; (f) an extension of the Maturity Date (other than an extension of the Maturity Date pursuant to §2.9); (g) a change in the manner of distribution of any payments to the Lenders or the Agent; (h) the release of the Borrower or the Guarantors except as otherwise provided in this Agreement; (i) an amendment of the definition of Majority Lenders or Required Lenders or of any requirement for consent by all of the Lenders; (j) any modification to require a Lender to fund a pro rata share of a request for an advance of the Revolving Credit Loan made by the Borrower or a participation in a Swing Loan or Letter of Credit other than based on its Commitment Percentage; (k) an amendment to this §14.9; (l) an amendment of any provision of this Agreement or the Loan Documents which requires the approval of all of the Lenders, the Required Lenders or the Majority Lenders to require a lesser number of Lenders to approve such action; or (m) a release of the Collateral Account.  The provisions of Article XII may not be amended without the written consent of the Agent.  There shall be no amendment, modification or waiver of any provision in the Loan Documents with respect to Swing Loans without the consent of the Swing Loan Lender.  There shall be no amendment, modification or waiver of any provision in the Loan Documents with respect to Letters of Credit or Issuing Lender without the consent of the Issuing Lender.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders, except that the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased, nor may the Maturity Date with respect to the Commitment of a Defaulting Lender be extended, in each case, without the consent of such Lender.  The Borrower and the Guarantors agree to enter into such modifications or amendments of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents as reasonably may be requested by KeyBank and the Arrangers in connection with the syndication of the Loan, provided that no such amendment or modification materially affects or increases any of the obligations of the Borrower or the Guarantors hereunder.  No waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly waived or impair any right consequent thereon.  No course of dealing or delay or omission on the part of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise be prejudicial thereto.  No notice to or demand upon the Borrower or the Guarantors shall entitle the Borrower or the Guarantors to other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

§14.10           Severability .  The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any one clause or provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, then such invalidity or unenforceability shall affect only such clause or provision, or part thereof, in such jurisdiction, and shall not in any manner affect such clause or provision in any other jurisdiction, or any other clause or provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

 

§14.11           Time of the Essence .  Time is of the essence with respect to each and every covenant, agreement and obligation of the Borrower and the Guarantors under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents .

 

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§14.12           No Unwritten Agreements THE LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.  ANY ADDITIONAL TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARE SET FORTH BELOW.

 

§14.13           Replacement Notes .  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note, and in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery of an indemnity agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of the applicable Note, the Borrower will execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a replacement Note, identical in form and substance to the applicable Note and dated as of the date of the applicable Note and upon such execution and delivery all references in the Loan Documents to such Note shall be deemed to refer to such replacement Note.

 

§14.14           No Third Parties Benefited .  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents are made and entered into for the sole protection and legal benefit of the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Lenders, the Agent, the Arrangers and their permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.  All conditions to the performance of the obligations of the Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement, including the obligation to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit, are imposed solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders and no other Person shall have standing to require satisfaction of such conditions in accordance with their terms or be entitled to assume that the Agent and the Lenders will refuse to make Loans or issue Letters of Credit in the absence of strict compliance with any or all thereof and no other Person shall, under any circumstances, be deemed to be a beneficiary of such conditions, any and all of which may be freely waived in whole or in part by the Agent and the Lenders at any time if in their sole discretion they deem it desirable to do so.  In particular, the Agent and the Lenders make no representations and assume no obligations as to third parties concerning the quality of any construction by the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries of any development or the absence therefrom of defects.

 

§14.15           Expenses .  The Borrower and the Guarantors agree to pay (a) the reasonable costs of producing and reproducing this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the other agreements and instruments mentioned herein, (b) any imposed taxes (including any interest and penalties in respect thereto) payable by the Agent or any of the Lenders (other than taxes based upon the Agent’s or any Lender’s gross or net income or franchise taxes), including any taxes payable on or with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including any such taxes payable by the Agent or any of the Lenders after the Closing Date (the Borrower and the Guarantors hereby agreeing to indemnify the Agent and each Lender with respect thereto), (c) the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the counsel to the Agent and KCM and any local counsel to the Agent incurred in connection with the preparation, administration, or interpretation of the Loan Documents  and other instruments mentioned herein and therein, and amendments, modifications, approvals, consents or waivers hereto or hereunder, (d) the out-of-

 

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pocket fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of Agent and KCM incurred in connection with the syndication and/or participation (by KeyBank) of the Loans, (e) all other reasonable out of pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of the Agent incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation or interpretation of the Loan Documents  and other instruments mentioned herein and therein, the addition or substitution of additional Unencumbered Pool Assets, the making of each advance and issuance of each Letter of Credit hereunder, and the syndication of the Commitments pursuant to Article XIII (without duplication of those items addressed in subparagraph (d), above), (f) all out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs, and fees and costs of appraisers, engineers, investment bankers or other experts retained by the Agent) incurred by any Lender or the Agent in connection with (i) the enforcement of or preservation of rights under any of the Loan Documents against the Borrower or the Guarantors or the administration thereof after the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default and (ii) any litigation, proceeding or dispute whether arising hereunder or otherwise, in any way related to the Agent’s, or any of the Lenders’ relationship with the Borrower or the Guarantors in respect of the Loan and the Loan Documents (provided that any attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to this clause (f)(ii) shall be limited to those incurred by the Agent and one other counsel with respect to the Lenders as a group), (g) all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the Agent incurred in connection with UCC searches, UCC filings, title rundowns or title searches, (h) all reasonable out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) which may be incurred by KeyBank in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (without duplication of any of the items listed above), and (i) all expenses relating to the use of Intralinks, SyndTrak or any other similar system for the dissemination and sharing of documents and information in connection with the Loans.  The covenants of this §14.15 shall survive the repayment of the Loans and the termination of the obligations of the Lenders hereunder.

 

§14.16           Indemnification .  The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, the Lenders, the Arrangers, each Affiliate thereof and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and attorneys and Person who controls the Agent, or any Lender or the Arrangers against any and all claims, actions and suits, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages and expenses of every nature and character arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby including, without limitation, (a) any and all claims for brokerage, leasing, finders or similar fees which may be made relating to the Unencumbered Pool Assets, Intercompany Loans, other Real Estate or the Loans, (b) any condition of the Unencumbered Pool Properties or other Real Estate, (c) any actual or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any of the Loans or Letters of Credit, (d) any actual or alleged infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark, service mark or similar right of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries, (e) the Borrower and the Guarantors entering into or performing this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, (f) any actual or alleged violation of any law, ordinance, code, order, rule, regulation, approval, consent, permit or license relating to the Unencumbered Pool Assets or Intercompany Loans, (g) with respect to the Borrower, the Guarantors and their respective Subsidiaries and their respective properties and assets, the violation of any Environmental Law, the release or threatened release of any hazardous or toxic substances, pollutants or other substances regulated under any Environmental Law or any action, suit, proceeding or investigation brought or threatened with respect to any such substances (including, but not limited to, claims with respect

 

115



 

to wrongful death, personal injury, nuisance or damage to property), (h) [reserved], (i) any actual or alleged violation of any law relating to lending or predatory lending, or (j) any use of Intralinks, SyndTrak or any other system for the dissemination and sharing of documents and information, in each case including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding; provided , however , that the Borrower shall not be obligated under this §14.16 to indemnify any Person for liabilities arising from such Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction after the exhaustion of all applicable appeal periods.  In litigation, or the preparation therefor, the Lenders and the Agent shall be entitled to select a single law firm as their own counsel and an additional single local counsel in each applicable local jurisdiction for all such parties (and, to the extent reasonably necessary in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one additional counsel) and, in addition to the foregoing indemnity, the Borrower agrees to pay promptly the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel.  If, and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this §14.16 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment in satisfaction of such obligations which is permissible under applicable law.  The provisions of this §14.16 shall survive the repayment of the Loans, the return of the Letters of Credit and the termination of the obligations of the Lenders hereunder.

 

§14.17           Survival of Covenants, Etc.   All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein, in the Notes, in any of the other Loan Documents or in any documents or other papers delivered by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or thereto shall be deemed to have been relied upon by the Lenders and the Agent, notwithstanding any investigation heretofore or hereafter made by any of them, and shall survive the making by the Lenders of any of the Loans or issuance of any Letters of Credit, as herein contemplated, and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any amount due under this Agreement or the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents remains outstanding, any Letter of Credit remains Outstanding or any Lender has any obligation to make any Loans or issue any Letters of Credit.  The indemnification obligations of the Borrower provided herein and in the other Loan Documents shall survive the full repayment of amounts due and the termination of the obligations of the Lenders hereunder and thereunder to the extent provided herein and therein.  All statements contained in any certificate delivered to any Lender or the Agent at any time by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall constitute representations and warranties by such Person hereunder.

 

§14.18           Confidentiality .  The Borrower and the Guarantors agree to promptly cooperate with any Lender in connection with any proposed assignment or participation of all or any portion of its Commitment.  The Borrower and the Guarantors agree that in addition to disclosures made in accordance with standard banking practices any Lender may disclose information obtained by such Lender pursuant to this Agreement to assignees or participants and potential assignees or participants hereunder.  Each Lender agrees for itself that it shall use reasonable efforts in accordance with its customary procedures to hold confidential all non-public information obtained from the Borrower or the Guarantors, and shall use reasonable efforts in accordance with its customary procedures to not disclose such information to any other Person, it being understood and agreed that, notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lender may make (a) disclosures to its participants (provided such Persons are advised of the provisions of this

 

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§14.18), (b) disclosures to its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, accountants, appraisers, legal counsel and other professional advisors of such Lender (provided that such Persons who are not employees of such Lender are advised of the provision of this §14.18), (c) disclosures customarily provided or reasonably required by any potential or actual bona fide assignee, transferee or participant or their respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, accountants, appraisers, legal counsel and other professional advisors in connection with a potential or actual assignment or transfer by such Lender of any Loans or any participations therein (provided such Persons are advised of the provisions of this §14.18), (d) disclosures to bank regulatory authorities or self-regulatory or self-governmental bodies with jurisdiction over such Lender, (e) disclosures required or requested by any other Governmental Authority or representative thereof or pursuant to legal process; provided that, unless specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, each Lender shall notify the Borrower of any request by any Governmental Authority or representative thereof prior to disclosure (other than any such request in connection with any examination of such Lender by such Governmental Authority) for disclosure of any such non-public information prior to disclosure of such information, or (f) disclosures to the other parties to this Agreement.  In addition, each Lender may make disclosure of such information to any contractual counterparty in swap agreements or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisors (so long as such contractual counterparty or professional advisors agree to be bound by the provisions of this §14.18 or provisions at least as restrictive as this §14.18).  Non-public information shall not include any “Public Information” (as referenced in §7.1), any information which is or subsequently becomes publicly available other than as a result of a disclosure of such information by a Lender, or prior to the delivery to such Lender is within the possession of such Lender if such information is not known by such Lender to be subject to another confidentiality agreement with or other obligations of secrecy to the Borrower or the Guarantors, is disclosed with the prior approval of the Borrower or the Guarantors, or is made available to such Lender by a third party not known by such Lender to be subject to a confidentiality agreement, or is independently developed by such Lender.  Nothing herein shall prohibit the disclosure of non-public information to the extent necessary to enforce the Loan Documents.

 

§14.19           Patriot Act .  Each Lender and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower and the Guarantors that, pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower and the Guarantors, which information includes names and addresses and other information that will allow such Lender or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower and the Guarantors in accordance with the Patriot Act.

 

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

117


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representatives as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

BORROWER :

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael T. Bennett

 

Name:

Michael T. Bennett

 

Title:

Executive Vice President - General Counsel

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

[Signatures Continued on Next Page]

 

118



 

 

AGENT AND LENDERS:

 

 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

individually and as Agent

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James Komperda

 

Name:

James Komperda

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dale Northup

 

Name:

Dale Northup

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
401 B Street, Suite 1100
San Diego, California  92101
Attention:  Dale Northup

 

 

 

 

BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aaron Lanski

 

Name:

Aaron Lanski

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

Address :

 

BMO Harris Bank N.A.
115 S. LaSalle Street, 35W
Chicago, Illinois  60603
Attention:  Gwendolyn Gatz

 

 

119



 

 

REGIONS BANK

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ghi S. Gavin

 

Name:

Ghi S. Gavin

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

Regions Bank
1900 5
th  Ave N., 15 th  Floor
Birmingham, Alabama  35203
Attention:  Ghi S. Gavin

 

 

 

 

SUNTRUST BANK

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Francine Glandt

 

Name:

Francine Glandt

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

SunTrust Bank
303 Peachtree Street, Suite 29
Atlanta, Georgia  30308
Attention:  Francine Glandt

 

 

 

 

CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bill O’Daly

 

Name:

Bill O’Daly

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

By:

/s/ D. Andrew Maletta

 

Name:

D. Andrew Maletta

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

Address:

 

Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch
Eleven Madison Avenue
New York, New York  10010
Attention:  William O’Daly

 

 

120



 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James Rolison

 

Name:

James Rolison

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Perry Forman

 

Name:

Perry Forman

 

Title:

Director

 

 

Address:

 

Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch
60 Wall Street, 10
th  Floor
New York, New York  10005
Attention:  Perry Forman

 

 

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Rebecca Kratz

 

Name:

Rebecca Kratz

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

Address:

 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA
c/o Goldman, Sachs & Co.
30 Hudson Street, 5
th  Floor
Jersey City, New Jersey  07302
Attention:  Michelle Latzoni

 

 

 

 

MORGAN STANLEY BANK, N.A.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael King

 

Name:

Michael King

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

Address:

 

Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.
1300 Thames Street
Thames Street Wharf, 4
th  Floor
Baltimore, Maryland  21231
Attention:  Steve Delany

 

 

121



 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Troy Lyscio

 

Name:

Troy Lyscio

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

U.S. Bank National Association
101 North First Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona  85003
Attention:  Heather Mahaney

 

 

 

 

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANK , an Arizona Corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Vicki Williams

 

Name:

Vicki Williams

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

Western Alliance Bank
1 East Washington Street, 14
th  Floor
Phoenix, Arizona  85004
Attention:  Lindsey Kuhar

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Rowland

 

Name:

John Rowland

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

Citibank, N.A.
388 Greenwich Street, 23
rd  Floor
New York, New York  10013
Attention:  John C. Rowland

 

 

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COMERICA BANK, a Texas Banking Association

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Sam F. Meehan

 

Name:

Sam F. Meehan

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

Address:

 

Comerica Bank
3551 Hamlin Road, 4
th  Floor
Mail Code 2390
Auburn Hills, Michigan  48326
Attention:  Sam F. Meehan

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAYMOND JAMES BANK, N.A.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James M. Armstrong

 

Name:

James M. Armstrong

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

Address:

 

Raymond James Bank, N.A.
710 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida  33716
Attention:  James Armstrong

 

 

123


 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$

, 201  

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (“Maker”), hereby promises to pay to                                                                       (“Payee”), or order, in accordance with the terms of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014, as from time to time in effect, by and among Maker, KeyBank National Association, for itself and as Agent, and such other Lenders as may be from time to time named therein (the “Credit Agreement”), to the extent not sooner paid, on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of                                    ($                    ), or such amount as may be advanced by the Payee under the Credit Agreement as a Revolving Credit Loan with daily interest from the date thereof, computed as provided in the Credit Agreement, on the principal amount hereof from time to time unpaid, at a rate per annum on each portion of the principal amount which shall at all times be equal to the rate of interest applicable to such portion in accordance with the Credit Agreement, and with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue installments of interest and late charges at the rates provided in the Credit Agreement.  Interest shall be payable on the dates specified in the Credit Agreement, except that all accrued interest shall be paid at the stated or accelerated maturity hereof or upon the prepayment in full hereof.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

Payments hereunder shall be made to the Agent for the Payee at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306, or at such other address as Agent may designate from time to time.

 

This Note is one of one or more Revolving Credit Notes evidencing borrowings under and is entitled to the benefits and subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement.  The principal of this Note may be due and payable in whole or in part prior to the Maturity Date and is subject to mandatory prepayment in the amounts and under the circumstances set forth in the Credit Agreement, and may be prepaid in whole or from time to time in part, all as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, all agreements between the undersigned Maker and the Lenders and the Agent, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby limited so that in no contingency, whether by reason of acceleration of the maturity of any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged or received by the Lenders exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable law.  If, from any circumstance whatsoever, interest would otherwise be payable to the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful amount, the interest payable to the Lenders shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted under applicable law; and if from any circumstance the Lenders shall ever receive anything of value deemed interest by applicable law in excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to any excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker and to the payment of interest or, if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker, such excess shall be refunded to the undersigned Maker.  All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the Lenders shall, to the extent permitted by

 

A-1



 

applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker (including the period of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.  This paragraph shall control all agreements between the undersigned Maker and the Lenders and the Agent.

 

In case an Event of Default shall occur, the entire principal amount of this Note may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in said Credit Agreement.

 

This Note shall, pursuant to New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1401, be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

The undersigned Maker and all guarantors and endorsers hereby waive presentment, demand, notice, protest, notice of intention to accelerate the indebtedness evidenced hereby, notice of acceleration of the indebtedness evidenced hereby and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this Note, except as specifically otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, and assent to extensions of time of payment or forbearance or other indulgence without notice.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has by its duly authorized officer executed this Note on the day and year first above written.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

A-2



 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF SWING LOAN NOTE

 

[$30,000,000.00]

, 201   

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (“Maker”), hereby promises to pay to                                                                       (“Payee”), or order, in accordance with the terms of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2014, as from time to time in effect, by and among Maker, KeyBank National Association, for itself and as Agent, and such other Lenders as may be from time to time named therein (the “Credit Agreement”), to the extent not sooner paid, on or before the Maturity Date, the principal sum of [Thirty Million and No/100 Dollars ($30,000,000.00)] , or such amount as may be advanced by the Payee under the Credit Agreement as a Swing Loan with daily interest from the date thereof, computed as provided in the Credit Agreement, on the principal amount hereof from time to time unpaid, at a rate per annum on each portion of the principal amount which shall at all times be equal to the rate of interest applicable to such portion in accordance with the Credit Agreement, and with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue installments of interest and late charges at the rates provided in the Credit Agreement.  Interest shall be payable on the dates specified in the Credit Agreement, except that all accrued interest shall be paid at the stated or accelerated maturity hereof or upon the prepayment in full hereof.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

Payments hereunder shall be made to the Agent for the Payee at 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306, or at such other address as Agent may designate from time to time.

 

This Note is one of one or more Swing Loan Notes evidencing borrowings under and is entitled to the benefits and subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement.  The principal of this Note may be due and payable in whole or in part prior to the Maturity Date and is subject to mandatory prepayment in the amounts and under the circumstances set forth in the Credit Agreement, and may be prepaid in whole or from time to time in part, all as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, all agreements between the undersigned Maker and the Lenders and the Agent, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby limited so that in no contingency, whether by reason of acceleration of the maturity of any of the Obligations or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged or received by the Lenders exceed the maximum amount permissible under applicable law.  If, from any circumstance whatsoever, interest would otherwise be payable to the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful amount, the interest payable to the Lenders shall be reduced to the maximum amount permitted under applicable law; and if from any circumstance the Lenders shall ever receive anything of value deemed interest by applicable law in excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to any excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker and to the payment of interest or, if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker, such excess shall be refunded to the undersigned

 

B-1



 

Maker.  All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the Lenders shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period until payment in full of the principal of the Obligations of the undersigned Maker (including the period of any renewal or extension thereof) so that the interest thereon for such full period shall not exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.  This paragraph shall control all agreements between the undersigned Maker and the Lenders and the Agent.

 

In case an Event of Default shall occur, the entire principal amount of this Note may become or be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in said Credit Agreement.

 

This Note shall, pursuant to New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1401, be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

The undersigned Maker and all guarantors and endorsers hereby waive presentment, demand, notice, protest, notice of intention to accelerate the indebtedness evidenced hereby, notice of acceleration of the indebtedness evidenced hereby and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance and enforcement of this Note, except as specifically otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, and assent to extensions of time of payment or forbearance or other indulgence without notice.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has by its duly authorized officer executed this Note on the day and year first above written.

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

B-2



 

EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST

 

[DATE]

 

KeyBank National Association, as Issuing Lender
1200 Abernathy Road, N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia  30328-5601
Attn:  Michael Colbert

 

Re:           Letter of Credit Request under Credit Agreement

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to §3.1 of the Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among you, certain other Lenders, STORE Capital Corporation (“Borrower”), Borrower hereby request that you issue a Letter of Credit as follows:

 

(i)             Name and address of beneficiary:

 

(ii)            Face amount: $[must be a minimum of $100,000]

 

(iii)           Proposed Issuance Date:

 

(iv)           Proposed Expiration Date:

 

(v)            Other terms and conditions as set forth in the proposed form of Letter of Credit attached hereto.

 

(vi)           Purpose of Letter of Credit:

 

This Letter of Credit Request is submitted pursuant to, and shall be governed by, and subject to satisfaction of, the terms, conditions and provisions set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement.

 

The undersigned Authorized Officer certifies that the Borrower and the Guarantors are and will be in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Documents after giving effect to the issuance of the Letter of Credit requested hereby and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  Attached hereto is an Unencumbered Pool Certificate setting forth a calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability after giving effect to the Letter of Credit requested hereby.

 

The Borrower also understands that if you grant this request this request obligates them to accept the requested Letter of Credit and pay the issuance fee and Letter of Credit fee as required by §3.5.  All capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein without definition shall have the meanings set forth in §1.1 of the Credit Agreement.

 

C-1



 

The undersigned Authorized Officer certifies, represents and agrees that each of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries, contained in the Credit Agreement, in the other Loan Documents or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with the Credit Agreement was true in all material respects as of the date on which it was made, is true in all material respects as of the date hereof and shall also be true at and as of the proposed issuance date of the Letter of Credit requested hereby, with the same effect as if made at and as of the proposed issuance date, except that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date, and that any representation or warranty qualified by any materiality standard shall be required to be true and correct in all respects.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

C-2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF REQUEST FOR REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN

 

KeyBank National Association, as Agent
1200 Abernathy Road, N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia  30328-5601
Attn:  Michael Colbert

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Pursuant to the provisions of §2.1(c) of the Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among STORE Capital Corporation (the “Borrower”), KeyBank National Association for itself and as Agent, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto, the undersigned Borrower hereby requests and certifies as follows:

 

1.              Revolving Credit Loan .  The undersigned Borrower hereby requests a [Revolving Credit Loan under §2.1] [Swing Loan under §2.2] of the Credit Agreement:

 

Principal Amount:  $                    
Type (LIBOR Rate, Base Rate):
Drawdown Date:
Interest Period for LIBOR Rate Loans:

 

by credit to the general account of the Borrower with Wells Fargo at                                             .

 

[If the requested Loan is a Swing Loan and the Borrower desires for such Loan to be a LIBOR Rate Loan following its conversion as provided in §2.2(d), specify the Interest Period following conversion:                                  ]

 

2.              Use of Proceeds .  Such Loan shall be used for purposes permitted by §7.19 of the Credit Agreement.

 

3.              No Default .  The undersigned chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of Borrower certifies on behalf of Borrower (and not in his individual capacity) that the Borrower and the Guarantors are and will be in compliance with all covenants under the Loan Documents after giving effect to the making of the Loan requested hereby and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  Attached hereto is an Unencumbered Pool Certificate setting forth a calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability after giving effect to the Loan requested hereby.

 

4.              Representations True .  The undersigned chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Borrower certifies, represents and agrees on behalf of the Borrower (and not in his individual capacity) that each of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Guarantors or their respective Subsidiaries,

 

D-1



 

contained in the Credit Agreement, in the other Loan Documents or in any document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with the Credit Agreement was true in all material respects as of the date on which it was made and, is true in all material respects as of the date hereof and shall also be true at and as of the Drawdown Date for the Loan requested hereby, with the same effect as if made at and as of such Drawdown Date, except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions permitted by the Loan Documents and except that any representation or warranty qualified by any materiality standard shall be required to be true and correct in all respects (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct only as of such specified date).

 

5.              Other Conditions .  The undersigned chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Borrower certifies, represents and agrees on behalf of the Borrower (and not in his individual capacity) that all other conditions to the making of the Loan requested hereby set forth in the Credit Agreement have been satisfied or waived in writing.

 

6.              Definitions .  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the meanings so defined.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this request this            day of                           , 201    .

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

D-2



 

EXHIBIT E

 

FORM OF UNENCUMBERED POOL CERTIFICATE

 

KeyBank National Association, as Agent
1200 Abernathy Road N.E.
Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia  30328
Attn:  James Komperda

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among STORE Capital Corporation (the “Borrower”), KeyBank National Association for itself and as Agent, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto.  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Borrower is furnishing to you herewith this Unencumbered Pool Certificate and supporting calculations and information.  The information presented herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement.

 

The undersigned is providing the attached Unencumbered Pool Asset Schedule to show the components of the Unencumbered Pool Assets and the attached information to demonstrate the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability.  All Unencumbered Pool Assets included in the calculation of the Unencumbered Pool Availability satisfy the requirements of the Credit Agreement to be included therein.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Unencumbered Pool Certificate on behalf of the Borrower (and not in his individual capacity) this            day of                       , 201    .

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

E-1



 

APPENDIX TO UNENCUMBERED POOL CERTIFICATE

 

E-2


 

 

EXHIBIT F

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

KeyBank National Association, as Agent
1200 Abernathy Road N.E.
Suite 1550
Atlanta, Georgia  30328
Attn:  James Komperda

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014 (as the same may hereafter be amended, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among STORE Capital Corporation (the “Borrower”), KeyBank National Association for itself and as Agent, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto.  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Borrower is furnishing to you herewith (or has most recently furnished to you) the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the fiscal period ended                               .  Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (provided that such quarterly statements need not include footnotes and other presentation items) and present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Borrower at the date thereof and the results of its operations for the periods covered thereby.

 

This certificate is submitted in compliance with requirements of §§2.8(d)(iv), 7.1(c), 7.20(a)(xxv), 7.20(c), 7.20(d) or 9.1(k) of the Credit Agreement.  The undersigned officer is the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer or other responsible executive officer of the Borrower permitted by §7.1(c) of the Credit Agreement.

 

The undersigned representative has caused the provisions of the Loan Documents to be reviewed and has no knowledge of any Default or Event of Default.  (Note: If the signer does have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, the form of certificate should be revised to specify the Default or Event of Default, the nature thereof and the actions taken, being taken or proposed to be taken by the Borrower with respect thereto.)

 

The undersigned is providing the attached information to demonstrate compliance as of the date hereof with the covenants described in the attachment hereto.

 

F-1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Compliance Certificate on behalf of the Borrower (and not in his individual capacity) this            day of                       , 201    .

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION ,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

F-2



 

APPENDIX TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

F-3



 

EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated                                         , by and between                                                          (“Assignor”), and                                                          (“Assignee”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS , Assignor is a party to that certain Credit Agreement, dated September 19, 2014, as, by and among STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION , a Maryland corporation (“Borrower”), the other lenders that are or may become a party thereto, and KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , individually and as Agent (as amended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS , Assignor desires to transfer to Assignee [Describe assigned Commitment] under the Credit Agreement and its rights with respect to the Commitment assigned and its Outstanding Loans with respect thereto;

 

NOW, THEREFORE , for and in consideration of the sum of Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Assignor and Assignee hereby agree as follows:

 

1.              Definitions .  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

2.              Assignment .

 

(a)            Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in consideration of the payment to be made by Assignee to Assignor pursuant to Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, effective as of the “Assignment Date” (as defined in Paragraph 7 below), Assignor hereby irrevocably sells, transfers and assigns to Assignee, without recourse, a portion of its Revolving Credit Note in the amount of $                               representing a $                               Commitment, and a                                    percent (          %) Commitment Percentage, and a corresponding interest in and to all of the other rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents relating thereto (the assigned interests being hereinafter referred to as the “Assigned Interests”), including Assignor’s share of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and participation in Letters of Credit and Swing Loans with respect to the Assigned Interests and the right to receive interest and principal on and all other fees and amounts with respect to the Assigned Interests, all from and after the Assignment Date, all as if Assignee were an original Lender under and signatory to the Credit Agreement having a Commitment Percentage equal to the amount of the respective Assigned Interests.

 

(b)            Assignee, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, hereby assumes all obligations of Assignor with respect to the Assigned Interests from and after the Assignment Date as if Assignee were an original Lender under and signatory to the Credit Agreement, which obligations shall include, but shall not be limited to, the obligation to make Revolving Credit

 

G-1



 

Loans to the Borrower and participate in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit with respect to the Assigned Interests and to indemnify the Agent as provided therein (such obligations, together with all other obligations set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Assigned Obligations”).  Assignor shall have no further duties or obligations with respect to, and shall have no further interest in, the Assigned Obligations or the Assigned Interests.

 

3.              Representations and Requests of Assignor .

 

(a)            Assignor represents and warrants to Assignee (i) that it is legally authorized to, and has full power and authority to, enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) that as of the date hereof, before giving effect to the assignment contemplated hereby the principal face amount of Assignor’s Revolving Credit Note is $                         and the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loans made by it equals $              , and (iii) that it has forwarded to the Agent the Revolving Credit Note held by Assignor.  Assignor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Loan Documents or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness or sufficiency of any Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto or in connection with the Loan, the collectability of the Loans, the continued solvency of the Borrower or the Guarantors or the continued existence, sufficiency or value of any assets of the Borrower or the Guarantors which may be realized upon for the repayment of the Loans, or the performance or observance by the Borrower or the Guarantors of any of their respective obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party or any other instrument or document delivered or executed pursuant thereto or in connection with the Loan; other than that it is the legal and beneficial owner of, or has the right to assign, the interests being assigned by it hereunder and that such interests are free and clear of any adverse claim.

 

(b)            Assignor requests that the Agent obtain replacement notes for each of Assignor and Assignee as provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

4.              Representations of Assignee .  Assignee makes and confirms to the Agent, Assignor and the other Lenders all of the representations, warranties and covenants of a Lender under Articles XII and XIII of the Credit Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, Assignee (a) represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to, and has full power and authority to, enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (b) confirms that it has received copies of such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement; (c) agrees that it has and will, independently and without reliance upon Assignor, any other Lender or the Agent and based upon such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in evaluating the Loans, the Loan Documents, the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the Guarantors and the value of the assets of the Borrower and the Guarantors, and taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents; (d) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents; (e) agrees that, by this Assignment, Assignee has become a party to and will perform in accordance with their terms all the

 

G-2



 

obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender; (f) represents and warrants that Assignee does not control, is not controlled by, is not under common control with and is otherwise free from influence or control by, the Borrower or the Guarantors and is not a Defaulting Lender or Affiliate of a Defaulting Lender, (g) represents and warrants that if Assignee is not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State, it has on or prior to the date hereof delivered to Borrower and Agent certification as to its exemption (or lack thereof) from deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes and (h) if Assignee is an assignee of any portion of the Revolving Credit Notes, Assignee has a net worth as of the date hereof of not less than $100,000,000.00 unless waived in writing by Borrower and Agent as required by the Credit Agreement.  Assignee agrees that Borrower may rely on the representation contained in Section 4(h).

 

5.              Payments to Assignor .  In consideration of the assignment made pursuant to Paragraph 1 of this Agreement, Assignee agrees to pay to Assignor on the Assignment Date, an amount equal to $                         representing the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Revolving Credit Loans owing to Assignor under the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents with respect to the Assigned Interests.

 

6.              Payments by Assignor .  Assignor agrees to pay the Agent on the Assignment Date the registration fee required by §13.2 of the Credit Agreement.

 

7.              Effectiveness .

 

(a)            The effective date for this Agreement shall be                                (the “Assignment Date”).  Following the execution of this Agreement, each party hereto shall deliver its duly executed counterpart hereof to the Agent for acceptance and recording in the Register by the Agent.

 

(b)            Upon such acceptance and recording and from and after the Assignment Date, (i) Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the Assigned Interests, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder, and (ii) Assignor shall, with respect to the Assigned Interests, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 

(c)            Upon such acceptance and recording and from and after the Assignment Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the rights and interests assigned hereby accruing after the Assignment Date (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to Assignee.

 

(d)            All outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans shall continue in effect for the remainder of their applicable Interest Periods and Assignee shall accept the currently effective interest rates on its Assigned Interest of each LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

8.              Notices .  Assignee specifies as its address for notices and its Lending Office for all assigned Loans, the offices set forth below:

 

G-3



 

Notice Address:

 

 

 

 

Attn:

 

Facsimile:

 

Domestic Lending Office:  Same as above

 

Eurodollar Lending Office:  Same as above

 

9.              Payment Instructions .  All payments to Assignee under the Credit Agreement shall be made as provided in the Credit Agreement in accordance with the separate instructions delivered to Agent.

 

10.           GOVERNING LAW .  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION UNDER, AND SHALL, PURSUANT TO NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW SECTION 5-1401, BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

11.           Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts which shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

 

12.           Amendments .  This Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by Assignor and Assignee, and consented to by Agent.

 

13.           Successors .  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns as permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

[signatures on following page]

 

G-4



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

 

ASSIGNEE:

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

ASSIGNOR:

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGED AND

 

ASSIGNMENT CONSENTED TO BY:

 

 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

CONSENTED TO BY:(1)

 

 

 

STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION,

 

a Maryland corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

(SEAL)

 

 


(1)  Insert to extent required by Credit Agreement.

 

G-5


 

 

EXHIBIT H-1

 

FORM OF STRATIFICATION REPORT

 

[See Form Submitted with Compliance Certificate on Closing Date]

 

H-1 - 1



 

EXHIBIT I

 

FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT APPLICATION

 

I-1



 

EXHIBIT J

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (“Joinder Agreement”) is executed as of                           , 20    , by                                                                 , a                                              (“Joining Party”), and delivered to KeyBank National Association, as Agent, pursuant to §5.10 of the Credit Agreement dated as of September 19, 2014, as from time to time in effect (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among STORE CAPITAL CORPORATION (the “Borrower”), KeyBank National Association, for itself and as Agent, and the other Lenders from time to time party thereto.  Terms used but not defined in this Joinder Agreement shall have the meanings defined for those terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

RECITALS

 

A.            Joining Party is required, pursuant to §5.10 of the Credit Agreement, to become an Additional Subsidiary Guarantor under the Guaranty and the Contribution Agreement.

 

B.            Joining Party expects to realize direct and indirect benefits as a result of the availability to Borrower of the credit facilities under the Credit Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, Joining Party agrees as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1.             Joinder .  By this Joinder Agreement, Joining Party hereby becomes a “Subsidiary Guarantor” and a “Guarantor” under the Guaranty, and the other Loan Documents with respect to all the Obligations of Borrower now or hereafter incurred under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and a “Subsidiary Guarantor” under the Contribution Agreement.  Joining Party agrees that Joining Party is and shall be bound by, and hereby assumes, all representations, warranties, covenants, terms, conditions, duties and waivers applicable to a Subsidiary Guarantor and a Guarantor under the Guaranty, the other Loan Documents and the Contribution Agreement.

 

2.             Representations and Warranties of Joining Party .  Joining Party represents and warrants to Agent that, as of the Effective Date (as defined below), except as disclosed in writing by Joining Party to Agent on or prior to the date hereof and approved by the Agent in writing (which disclosures shall be deemed to amend the Schedules and other disclosures delivered as contemplated in the Credit Agreement and are attached hereto as Schedule A ), the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects as applied to Joining Party as a Subsidiary Guarantor and a Guarantor on and as of the Effective Date as though made on that date.  As of the Effective Date, all covenants and agreements in the Loan Documents and the Contribution Agreement of the Subsidiary Guarantor are true and correct with respect to Joining Party and no Default or Event of Default shall exist or might exist upon the Effective Date in the event that Joining Party becomes a Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

3.             Joint and Several .  Joining Party hereby agrees that, as of the Effective Date, the Guaranty, the Contribution Agreement and the other Loan Documents heretofore delivered to the Agent and the Lenders shall be a joint and several obligation of Joining Party to the same extent

 

J-1



 

as if executed and delivered by Joining Party as a Subsidiary Guarantor and a Guarantor, and upon request by Agent, will promptly become a party to the Guaranty, the Contribution Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as applicable, to confirm such obligation.

 

4.             Further Assurances .  Joining Party agrees to execute and deliver such other instruments and documents and take such other action, as the Agent may reasonably request, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Joinder Agreement.

 

5.             GOVERNING LAW .  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION UNDER, AND SHALL, PURSUANT TO NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW SECTION 5-1401, BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

6.             Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts which shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

 

7.             The effective date (the “Effective Date”) of this Joinder Agreement is                                   , 20    .

 

J-2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Joining Party has executed this Joinder Agreement under seal as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

“JOINING PARTY”

 

 

,

 

 

a

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

[SEAL]

 

ACKNOWLEDGED:

 

 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

 

 

 

 

[Printed Name and Title]

 

 

J-3


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION

1

 

 

 

§1.1

Definitions

1

 

 

 

§1.2

Rules of Interpretation

27

 

 

 

ARTICLE II THE CREDIT FACILITY

29

 

 

 

§2.1

Revolving Credit Loans

29

 

 

 

§2.2

Swing Loan Commitment

31

 

 

 

§2.3

Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans

34

 

 

 

§2.4

Repayment of Principal

35

 

 

 

§2.5

Facility Unused Fee

36

 

 

 

§2.6

Other Fees

36

 

 

 

§2.7

Conversion Options

36

 

 

 

§2.8

Increase in Total Commitment

37

 

 

 

§2.9

Extension of Maturity Date

39

 

 

 

§2.10

Voluntary Reductions and Termination of the Commitments

40

 

 

 

ARTICLE III LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY

41

 

 

 

§3.1

Issuing Letters of Credit

41

 

 

 

§3.2

Requests of Issuance of Letters of Credit

42

 

 

 

§3.3

Issuance and Terms of Letters of Credit

42

 

 

 

§3.4

Lenders’ Participation in Letters of Credit

42

 

 

 

§3.5

Letter of Credit Fees

42

 

 

 

§3.6

Reimbursement Obligations

42

 

 

 

§3.7

Payment Obligation of Lenders

43

 

 

 

§3.8

Sharing of Payments

43

 

 

 

§3.9

Amendments, Etc.

43

 

 

 

§3.10

Issuing Lender’s Duties Regarding Letters of Credit

43

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; YIELD PROTECTION

44

 

 

 

§4.1

Change in Capital Adequacy Regulations.

44

 

 

 

§4.2

Additional Costs, Etc.

45

 

 

 

§4.3

Lender’s Suspension of LIBOR Rate Loans

46

 

 

 

§4.4

Illegality

46

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

§4.5

Breakage Costs

46

 

 

 

§4.6

Certain Provisions Relating to Increased Costs; Affected Lenders

46

 

 

 

§4.7

Certificate

47

 

 

 

ARTICLE V PAYMENTS AND CERTAIN OTHER GENERAL PROVISIONS

47

 

 

 

§5.1

Payments by Borrower

47

 

 

 

§5.2

Taxes; Foreign Lenders

49

 

 

 

§5.3

Obligations Absolute and Unconditional

49

 

 

 

§5.4

Computations

50

 

 

 

§5.5

Usury; Limitations on Interest

50

 

 

 

§5.6

Unsecured Obligations

50

 

 

 

§5.7

Defaulting Lenders

50

 

 

 

§5.8

Collateral Account

54

 

 

 

§5.9

Appraisals

55

 

 

 

§5.10

Additional Subsidiary Guarantors

56

 

 

 

§5.11

Release of a Subsidiary Guarantor

56

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

57

 

 

 

§6.1

Corporate Authority, Etc.

57

 

 

 

§6.2

Enforceability

58

 

 

 

§6.3

Governmental Approvals

58

 

 

 

§6.4

Title to Properties

58

 

 

 

§6.5

Financial Statements

58

 

 

 

§6.6

No Material Changes

59

 

 

 

§6.7

Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, Etc.

59

 

 

 

§6.8

Litigation

59

 

 

 

§6.9

No Material Adverse Contracts, Etc.

59

 

 

 

§6.10

Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, Etc.

59

 

 

 

§6.11

Tax Status

60

 

 

 

§6.12

No Event of Default

60

 

 

 

§6.13

Investment Company Act

60

 

 

 

§6.14

Ownership of Guarantors

60

 

ii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

§6.15

Certain Transactions

60

 

 

 

§6.16

Employee Benefit Plans

60

 

 

 

§6.17

Disclosure

61

 

 

 

§6.18

Regulations T, U and X

61

 

 

 

§6.19

Subsidiaries; Organizational Structure

62

 

 

 

§6.20

Brokers

62

 

 

 

§6.21

Other Debt

62

 

 

 

§6.22

Solvency

62

 

 

 

§6.23

No Bankruptcy Filing

62

 

 

 

§6.24

No Fraudulent Intent

63

 

 

 

§6.25

OFAC; Anti-Corruption

63

 

 

 

§6.26

Origination and Acquisition of Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans

63

 

 

 

§6.27

Corporate Separateness

63

 

 

 

§6.28

No Liens

63

 

 

 

§6.29

Unencumbered Pool Assets and Intercompany Loans

64

 

 

 

§6.30

REIT Status

64

 

 

 

§6.31

Unencumbered Pool Assets

64

 

 

 

§6.32

Contribution Agreement

64

 

 

 

§6.33

Transaction in Best Interests of Borrower and Guarantors; Consideration

64

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

65

 

 

 

§7.1

Financial Reporting

65

 

 

 

§7.2

Other Information

68

 

 

 

§7.3

Punctual Payment

70

 

 

 

§7.4

Maintenance of Office

70

 

 

 

§7.5

Records and Accounts

70

 

 

 

§7.6

Existence; Maintenance of Properties

70

 

 

 

§7.7

Insurance

71

 

 

 

§7.8

Taxes; Liens

71

 

iii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

§7.9

Inspection of Properties and Books

71

 

 

 

§7.10

Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits

72

 

 

 

§7.11

Further Assurances

72

 

 

 

§7.12

More Restrictive Agreements

72

 

 

 

§7.13

Business Operations

73

 

 

 

§7.14

Distributions of Income to Borrower

73

 

 

 

§7.15

Plan Assets

73

 

 

 

§7.16

Servicing

73

 

 

 

§7.17

Maintenance of Property; Insurance

73

 

 

 

§7.18

Breach of Representations and Warranties

74

 

 

 

§7.19

Use of Proceeds

74

 

 

 

§7.20

Unencumbered Pool Asset Eligibility

74

 

 

 

§7.21

IPO Event

80

 

 

 

§7.22

Future Advance Properties

80

 

 

 

§7.23

UPREIT

81

 

 

 

§7.24

Sanctions Laws and Regulations

81

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII NEGATIVE COVENANTS

81

 

 

 

§8.1

Financial Covenants

81

 

 

 

§8.2

Restrictions on Indebtedness

83

 

 

 

§8.3

Restrictions on Liens, Etc.

84

 

 

 

§8.4

Restrictions on Investments

85

 

 

 

§8.5

Limiting Agreements

86

 

 

 

§8.6

Merger, Consolidation

87

 

 

 

§8.7

Sale and Leaseback

87

 

 

 

§8.8

Distributions

87

 

 

 

§8.9

Asset Sales

88

 

 

 

§8.10

Restriction on Prepayment of Indebtedness

88

 

 

 

§8.11

Derivatives Contracts

88

 

 

 

§8.12

Transactions with Affiliates

89

 

 

 

§8.13

Equity Pledges

89

 

iv



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

§8.14

Amendment of Unencumbered Pool Assets

89

 

 

 

§8.15

Partial Prepayments

90

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

91

 

 

 

§9.1

Initial Conditions Precedent

91

 

 

 

§9.2

Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit

93

 

 

 

ARTICLE X EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC.

93

 

 

 

§10.1

Events of Default

93

 

 

 

§10.2

Remedies Upon Event of Default

96

 

 

 

§10.3

Allocation and Distribution of Proceeds

98

 

 

 

§10.4

Rescission of Acceleration by Requisite Lenders

99

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI SETOFF

99

 

 

 

§11.1

Setoff

99

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII THE AGENT

100

 

 

 

§12.1

Authorization

100

 

 

 

§12.2

Employees and Agents

100

 

 

 

§12.3

No Liability

100

 

 

 

§12.4

No Representations

100

 

 

 

§12.5

Payments

101

 

 

 

§12.6

Holders of Notes

102

 

 

 

§12.7

Indemnity

102

 

 

 

§12.8

Agent as Lender

102

 

 

 

§12.9

Resignation

102

 

 

 

§12.10

Duties in the Case of Enforcement

103

 

 

 

§12.11

Agent May File Proofs of Claim

103

 

 

 

§12.12

Reliance by Agent

104

 

 

 

§12.13

Approvals

104

 

 

 

§12.14

Borrower Not Beneficiary

105

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATION

105

 

 

 

§13.1

Conditions to Assignment by Lenders

105

 

 

 

§13.2

Register

107

 

v



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

§13.3

New Notes

107

 

 

 

§13.4

Participations

107

 

 

 

§13.5

Pledge by Lender

108

 

 

 

§13.6

No Assignment by Borrower or the Guarantors

108

 

 

 

§13.7

Mandatory Assignment

108

 

 

 

§13.8

Amendments to Loan Documents

109

 

 

 

§13.9

Titled Agents

109

 

 

 

§13.10

No Registration

109

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIV MISCELLANEOUS

109

 

 

 

§14.1

Notices

109

 

 

 

§14.2

Relationship

110

 

 

 

§14.3

Governing Law, Consent to Jurisdiction and Service

111

 

 

 

§14.4

Headings

111

 

 

 

§14.5

Counterparts

111

 

 

 

§14.6

Entire Agreement, Etc.

111

 

 

 

§14.7

Waiver of Jury Trial and Certain Damage Claims

112

 

 

 

§14.8

Dealings with the Borrower and the Guarantors

112

 

 

 

§14.9

Consents, Amendments, Waivers, Etc.

112

 

 

 

§14.10

Severability

113

 

 

 

§14.11

Time of the Essence

113

 

 

 

§14.12

No Unwritten Agreements

114

 

 

 

§14.13

Replacement Notes

114

 

 

 

§14.14

No Third Parties Benefited

114

 

 

 

§14.15

Expenses

114

 

 

 

§14.16

Indemnification

115

 

 

 

§14.17

Survival of Covenants, Etc.

116

 

 

 

§14.18

Confidentiality

116

 

 

 

§14.19

Patriot Act

117

 

vi



 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit A

FORM OF REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

 

Exhibit B

FORM OF SWING LOAN NOTE

 

 

Exhibit C

FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST

 

 

Exhibit D

FORM OF REQUEST FOR REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN

 

 

Exhibit E

FORM OF UNENCUMBERED POOL CERTIFICATE

 

 

Exhibit F

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

 

Exhibit G

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

 

 

Exhibit H-1

FORM OF STRATIFICATION REPORT

 

 

Exhibit I

FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT APPLICATION

 

 

Exhibit J

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

 

Schedule 1.1

LENDERS AND COMMITMENTS

 

 

Schedule 1.2

INITIAL UNENCUMBERED POOL ASSETS

 

 

Schedule 1.3

UNENCUMBERED POOL QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

 

 

Schedule 6.4

TITLE TO PROPERTIES

 

 

Schedule 6.6

NO MATERIAL CHANGES

 

 

Schedule 6.8

PENDING LITIGATION

 

 

Schedule 6.11(a)

TAX MATTERS

 

 

Schedule 6.11(b)

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS

 

 

Schedule 6.15

CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Schedule 6.19(a)

SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER

 

 

Schedule 6.19(b)

UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES BORROWER AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

Schedule 6.21

MATERIAL LOAN AGREEMENTS

 

 

Schedule 6.29

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES (QUALIFYING NOTE RECEIVABLES)

 

vii



 

Schedule 6.30

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES (UNENCUMBERED POOL PROPERTIES)

 

 

Schedule 6.31

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES (INTERCOMPANY LOANS)

 

 

Schedule 6.32

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES (HYBRID LEASES)

 

 

Schedule 9

EXAMPLE OF DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE AMOUNT CALCULATION

 

 

Schedule 10

FORM OF UNENCUMBERED POOL ASSET SCHEDULE

 

viii




Exhibit 21.1

 

Subsidiaries of STORE Capital Corporation

 

Subsidiary

 

Jurisdiction of Formation or
Incorporation

 

 

 

STORE Capital Advisors, LLC

 

Arizona

 

 

 

STORE Capital Acquisitions, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Investment Corporation

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding I, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding II, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding III, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding IV, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding V, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding VI, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Master Funding VII, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE Pittsburgh Holding, Inc.

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

 

STORE SPE Warehouse Funding, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE 1200 Lincoln, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Applebee’s 2013-1, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Ashley CA, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Auburn 2014-2, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Austin 2013-6, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Belle, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Byron 2013-3, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Cicero 2013-4, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Columbia, LLC

 

Delaware

 



 

STORE SPE Corinthian, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Kitchener Holding ULC

 

British Columbia, Canada

 

 

 

STORE SPE LA Fitness 2013-7, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Liberty Lake, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Live Oak 2013-5, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE O’Charleys, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Parker 2014-3, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Perth Amboy 2014-1, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Securities Holding, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Starplex, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE State College 2013-8, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE St. Augustine 2013-2, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Sunrise, LLC

 

Delaware

 

 

 

STORE SPE Visalia, LLC

 

Delaware

 




Exhibit 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated May 9, 2014, in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-11 No. 333-198486) and related Prospectus of STORE Capital Corporation for the registration of its common stock.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Phoenix, Arizona

September 23, 2014

 




Exhibit 99.1

 

Consent of Joseph M. Donovan to Be Named Director

 

Pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent to being named in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-198486), together with any and all amendments or supplements thereto, or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, of STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), as a person who has agreed to serve as a director of the Company beginning upon the completion of the offering and the inclusion of my biographical information in the Registration Statement.  I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

Dated: August 29, 2014

 

 

/s/ Joseph M. Donovan

 

Joseph M. Donovan

 

 


 



Exhibit 99.2

 

Consent of Quentin P. Smith, Jr. to Be Named Director

 

Pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), I hereby consent to being named in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-198486), together with any and all amendments or supplements thereto, or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, of STORE Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), as a person who has agreed to serve as a director of the Company beginning upon the completion of the offering and the inclusion of my biographical information in the Registration Statement.  I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

Dated: August 29, 2014

 

 

/s/ Quentin P. Smith, Jr.

 

Quentin P. Smith, Jr.